NAIHC Course Descriptions
Leadership Institute
Click on the link below to view Leadership Institute course descriptions.
Admissions & Occupancy I: Introduction to Admissions & Occupancy Program Management
Admissions & Occupancy II: Collections & Compliance
Financial Management II: Accounting Systems
Force Account Construction Management
Introduction to Indian Housing Management
Maintenance Program Management
Procurement & Contract Administration
Tuition Free Training
Click on the link below to view Tuition Free course descriptions.
Basic Accounting Practices for Tribal Housing Programs
Board of Commissioners Training
Combating Prescription Drug Abuse in Tribal Housing
Critical Components of Effective Governance for Housing Boards and Tribal Councils
Developing Tribal Housing with Green Building Techniques
Gangs and Drugs in Tribal Housing
Hands-On Maintenance for Tribal Housing
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Compliance Certification Training for Tribal Housing
Methamphetamine Awareness & Abatement for Tribal Housing Programs
Pathways Home: A Native Homeownership Guide
Property Management for Tribal Housing
Self-Monitoring for Tribal Housing Programs
Admissions & Occupancy I
Course Description
Under NAHASDA, tribal housing programs have the responsibility to develop eligibility, admission, and occupancy guidelines for their rental and homeownership programs. Tribal housing staff must develop fair and equitable policies and procedures. This course teaches effective methods for screening applicants, determining program eligibility, continuing occupancy management, and lease agreement compliance. Participants will discuss the benefits of maintaining high standards in their Admissions and Occupancy programs and how that effects the overall management of the housing program.
Participants are encouraged to bring calculators.
Objectives
- Learn how NAHASDA impacts admissions and occupancy programs.
- Develop and refine the application and admissions process for tenants and residents.
- Learn how to determine and apply eligibility criteria.
- Learn how to calculate house payments and rents.
- Understand the importance of verifying applicant information.
- Learn how to develop admissions, continued occupancy, collection, and grievance policies.
- Learn how eviction policies should be applied.
Who Should Attend?
Admissions and occupancy staff, new housing directors, housing management staff, or housing board members
Back to Course ListFinancial Management I
Course Description
This course covers administrative requirements and regulations that pertain to the Indian Housing Block Grant under NAHASDA. The course also covers the basics of developing an operating budget for an Indian housing organization. Participants will discuss the skills required to perform the responsibilities related to sound financial management. Participants will discuss methods for implementing the regulations with which Indian housing financial managers must comply.
Objectives
- Learn how NAHASDA regulations impact financial management of Indian housing
- Develop financial planning strategies for your housing organization.
- Work with a model operating budget that can be used to develop your own budget.
- Budget for projects under NAHASDA.
- Learn the role that 24 CFR Part 85, and OMB Circulars A-87 and A-133 play in the financial management of Indian housing organizations.
Who Should Attend?
Housing board members, housing directors, and staff
Back to Course ListForce Account Construction Management
Course Description
Tribes and Housing Authorities have many options when it comes to developing homes for their people. The force account method provides the opportunity to maintain direct control over construction activities and the employment of local workers by acting as a general contractor and performing construction jobs.
When properly administered, force account can be advantageous to the organization and provide substantial cost savings. However, force account can also be a risky venture and may pose problems if not properly managed. Participants will learn the pros and cons of managing their construction activities as well as general construction management practices.
Objectives
- Understand construction management.
- Learn how to effectively manage a workforce.
- Learn about the contracting and sub contracting processes.
- Develop contract administration skills.
- Learn to identify potential problems in the construction process.
- Understand applicable labor requirements.
- Learn how to develop a budget for a construction project.
- Learn procurement requirements.
Who Should Attend?
Housing directors, chief financial officers, housing board members, procurement staff, construction managers, inspectors, job superintendents.
Back to Course ListIntroduction to Indian Housing Management
Course Description
The Introduction to Indian Housing Management course is designed to provide participants with skills and knowledge necessary for managing tribal housing programs. Under NAHASDA, housing directors must manage their housing organizations based on locally developed needs and priorities and sound business practices. The course will focus on management principles, fiscal controls, operation and management of existing housing programs and monitoring the progress of the Indian Housing Plan.
Objectives
- Learn the history of Indian housing.
- Gain working knowledge of NAHASDA regulations.
- Understand housing management policies and procedures.
- Implement useful admissions and occupancy procedures.
- Learn how to plan for housing development projects.
- Understand daily maintenance operations and obligations.
- Discuss resident services programs and their purpose.
Who Should Attend?
New housing directors, assistant directors, department supervisors and other housing professionals, particularly those who work with or desire information about the operation and management of Indian housing programs.
Back to Course ListResident Services
Course Description
Establishing good relationships with residents and tenants is a part of good customer service. A positive community spirit translates into homes that are well maintained, saving money for both the resident and tribal housing program. This course will provide the participants with information and methods to deal with issues and concerns that arise when working with residents and tenants. Participants will be introduced to the basics of homebuyer education in order for them to effectively answer questions from potential homebuyers.
Objectives
- Define roles of the resident services program.
- Discuss counseling programs for residents and tenants.
- Develop and maintain good community relations.
- Learn about homebuyer programs.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your services to residents and tenants.
Who Should Attend?
Housing directors and all Indian housing professionals who work with resident services programs and/or resident organizations
Back to Course ListEnvironmental Compliance
Course Description
This course provides guidance to tribes and TDHEs in meeting the environmental compliance requirements under NAHASDA. The law requires that tribes and TDHEs follow the regulations of 24 CFR Part 58 or Part 50. These regulations are explained in detail. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)—as well as other related statutes, regulations, and executive orders—are also discussed. Participants will learn about the duties of the Responsible Entity, the Certifying Officer, the Tribe, and the TDHE. Procedures for requesting a release of funds maintaining environmental review records will also be covered.
Objectives
- Understand the requirements of NEPA and other applicable statutes, regulations, and executive orders.
- Understand the requirements of 24 CFR Part 58 and/or Part 50.
- Understand the role of the Responsible Entity and Certifying Officer.
- Learn the environmental review process.
- Learn the procedure for requesting a release of funds.
- Learn how to properly document and maintain environmental compliance files.
Who Should Attend?
Staff responsible for conducting, supervising, or procuring environmental compliance activities and services and others interested in understanding the compliance requirements
Back to Course ListDevelopment and Modernization
Course Description
Under section 202 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Determination Act (NAHASDA), two primary affordable housing activities for which Tribes/TDHEs may utilize Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding include the modernization of housing developed under contract with HUD prior to the passage of NAHASDA, and development of affordable housing which includes acquisition, new construction, reconstruction, or moderate or substantial rehabilitation of affordable housing. While NAHASDA offers increased flexibility in the ways in which tribes or TDHEs can use federal funds for affordable housing activities, tribes/TDHEs must exercise skill in planning and program design to develop affordable housing while ensuring compliance with the statutory and regulatory provisions of NAHASDA.
Building upon a review of the statutory and regulatory foundation for these eligible affordable housing activities, this course will introduce and apply a project management model to explain each step of the development and modernization process from funding to close-out, including such topics as self-monitoring requirements for development projects, procurement compliance, and construction management issues.
Objectives
- Learn how the transition from the 1937 Housing Act to NAHASDA impacted development and modernization programs.
- Discuss how your community can play an important role in planning for future development and modernization projects.
- Learn to develop short- and long-range plans and goals.
- Learn applicable procurement regulations.
- Explore alternative development techniques.
- Learn about selecting sites and project planning.
- Learn the importance of the Indian Housing Plan relative to the development and modernization planning process.
Who Should Attend?
Staff who are responsible for planning development and modernization projects, as well as housing directors, procurement staff, contract administrators, finance staff and housing board members.
Back to Course ListSupervisory Management
Course Description
Whether you manage the work performance of one or twenty employees, or whether you are a project team leader, a newly promoted supervisor, or a seasoned professional manager, developing and improving your skills as a ‘people’ manager may be the critical link to your success or failure in delivering quality housing services. During this four-day course, you will have the opportunity to reflect on and assess your individual strengths and weaknesses as a supervisor and you will leave with a personal action plan that helps you capitalize on your strengths and turn weaknesses into agents for growth, both personally and within your organization.
Objectives
- Clearly understand and articulate your role and responsibility as a supervisor or manager within your organization.
- Assess and analyze your communication skills and understand your management style.
- Understand keys to hiring and retaining top talent.
- Explore how to realign your approach to performance appraisals to make them more effective and relevant to your direct report.
- Learn the myths and truths about conflict including the positive role of constructive conflict.
- Understand the stages of conflict escalation and the communication skills needed to defuse them.
- Identify the characteristics of the difficult employee and explore techniques and methods for better managing their work performance.
- Understand what values must be applied and modeled by the supervisor in order to build teams that work effectively together and accomplish tasks.
- Understand causes for dissatisfaction in the workplace.
- Survey the principles and theories of motivation and develop your own model for how you will motivate your employees to excel in their work performance.
- Assess your leadership style and how you best influence and lead others.
Who Should Attend?
Any housing staff person who is charged with the supervision and/or performance management of one or more staff members, such as first line supervisors, program managers, and directors.
Back to Course ListAdmissions & Occupancy II: Collections & Compliance
Course Description
Good customer service includes timely billing, regular collection of debt, and consistent enforcement of housing program agreements and other standards. The provision of good customer service is essential to establishing and maintaining good working relationships with housing participants and successful implementation of housing programs. The largest element of customer service is management of collections and compliance issues. This course examines the relationship between the housing program and its customers, and how good customer service can be used as a tool to foster positive customer relationships. As a business entity and service provider, the housing program plays diverse roles in tribal communities, serving the neediest families as well as the more affluent. The collections and compliance issues faced by staff are diverse, and dealing with them requires analysis, creativity, and tact. The four-day course includes: a comprehensive case management model for collections; individual skill building information for communications and collections; a review of model policies and sample policies; and, a discussion of procedures and practices commonly used when dealing with collections compliance issues. Important accounting and reporting aspects of housing program charges and collections are also presented. A course workbook is provided with essential reference and guidance materials.
Objectives
- Understand what good customer service is
- Understand the political, legal and financial implications of collections and compliance.
- Understand what requirements should be included in housing programs and policies.
- Improve personal skills by participating in communication and collection exercises.
- Understand the importance and benefits of effective collections and compliance with policies and procedures.
Who Should Attend?
Resident services staff, executive directors, deputy directors, housing managers and other interested housing staff. Housing committee and housing board members are also encouraged to attend.
Procurement & Contract Administration
Course Description
Housing authorities, tribal housing departments and tribal governments are accountable for the proper procurement of goods and services with Indian Housing Block Grant funds. Because the awarding of contracts involves the use of funds collected from taxpayers, a higher standard is applied to the procurement process than is the case with private industry contracts. This course discusses the regulatory procurement requirements and methods for implementing them. Participants will discuss the basics of procurement and contract administration. As a participant in this course, you will learn the types of contracts used in new construction as well as useful information about modernization projects, insurance and bonding requirements, subcontractor relationships, contractor payrolls, inspections, change orders, disputes, and payments to contractors. This four-day course will bring you up-to-date on current procurement practices as they affect contract administration and procurement in the purchasing of materials or services for housing organizations.
Objectives
- Understanding the sealed bidding process
- Discuss individual or departmental procurement plans
- Develop a Statement of Work, cost estimate, request for contract, and evaluation criteria
- Determine appropriate contractor qualifications and administer contractor payroll
- Understand relationships with subcontractors
- Discuss preparation and evaluation of competitive proposals
- Discuss contract administration methods and requirements
Financial Management II: Accounting Systems
Course Description
The purpose of this training is to provide Indian Housing professionals with an orientation of accounting principles and systems applicable in a typical Housing Business, and to explain the role of each participant in this management function. Course participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of accounting and GAAP, as well as, the structure and management of a fund accounting system. Special time is offered for the more experienced professional that deals with entries related to specific accounting transactions ongoing in the Business.
Objectives
- Present a basic overview of accounting and the implementation of GAAP.
- Study financial transactions and accounting applications relevant to housing.
- Improve knowledge and capabilities of the participants in the performance of financial functions and accounting in the local business entity.
- Provide for a forum of technical assistance and group (peer) assistance.
Who Should Attend?
The course is open to all representatives of an Indian Housing organization, most especially those interested in financial management and accounting applications. The course content is designed to provide a general orientation to the relevant financial policies and processes and should not be threatening to those attending who simply want to understand the basics of financial transactions and accounting. More detail is blended into the course material for the accounting professionals in attendance to offer better preparation in maintaining the accounting system and producing financial statements and reports.
The agenda for the course is to follow a handbook written specifically for management of finances and accounting in this particular business field. The content is as follows:
- Intro to Financial Management Systems
- Internal Control in Financial Management
- Cash Flow Management
- The Basic Accounting System
- Journals & Ledgers
- Managing & Accounting for Grant Accounting Centers
- Managing & Accounting for Program Resources
- Managing & Accounting for Customer Program Operations
- Managing & Accounting for Cash, Bank & Investment Accounts
- Managing & Accounting for Physical Assets
- Managing & Accounting for Equity & Long-term Liabilities
- Managing& Accounting for Payroll & Compensated Absences
- Finalizing the General Ledger and Financial Statements & reports
Maintenance Program Management
Course Description
NAHASDA requires that existing housing units are maintained and that policies be in place providing for their continued maintenance. Tribal housing maintenance programs must balance operating within their current budgets while providing for the long-term maintenance and viability of the housing stock. This course will provide participants with ideas and methods to develop or improve the effectiveness of the housing maintenance operation. Preventive maintenance, routine, non-routine, and deferred maintenance will all be addressed, as well as the laws, regulations, leases, and other documents that effect maintenance is performed. Particular emphasis is placed upon providing good customer service.
Objectives
- Develop short- and long-term maintenance plans.
- Learn how to develop a maintenance budget.
- Learn how federal procurement requirements play an important role in the maintenance program.
- Understand the importance of an inventory system.
- Understand the importance of working with other tribal housing departments.
- Learn how to plan for preventive, routine, and non-routine maintenance.
- Understand the relationship between maintenance and modernization.
- Discuss communication issues.
- Understand work order systems.
Who Should Attend?
Maintenance managers, maintenance staff, housing directors, board members, occupancy staff and finance staff.
Back to Course ListBasic Accounting Practices for Tribal Housing Programs
Course Description
A two-day training course, Basic Accounting Practices for Tribal Housing Programs provides elementary accounting concepts with an emphasis on NAHASDA program requirements. Since administrative capability is a requirement for all tribes receiving Indian Housing Block Grants, it is important that personnel working in accounting have a thorough understanding of accounting fundamentals. This course will also help those unfamiliar with accounting gain a familiarity with accounting practices which also help them in performing their jobs.
Objectives
- Learn the purpose of accounting and its role in the tribal housing organization
- Gain an understanding of the fundamentals of accounting principles
- Learn and practice basic accounting transactions, including accounting accruals and adjustments
- Become familiar with recordkeeping and the accounting process
- Learn the importance of providing accounting information through financial reporting
Who Should Attend?
Persons working in accounting or finance, either for TDHE’s or tribes, both experienced personnel who would like a refresher and employees new to the accounting area. Non-accounting personnel who would also like to gain a better understanding of accounting practices are also encouraged to attend.
Back to Course ListBoard of Commissioners Training
Course Description
This is a two-day training course, designed for those who sit on housing boards/housing committees and/or tribal council members charged with overseeing their housing programs. Attendees will be provided with valuable information regarding the basics of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) as amended, as well as their roles and responsibilities under NAHASDA, short- and long-range planning, how to maximize revenues from non-HUD sources, how a tribal housing entity should operate, why policies are vital to success, parliamentary procedures and how to run a productive board meeting.
Objectives
- Understand BOC roles and responsibilities.
- More clearly understand the legal foundation for the tribal housing entity.
- Understand the major points of NAHASDA.
- Realize the importance of partnering with the Executive Director.
- Know the importance of operating as a policymaking board rather than a management board.
Who Should Attend?
The course has been developed for members of tribal housing boards/tribal department housing committees and tribal council members charged with overseeing the operations of their housing programs.
Back to Course ListCombating Prescription Drug Abuse in Tribal Housing
Course Description
This two-day training session will provide attendees with detailed information on how to recognize the signs of prescription drug abuse and diversion, the secondary impact it has on tribal housing programs and communities and finally how to implement effective abatement programs to combat this growing problem. This training session is interactive and includes videos, photographs and contemporary evidence-based strategies to respond proactively to the problem in tribal housing communities.
Objectives
- Prescription drug trafficking and local impact as witnessed in Tribal communities
- Identification of abuse effects, behavior and associated paraphernalia
- Prescription drug diversion such as forged and altered prescriptions, and theft and internet shopping
- Drug endangered environments
- Controlled Substance Abuse Act and Scheduling
- Community problem solving and evidence-based strategies
Who Should Attend?
Tribal housing staff, tribal housing board/committee members, tribal council members, tribal law enforcement, tribal service providers, housing crime prevention coalitions, and others involved or interested in combating prescription drug abuse in tribal housing.
Back to Course ListCritical Components of Effective Governance for Housing Boards and Tribal Councils
Course Description
Tribes/TDHEs have varied governance structures for the oversight of their housing programs based on the unique needs of the Tribe. When Tribal Councils, Board of Commissioners, and/or Housing Committee members are unclear about their distinct roles and responsibilities, they either become under-involved in governance, or attempt to micromanage operational activities. In this environment, leadership conflicts are sure to follow leading to poor, and often times, damaging results for the organization. Are there governance models, principles, or practices that will help tribes/TDHEs be more effective in their governance? Working in a mutually supportive environment of peers, this interactive training will lead participants to explore, discover, and identify critical components of effective governance.
Objectives
- Participants will develop a working definition of governance
- Describe 5 principles of effective governance
- Examine various governance models and evaluate the pros and cons of each.
- Discuss and assess the barriers to effective governance for Tribes/TDHEs
- Write a plan of action to implement effective governance practices and evaluate the plan to determine if steps are: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.
Who Should Attend?
Attendance is recommended for Tribal Council members, Board of Commissioners, Housing Committee members, Executive Directors, CEO’s, or other Housing Staff who are interested in improving the governance practices of the Tribe/TDHE.
Back to Course ListDeveloping Tribal Housing with Green Building Techniques
Course Description
This two-day course is designed to help tribes increase their capacity and knowledge base and better equip them to build sustainable energy efficient and affordable housing development projects in their communities. This course will also help clarify core "green" building elements and why they should be incorporated into every new affordable housing construction project in Native American Communities. By learning how to use "green" technology, your housing program will be able to meet the new "green" government standards that are becoming key to securing new home construction funds.
Objectives
- How to design sustainable energy efficient homes
- How to clarify what core "green" products are.
- How to clarify what core “green” products are available on the market
- How to incorporate “green” products into your housing design plans
- What the benefits of going “green” are
Who Should Attend?
Housing directors, maintenance supervisors, planners, and others interested in learning more about “green” building trends in the tribal housing industry.
Back to Course ListExecutive Directors Training
Course Description
Housing is often one of the largest and most complex programs administered by a tribe. The purpose of this course is to offer an overview and, where necessary, the details of specific NAHASDA program requirements that every housing professional should know. It also provides an explanation of services your staff should be providing and how to manage, oversee and evaluate those services. It is intended to provide housing professionals with materials and ideas to assist you in building a network with other housing professionals to improve your overall performance.
Objectives
- Historical Information
- Legal Basis
- Housing Delivery Options
- Admissions and Occupancy
- Planning and Administration
- Fiscal Management
- Housing Development
- Management and Supervision
Who Should Attend?
All TDHE and tribal housing program managers either new to the position or who would like a refresher on housing programs; also Council and BOC members who would like a better understanding of the responsibilities of their housing program managers.
Back to Course ListGangs and Drugs in Tribal Housing
Course Description
As methamphetamine and pharmaceutical drug abuse in tribal housing communities has increased significantly in recent years, so has the growing activity of Native gangs. This two-day program will cover the latest information on this problem and help you increase your awareness of the current gang and drug trafficking threat occurring in tribal housing communities. We will also discuss ways to create effective abatement and prevention strategies for your tribal housing and service programs.
Who Should Attend?
Tribal housing staff, tribal housing board/committee members, tribal council members, tribal law enforcement, tribal service providers, and others involved or interested in combating gang and drug problems in tribal housing.
Back to Course ListHands-On Maintenance for Tribal Housing
Course Description
Electrical - During this session, students will learn the basics of electricity (i.e., understanding wattage, voltage, and amperage) and then have the opportunity for some real hands on experience as we go over the basics of electrical repair and basic trouble shooting techniques.
Following demonstrations by the instructor, students will have the opportunity to replicate the techniques demonstrated by using tools of the trade, actual electrical wiring, and actual electrical parts. In so doing, students will gain a better understanding of the inter-workings of the various electrical parts, the distribution of electricity through those parts, how to use electrical test equipment during everyday maintenance activities, and of course safety issues related to working with electricity. More specifically, students will have the opportunity to learn how to replace a circuit breaker, replace outlets, switches, and light fixtures, install or replace GFCIs, and wire a 3-way switch.
Locks - The Locksmithing Workshop will teach maintenance personnel the techniques used in the re-pinning of tumbler locks. This procedure of re-pinning locks by your in house personnel can save your agency the high cost of having to bring in outside locksmith people. They will also learn why keys break off in locks and proper preventive maintenance for all types of locks. This is a hands-on workshop, so participants will have an opportunity to re-pin a lock a binder with handouts showing the re-pinning of lock procedures will be given out to each participant. Things to be covered include:
- Explanation of the various types of locks
- Removing cylinders from different types of locks
- Explanation of tools needed for re-keying
- Determining what pins are required for the key cuts
- Re-keying and re-pinning tumbler locks
- Shimming pin tumbler locks
- Extracting a broken key from a lock
Plumbing – During the plumbing portion of this workshop, maintenance personnel will learn the basic concepts of pluming, discover the proper methods to use when soldering copper tubing, discuss trouble shooting techniques for toilet problems, and learn techniques for the proper maintenance of water heaters. As with the previous sessions on electricity and locksmithing, maintenance personnel will have the opportunity to actually work with copper, PVC, and other pluming materials as they replicate what the instructor has demonstrated.
Who Should Attend?
Maintenance supervisors, managers, maintenance foreman, maintenance mechanics, maintenance staff, project mangers, and others interest in learning more about basic maintenance techniques and procedures.
Back to Course ListLow-Income Housing Tax Credit Compliance Certification Training for Tribal Housing
Course Description
This is an intensive three and a half-day training course designed to provide tribal housing professionals with an overview of the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and its interaction with tribal housing initiatives. The course provides both a general explanation of the program, as well as detailed procedures and requirements for continuing operational compliance. The class teaches the fundamentals of tax credit compliance from a global perspective and explains how compliance can be integrated into an existing property management regimen. Participants will also learn about tenant compliance requirements and the costs and penalties associated with non-compliance. How NAHASDA fits into the LIHTC program will also be discussed, and in particular admissions and occupancy requirements.
Objectives
- Obtain a basic understanding of the LIHTC program and its relationship to tribal housing initiatives
- Know critical dates and other factors associated with the development process
- Learn the compliance requirements and obligations associated with participation in the LIHTC program together with an understanding of the costs and penalties associated with non-compliance.
- Discuss ongoing tenant compliance requirements of the program and related issues
- Understanding of how NAHASDA factors into the admissions and compliance aspect of this program when funds from both programs are used
Who Should Attend?
Housing directors, housing managers, resident service staff and LIHTC compliance officers/managers.
Back to Course ListMethamphetamine Awareness & Abatement for Tribal Housing Programs
Course Description
The NAIHC Methamphetamine Awareness and Abatement Training Program is a progressive, two-day skill building session designed to merge Indian Housing professionals and service programs to address meth in Tribal housing communities. This class provides a foundation for understanding the signs of methamphetamine abuse, how to identify illicit paraphernalia, the effects of meth on the environment, procedures for staying safe and contacting law enforcement, and how to collaborate with law enforcement. Most importantly, you will learn about critical abatement skills and resources needed to effectively respond to methamphetamine use in tribal housing communities.
Topics include the 2009-2010 National Meth Crisis and Impact in Indian Country; Crash Course on Methamphetamine and Paraphernalia; Drug Contaminated Endangered Environments and Abatement; Crime and Drug Problem Solving Strategies; Drug Prevention Team Workshop (The Way Forward); Tribal Ordinances and Civil Resources; and new for 2011 – Gangs in Indian Country.
Who Should Attend?
Tribal housing staff, tribal housing board/committee members, tribal council members, tribal law enforcement, tribal service providers, and others involved or interested in combating meth abuse in tribal housing.
Back to Course ListPathways Home: A Native Homeownership Guide
Course Description
Participants will learn how to deliver a comprehensive homebuyer education program designed to help educate prospective Native Homebuyers how to become successful homeowners. The curriculum for this course was developed specifically for Native American communities.
Participants will also learn the most effective methods to help potential homebuyers determine what is best for them (i.e., to build a new home or to buy an existing one). You will also learn how teach potential homebuyers the best methods to employ when buying, building, or renovating a home on Indian land. How to secure a mortgage loan, improve personal budgets and credit profiles, maintain a home, and financial obligations after purchase will also be discussed.
Other areas covered in this curriculum include understanding the mortgage loan process, how to prepare a family budget, how to improve credit profiles, how to avoid the pitfalls of predatory lending and how to maintain a home and finances after purchase.
Those who successfully complete the requirements for this course will earn national certification as Homebuyer Education Instructors.
Instructors for this course specialize in homebuyer education and employ culturally relevant teaching techniques in the classroom.
Objectives
- Learn how NAHASDA impacts the use of private sector financing for purchasing homes in Indian Country
- Learn the various aspects of homeownership
- Learn about mortgage based homeownership
- Learn budgeting or homeownership and calculating affordability
- Learn how to evaluate credit for homeownership
- Learn how to correlate the credit report and credit score to homeownership potential
- Learn how to assist folks in finding a home and apply for a home loan
- Learn how to teach your folks how to meet their financial obligations
- Learn how to protect your investment (your home)
- Learn training techniques that can be used in your community
- Learn how to keep y our attendees involved and interest in seeking other resources
- Become familiar with basic terminology used in the lending/mortgage industry
Who Should Attend?
Occupancy/collections housing staff, resident services counselors, tribal council members, board of commissioners members, tribal housing committee members, and homebuyer educators.
Back to Course ListPolicy Development
Course Description
During this two-day workshop, attendees will be guided through a model approach to managing the policy development process. This workshop will also offer practice and feedback for continuation and development of solid writing skills. To promote effectiveness as a communicator via writing, attendees will be called upon to participate in various writing activities that require critical analysis of current policy problems and issues in Indian Housing. Attendees will engage in discussions, peer review sessions, and self-critique, all in order to promote better policy writing skills. The workshop also includes an overview of the specific policies, standards or statements required under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of (NAHASDA), as amended.
Objectives
- Explore and apply a conceptual approach to better manage the policy development process of their organization.
- Understand the policy requirements for sound management of Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) programs.
- Complete a self-assessment to determine if their organization is in compliance with required policies of NAHASDA.
- Improve their policy writing skills.
Who Should Attend?
Tribal housing staff, Tribal Council members, housing Commissioners, housing Committee Members, and others assigned responsibility for writing housing policies and/or managing the policy development process.
Back to Course ListProperty Management for Tribal Housing
Course Description
This two-day course is designed to encourage Indian Housing Professionals to utilize property management software to ensure efficient and effective management of Tribal Housing properties in compliance with NAHASDA.
Objectives
- Receive information on property management software options
- Learn how to choose the software that will meet their needs
- Understand the advantages of utilizing property management software to:
- Effectively manage waiting lists
- Document annual re-certifications and inspections
- Effectively manage accounts receivables
- Document move-ins & move-outs
- Track work-orders and unit expenses
- Ensure effective asset management
- Create & utilize property management reports
Who Should Attend?
Tribal housing staff, executive directors, property managers, resident services coordinators, admissions & occupancy specialists, project managers, maintenance manager’s, administrative assistants and other interested staff.
Back to Course ListSelf-Monitoring for Tribal Housing Programs
Course Description
The NAHASDA Self-Monitoring course is designed to assist Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) recipients in developing an effective program to monitor their activities and those of their sub-recipients. Not only is monitoring a requirement under the law, it demonstrates a recipient’s willingness to be accountable for their performance. Attendees will learn practical ways to conduct monitoring and complete an Annual Compliance Assessment that ensures compliance with NAHASDA statutory and regulatory requirements.
Objectives
- Learn what self-monitoring involves and who has responsibilities in the monitoring process
- Become familiar with all compliance requirements in the law and regulations
- Gain knowledge on how to assess each compliance area and hear tips and suggestions for monitoring
- Be introduced to ideas on how to conduct their annual compliance assessment
Who Should Attend?
The Self-Monitoring course is geared toward IHBG recipients. Attendees may include housing staff, housing directors or managers, Tribal Council, Housing Commissioners, Tribal Housing Committee members, and others involved or interested in the monitoring process.
Back to Course ListTribal Housing Inspections
Course Description
Maintaining the interior and exterior of any facility is an important component for facility maintenance management, and the first line of defense toward that maintenance is the inspection. A proper housing inspection gives the clearest overall picture of the true condition of a property, and it indicates what preventive maintenance and repairs are necessary.
Maintaining housing and avoiding costly repairs requires an investment in time and materials, along with a working knowledge of how to do proper, effective inspections. Participants will learn how to conduct a proper inspection, as well as how to recommend appropriate repairs.
Objectives
- Why inspections are necessary
- Where to identify deficiencies
- Home Safety
- How to Complete the Inspection Form
- Written Inspection Report to the Resident
- Scheduling Repairs for Items Found During the Inspection
- Move-In, Pre-Vacate, and Vacate Inspections
Who Should Attend?
Tribal housing inspectors, maintenance supervisors, and project managers
Back to Course List