WCHS Receives IHS Staff Quarters Grant to Support Employee Growth
August 5, 2026
Winnebago, NE – The Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) is pleased to announce that it has been selected to receive an Indian Health Service (IHS) Staff Quarters Grant to support the development of additional staff housing on the Winnebago Reservation.
The funding is part of the FY 2026 IHS Staff Quarters initiative, which provides resources to support healthcare organizations by addressing critical employee housing needs. The IHS Division of Facilities Planning and Construction received 22 proposed staff quarters projects from 6 IHS areas totaling more than $111 million in requested funding. After reviewing and ranking, 8 projects were selected nationwide to help address healthcare workforce housing needs.
WCHS was selected as one of the healthcare organizations to receive this investment, which will allow for the construction of a fourplex consisting of small, efficient one-bedroom, one-bathroom units designed to support healthcare recruitment and retention. The need for additional staff housing comes as healthcare services in Winnebago continue to grow due to health needs and chronic conditions. To meet this demand, WCHS has expanded its workforce from approximately 199 employees to 349 employees, helping the organization strengthen access to care.
This fourplex will be developed in partnership with the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and its economic development organization, Ho-Chunk, Inc., through BluStone Homes. The project will build upon existing residential development and infrastructure to create efficient, accessible housing for WCHS employees.
“Having staff housing available has been a valuable resource in our recruitment efforts,” said Melanie Tuamoheloa, Chief Nursing Officer. “This additional housing opportunity will help us attract healthcare professionals, expand our services, and continue providing quality care to our patients.”
This project reflects WCHS’s ongoing commitment to investing in resources, facilities, and employees needed to provide compassionate, comprehensive healthcare for generations to come. WCHS would like to thank the Indian Health Service and all partners involved who helped make this project possible.