Print
Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 03 November 2017 03 November 2017

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Ceremonial Signing of Native American Direct Loan MOU by Zia Pueblo and VA
Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Tribal Council Conference Room, Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico

On November 7, leaders of Zia Pueblo will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with VA so eligible Native American Veterans and their spouses have the opportunity to use their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan guaranty benefit on Federal trust land.


By statute, before VA may make a loan to a Native American Veteran desiring to build or renovate a home on tribal land, the Veteran’s tribal sovereign governing body must enter into a MOU with VA. Native American Veterans eligible for VA home loan benefits and whose sovereign governments have signed a MOU may then apply directly to VA for a 30-year fixed rate loan to purchase, build, or improve a home located on Federal trust land. They may also refinance a direct loan already made under this program to lower their interest rate. If the property is not located on Federal trust land, the Veteran can use the traditional VA-guaranteed Home Loan program. Call toll free 1-877-827-3702 or visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans for more information about the Native American Direct Home Loan Program (NADL). VA Regional Office representatives who work on the Native American Direct Home Loan Program will be present to answer questions.

Information for health and other benefits will be shared by the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Phoenix VA Regional Office, VA National Cemetery Administration. VA representatives from central office will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to education attendees about VA benefits and services for Veterans and their families.

The meeting is free and lunch will be provided. Contact the following with questions: Audrey Gachupin, manager, Pueblo of Zia Housing Services, at 505-867-3304, extension 217, or LoRae HoMana Pawiki, VA tribal government specialist, at Lorae.Pawiki@va.gov or (928) 776-5306.

###

Office of Tribal Government Relations
500 Highway 89 North
Prescott, Arizona 86313

Jessica Jacobsen, Department of Veterans Affairs
(214) 649-8380 (cell)
Jessica.Jacobsen@va.gov

LOCAL CONTACTS:
Audrey Gachupin, Manager, Pueblo Zia Housing Services
505-867-3304, ext 217
AGachupin@ZiaPueblo.org
LoRae HoMana Pawiki, Tribal Gov. Relations Specialist
(928) 776-5306 (office)
(928) 308-3615 (cell)
lorae.pawiki@va.gov