Redefining Indigenous Housing: Escaping the Hazards of Old FEMA Trailers with Hemp Homes

Native American communities have faced numerous challenges throughout history, with housing being a significant concern. In some instances, these communities have resided in old Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers as a temporary housing solution. However, these trailers can pose serious health and safety risks for occupants. This article will explore the specific dangers associated with living in old FEMA trailers and their impact on Native American communities.

Exposure to Formaldehyde:

One of the primary dangers associated with old FEMA trailers is exposure to high levels of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a chemical used in the manufacturing process of building materials, including those used in the construction of trailers. Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and may even be carcinogenic. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found excessive levels of formaldehyde in some FEMA trailers, causing serious health concerns for residents.

Poor Indoor Air Quality:

Aside from formaldehyde, old FEMA trailers can have poor indoor air quality due to inadequate ventilation, mold, and mildew. Mold and mildew can exacerbate allergies and asthma, while poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of harmful pollutants in the air. Native American communities living in these conditions may suffer from chronic respiratory issues and other health problems.

Structural Deterioration:

As FEMA trailers age, they can experience structural issues such as water damage, leaks, and weakened support structures. These problems can result in unsafe living conditions for residents and may even lead to accidents or injuries if left unaddressed. For Native American communities with limited resources, repairing or replacing these trailers may not be feasible, further endangering their well-being.

Limited Access to Utilities and Services:

Old FEMA trailers often lack access to essential utilities like clean water, electricity, and sanitation systems. This lack of infrastructure can lead to unsanitary living conditions and increased risk of illness. Furthermore, many Native American communities residing in these trailers may be located in remote areas, limiting their access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

Inadequate Space and Overcrowding:

FEMA trailers are not designed to be long-term housing solutions, and their limited space can lead to overcrowding. This issue can contribute to increased stress levels and the spread of infectious diseases. Native American communities facing overcrowding in FEMA trailers may struggle to maintain their physical and mental health.

Addressing the housing crisis in Native American communities requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration with tribal leaders, community members, and government agencies. It is crucial to engage with local communities to understand their specific needs and priorities, and to develop solutions that are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the unique contexts of each tribe. Building trust and fostering relationships with tribal communities is key to ensuring that efforts to improve housing conditions are successful and sustainable.

The use of hemp-based building materials offers a promising solution to the long-standing housing challenges facing Native American communities. By tapping into the centuries-old tradition of hemp cultivation and use among indigenous peoples, we can provide a sustainable and cost-effective approach to addressing housing needs.

One of the key benefits of using industrial hemp as a building material is its durability and environmental friendliness. Hempcrete bricks, made from the woody core of the hemp plant, provide excellent insulation and can sequester carbon, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By growing and processing the hemp on tribal lands, communities can reduce transportation emissions and costs, and potentially benefit from carbon credits.

The longevity of hemp-based homes also offers long-term solutions to the housing crisis. These homes can be passed down within families, providing a sense of stability and inheritance that has often been lacking in Native American communities due to historical displacement and land loss. Innovations such as carbonized hemp and the use of forest fire wood as a replacement for cement can further enhance the sustainability and environmental impact of these homes.

Incorporating renewable energy solutions like solar power and rainwater capture systems can complement the use of hemp-based building materials, helping indigenous communities to modernize in a way that is environmentally conscious. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting water conservation, these communities can work towards greater self-sufficiency and resilience.

Outreach efforts are also important in order to raise awareness about the challenges facing Native American communities and to garner support for initiatives aimed at addressing the housing crisis. By engaging with the broader public, advocacy groups, and media, we can shine a light on the issues facing these communities and mobilize resources to bring about change. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement events can help to foster a sense of solidarity and build momentum for action.

Federal and state funding is also essential in order to provide the necessary resources to tackle the housing crisis in Native American communities. While some tribes have the capacity to fund housing initiatives on their own, many others rely on external sources of funding to address their housing needs. Government agencies can play a critical role by allocating funds specifically for housing projects in tribal communities and by providing grants and low-interest loans to support the construction and renovation of homes.

Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) - This program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides housing assistance to Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages.

Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) - Also administered by HUD, this program provides funding for community development projects, including housing assistance, in Native American and Alaska Native communities.

Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program - This program, also managed by HUD, provides home loans to Native American and Alaska Native families, tribes, and Alaska Village residents. The program aims to increase access to affordable housing in these communities.

Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) - This program is a collaboration between HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide rental assistance and supportive services to Native American veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. More information can be found on the HUD website (https://www.hud.gov/) and the VA website (https://www.va.gov/).

In addition to funding, policy changes at the federal and state level can also help to address the housing crisis in Native American communities. For example, revisiting regulations around lending practices on tribal lands could help to remove barriers to accessing credit for housing construction and renovation. Streamlining the process for tribes to access federal housing assistance programs could also make it easier for communities to secure the resources they need to improve living conditions.

Collaboration between tribes, government agencies, and non-profit organizations is also crucial in order to effectively address the housing crisis. By working together, these groups can leverage their respective strengths and resources to develop and implement innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of each community. Partnerships can also help to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building, enabling tribes to learn from each other's experiences and best practices.

Investment in infrastructure is another key aspect of addressing the housing crisis in Native American communities. In many cases, substandard housing conditions are exacerbated by a lack of basic infrastructure such as running water, electricity, and adequate sanitation facilities. By investing in infrastructure improvements, we can help to ensure that homes in tribal communities are safe, healthy, and sustainable.

Addressing the housing crisis in Native American communities requires a holistic approach that takes into account the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to the problem. By working collaboratively with tribal communities and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, we can develop solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each tribe. As Mellor Willie, a Navajo and former executive director of the National American Indian Housing Council, said, "There’s so much unmet housing need in Indian country, any assistance with housing is always appreciated."

The successful implementation of hemp-based housing solutions requires collaboration with Native American communities to ensure that these initiatives align with the needs and priorities of each tribe. Outreach and education efforts can help to raise awareness about the benefits of hemp as a building material, and provide training and technical support to build capacity within communities.

Government agencies at the federal and state level can play a critical role in supporting these initiatives by providing funding and creating supportive policies. Grants, low-interest loans, and other financial incentives can help to make hemp-based housing solutions more accessible and affordable. By removing regulatory barriers and streamlining the process for cultivating and processing industrial hemp on tribal lands, we can create a conducive environment for the growth and adoption of these solutions.

By investing in sustainable housing solutions for Native American Tribes, we have the opportunity to right historical wrongs and empower these communities to lead the way in building a greener, more equitable future. The use of hemp-based building materials, coupled with renewable energy solutions, can help to address the unmet housing needs in Indian country and pave the way for a sustainable future. It's time for us to support and collaborate with Native American communities as they forge a path towards a more sustainable and just world.

Clayton Turner is an Adjunct Professor of Distilling at SPSCC and qualified for the 100 Million dollar XPrize with a pyrolysis carbon tracking solution.?He has made it his passion to work toward assisting the Native American Indigenous community in any way he can.