We’re Hiring!

We are currently seeking to fill a Program Director position.

After working as an informal coalition for the past seven years, we are now working towards becoming an independent, stand-alone organization. We have created a new staff position to support and manage this transition.

This role is for you if you…

  • Are committed to increasing homeownership opportunities for Native families in SD;
  • Would like to support our Coalition’s transition from an informal coalition to an independent, stand-alone organization;
  • Are a self-starter, who thrives working on your own;
  • Are a bridge-builder, who can support connections between member organizations;
  • Are comfortable working remotely;
  • Have strong writing and communication skills;
  • Have experience in affordable homeownership or community development; and
  • Have a track record of moving ideas into action.

Download Full Job Description

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume by April 16, 2021 to:

Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director
Lakota Funds
PO Box 340
Kyle, SD  57752

Email: tbrunsch@lakotafunds.org

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Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) Hosts Listening Session on VA Native American Direct Home Loan Reform

Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition held a listening session recently as part of the Senator’s efforts to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program. In addition to participation from Senator Rounds, his staff, and Coalition members, the listening session featured testimonies about the NADL home loan process from several Native American veterans.

During the session, Senator Rounds told participants, “We need to fix the NADL program so it actually benefits our Native Americans in South Dakota.”

“Native veterans shouldn’t have to go to battle to get an NADL mortgage,” said Geri Opsal, Co-Chair of the Coalition’s Veteran’s Homeownership Committee and Tribal Veterans Service Officer for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. “They should have the same access to their VA benefit as any other veteran applying for a VA guarantee loan off the reservation.”

“We really appreciate Senators Rounds’ leadership on this issue,” said Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director of Lakota Funds. “During our discussions, you could tell he really understood how important it is for Native veterans to have ‘boots on the ground’ to help them through the mortgage lending process.”

With an average of only 20 NADL applications being approved nationwide each year, Senator Rounds has engaged the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to explore solutions that would provide Native American veterans with meaningful access to the benefits they have earned. Those efforts included a request to the Government Accountability Office to conduct a thorough review of the NADL program, which will be a crucial step toward systemic change.

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