FARGO (AP) - An expanded federal program is offering options for American Indians, housing officials say.

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development joined Fargo's Native American Commission in a forum Thursday at City Hall to teach lenders and real estate agents about the loan program and to identify barriers that American Indians and other minorities may face in getting home mortgages.

"Sometimes it's like we're talking past each other instead of talking to each other, and we're trying to understand that," said Evelyn Meininger, HUD's regional fair housing director.

Sharon White Bear recalled the humiliation of being denied a home loan because her credit score was too low when she moved to Fargo.

"They said, 'Well, because of this number, you know, we wouldn't be able to help you,' and basically we were done," said White Bear, a surgical technician and Arikara tribal member from the Fort Berthold Reservation.

"So I got up and I left feeling pretty low that day," she said, breaking into tears.

Seven years later, White Bear is still living in the same two-bedroom apartment, but now another loan option is available for her and other American Indians living off reservations.

The Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program, also known as Section 184, offers a low down payment, no mortgage insurance requirement and flexible underwriting. HUD guarantees the loan in case the borrower defaults.

Jaclynn Davis Wallette, a Belcourt native and enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, recalled that when she and her husband moved to Fargo eight years ago, they decided not to fill out an optional section of their mortgage application.

"I just remember how difficult it was to not put that check mark beside 'Native American' on the application, because it's really who we are," said Wallette, who serves with White Bear on Fargo's Native American Commission.

Congress created the Indian Home Loan program in 1992. It had been available only to American Indians living on reservations, but it was expanded a year ago in North Dakota to those living off reservations.

"It is a very good deal from an investor's standpoint," said Dave Flohr, the single family programs director with the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency.

The state has worked with three lenders on the program, primarily in western North Dakota, originating about 20 loans in six counties at an average amount of $72,000, Flohr said.

Jane Cody, a mortgage loan officer with Cornerstone Bank in Fargo, said she attended Thursday's forum to get training on Section 184 lending so the bank can start offering it.

"I wasn't aware of the fact that this program was available, and I've been in the business a long time," she said.

Sam Robertson, chairman of the Native American Commission, said a follow-up forum will be held a year from now to gauge progress toward Indian home ownership.