The American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono says his administration is working to secure extra funding to help more American Samoan families build their own homes.
The governor says about 31 percent of loan applicants are turned down because of low income or debt levels.
He says this is too high a percentage for a community looking to improve people's lives.
Togiola has directed the Department of Commerce and the government owned Development Bank of American Samoa to set up a program to ensure more people get access to the housing loans.
The two agencies have also been directed to seek funding from the US House and Urban Development agency.
The Governor says the goal is to make sure every member of the community can apply for such loans.
