[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 25, Volume 1] [Revised as of April 1, 2001] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 25CFR256.3] [Page 708] TITLE 25--INDIANS CHAPTER I--BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PART 256--HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM--Table of Contents Sec. 256.3 Policy. (a) The Bureau of Indian Affairs housing policy is that every American family should have the opportunity for a decent home and suitable living environment. The Housing Improvement Program will serve the neediest of the needy Indian families who have no other resource for standard housing. (b) Every Indian who meets the basic eligibility criteria defined in Sec. 256.6 is entitled to participate in the program. Participation is based on priority of need, regardless of tribal affiliation. (c) Tribal participation in and direct administration of the Housing Improvement Program is encouraged to the maximum extent possible. Tribal involvement is necessary to ensure that the services provided under the program are responsive to the needs of the tribes and the program participants. (d) Partnerships with complementary improvement programs are encouraged to increase basic benefits derived from the Housing Improvement Program fund. An example is the agreement with Indian Health Services to provide water and sanitation facilities for Housing Improvement Program houses.