The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding more than $655 million in Indian Housing Block Grants to tribes in 38 states, including the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which will receive $75,594 to further its affordable housing goals, department officials announced Tuesday.

Indian Housing Block Grants primarily benefit low-income Native American and Alaska Native families. The amount of each grant is based on a formula that considers local needs and the number of housing units under management by the tribe. Eligible activities include housing development, operation and modernization of existing housing, housing management services, crime prevention and safety activities, and model activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing problems in Indian Country.

A total of more than $6 million in grants was awarded to nine New England tribes, including two in Massachusetts, five in Maine and the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Charlestown, R.I., which will receive $392,507.