Shifting the Landscape Through Homeownership - Down Payment Assistance Program Provides over $500,000 to Help Native Families Achieve their Dream of Owning a Home
For over a decade, the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition (SDNHOC) has fought to combat the systemic barriers and inequities preventing Indigenous people and communities from achieving the economic security of homeownership. The Down Payment Assistance Program is a vital part of the Coalition’s mission–providing individuals and families with the resources for taking the final step in purchasing a home.
Since its launch in 2023, the Down Payment Assistance Program has distributed $500,000 to nearly 50 Native families in South Dakota’s tribal communities to support their dream of building equity in their own home.
“With all the challenges facing Native people and families in buying a home–including the challenges of securing traditional financing on trust land and the shortages of homes due to a lack of investment in our communities–being able to cover down payment costs shouldn’t be one of them,” said Kimberly Long Soldier, the Homeownership Program Manager at SNDHOC
“The Down Payment Assistance Program was created to close the affordability gap for Native families in South Dakota who are seeking to achieve homeownership, both on and off reservation. We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to help so many families take this important and life changing step. And we’re committed to growing this program in the years to come–because we know it will support the long term economic wellbeing of our communities.”
To support homeownership, SDNHOC partners closely with its member Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across the state–which then work directly with individuals and families in their journey to buying a home. Through that work, the Coalition’s team recognized that, even for families who were well qualified to get a mortgage, gathering the assets to cover down payment costs presented a significant barrier. They presented their case to a group of key foundations–including the Wells Fargo Foundation, Partners for Rural Transformation, and the Northwest Area Foundation–and launched the DPA Program to foster pathways to sustainable homeownership.
Since the program’s launch, the Coalition’s team, led by Kimberly, have worked tirelessly to get down payment funds to Native families taking steps toward homeownership. While typically applicants need to apply at least two weeks before their closing date, the team has repeatedly gone the extra mile to support those with urgent needs who just learned about the program and only have a few days to spare. And beyond just distributing funds, Kim works to connect personally with program participants–from walking them through the application process to celebrating their accomplishment once their closing is complete.
We purchased our home this past Fall with financing support from Four Bands and Lakota Funds, both member organizations of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition. The funds we received from the downpayment assistance program reduced our loan principal, making it more affordable for our family. In addition, the purchase of our new home enabled our family to move back to the community where we have generational roots. We are grateful for this opportunity and would like to express our deepest gratitude.
–Ethan, Heidi, Jax, and Jayna Cuny
The DPA Program has represented a major milestone in the Coalition’s work to drive Native homeownership forward. In 2024 alone, the program:
- Supported $8.9 million in loans, with a total purchase price of $7.8 million
- Brought homeownership within reach for nearly 50 families long excluded from the market
- Increased homeownership for Native families in diverse tribal nations–including on the Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, Rosebud and Standing Rock Reservations–as well as for families living in non-reservation urban and rural areas.
The data reveals the program’s impact. Yet it’s the stories of individual families that have achieved their dream of homeownership that remain in the minds of the Coalition’s team. Kimberly worked closely with an elder, a grandmother, who cares full-time for her grandson and wanted to purchase a home. She shared with Kimberly how happy she was that her grandson gets to have his own room and a place to truly call home.
“The SDNHOC DPA Program is a key driver in the state for eliminating roadblocks for Native Americans on the path to homeownership. It complements our asset-building programs and increases our clients liquid assets which in turn increases their resilience. With the DPA program, we are one step closer to closing the racial income gap.”
–Lakota Vogel, Four Bands Community Fund, CDFI
Big thanks to our sponsor for supporting the path to native homeownership!
Policy Committee Visits Washington, DC to Meet South Dakota Delegation
Coalition’s Policy Committee Travels to Washinton, DC to Meet with South Dakota Congressional Delegation.
Members of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition’s Policy Committee traveled to Washington, DC on February 3-7, 2025 to join the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) Legislative Conference. Eric Shepherd, executive director of Sisseton Wahpeton Housing Authority, and Joe Shields, executive director of Crow Creek Housing Authority, also attended meetings with the South Dakota Congressional delegation to share housing and homeownership priorities for their communities. Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Chairman Peter Lengkeek and Crow Creek Housing Authority board member Brenda Sauze accompanied the group. Chairman Lengkeek was invited to deliver the opening prayer at the NAIHC meeting.
The group attended meetings with the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Bryan Mercier to discuss the need for streamlining the residential leasing and mortgage approval processes. Coalition members Juel Burnette from 1st Tribal Lending, April Anderson from Four Bands Community Fund, and Sharon Vogel, executive director of Cheyenne River Housing Authority, participated in the meeting remotely.
Other highlights included a meeting with staff from Senator John Thune’s office, where the group learned that Senator Thune will be reintroducing the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, which will help to modernize BIA’s leasing and mortgage processes. They also met with Representative Dusty Johnson, who assured the group that he was educating his House colleagues about Tribal sovereignty, trust responsibility, and treaty obligations to help them to understand that Tribal nations should not be subject to DEI Executive Orders that were announced by President Trump.
They also met with Senator Mike Rounds to thank him for his support of the Native American Direct Loan Reform Act, which was enacted last December. In addition, they discussed the Senator’s plans to continue to work on rural housing reform legislation that would include authorizing language for the USDA 502 Native CDFI relending program. The group also recommended that any tax legislation that Congress considers during the budget reconciliation process should include provisions to stimulate economic development through better access to tax credits in Indian Country including New Markets Tax Credits, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and the ability for tribal governments to issue tax exempt bonds.
Finally, the group participated in a briefing for staff members from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs about Native homeownership issues. The Coalition’s policy committee, which is chaired by Sharon Vogel and JC Crawford, will continue to monitor Executive Branch actions from the Trump Administration and legislative activities to keep Coalition members informed about any policies that may impact their work.
We're Looking for an Executive Director to Lead Our Growth!
We are seeking qualified candidates for Executive Director.
After nearly a decade of operating as an informal coalition, we are proud to announce our transition into an independent 501(c)(3) organization. As we continue to expand the Coalition’s reach and impact, we are looking for an exceptional Executive Director to guide our growth and lead our mission. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing homeownership opportunities for Native communities in South Dakota, fostering strong, vibrant, and healthy neighborhoods. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader with a proven track record in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational management to steer the Coalition into its next phase of success.
Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Benefits will be provided, including health care, dental care, vision, and retirement.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director
Lakota Funds
P.O. Box 340
Kyle, SD 57752
Email: tbrunsch@lakotafunds.org
Lakota Funds recognizes Native preference in hiring.
Coalition Launches Native American Veterans Homeownership Needs Assessment
We are excited to announce that the Coalition has partnered with Big Water Consulting and NeighborWorks to launch a statewide study to better understand the current housing conditions and needs of Native American veterans living on South Dakota’s nine Indian reservations.
“The findings of this study will support the Coalition as we continue to increase access to homeownership resources for Native American veterans. It will also paint an accurate picture in our national policy discussions, ensuring federal programming aligns with the true needs of Native veterans,” says Cheryce Not Afraid, Director of the Coalition.
The first wave of the study begins today with surveys on the Cheyenne River, Crow Creek, Pine Ridge, and Rosebud Reservations. Second and third waves will begin in December and next spring, respectively, and will cover the remaining reservations throughout the state. The survey will capture general demographic information as well as more specific information regarding the respondent’s current housing situation, housing preferences, and housing challenges.
“We are putting out a call to all Cheyenne River, Crow Creek, Oglala, and Rosebud veterans to get in touch with us and answer the survey now. We’re also asking Flandreau, Lower Brule, Sisseton, Standing Rock, and Yankton vets to remain on stand-by, as their information will be critical in the coming months,” says Kimberly Long Soldier, the Coalition’s Homeownership Program Manager.
An online version of the survey can be accessed here. Veterans who wish to complete a paper survey can get in touch with a representative from their area.
Cheyenne River
Robert Dunsmore
(605) 200-9012
Michelle Running Wolf
(605) 964-4265
Crow Creek
Kay Koster
(605) 245-2059
Joe Shields
(605) 245-2250
Pine Ridge
Kimberly Long Soldier
(605) 455-2500
Rosebud
Monica Hunger Moran
(605) 747-2203
Orlando Morrison
(605) 747-2593
Coalition Programs Expand Career Opportunities
Five years ago, David Spider (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate) attended one of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition’s first inspector certification trainings. During this training he was introduced to the International Code Council building requirements. After completing a couple more trainings, he successfully passed the 60-question test within the allotted three-hour time limit and became a certified residential building inspector. An employee of the Sisseton Wahpeton Housing Authority, David’s certification immediately and directly benefited his tribal community.
“Since then, I have been able to inspect new housing projects, and we’ve had 57 homes completed over the last five years,” says David.
By having a local certified inspector, construction projects are able to be completed at a faster pace and with the assurance that the structures are safe and durable. A certified inspection is a requirement put in place by many lenders that finance the construction or purchase of residential homes. David says a lot of the inspections he does are for HUD 184 construction loans. He also does inspections for existing homes purchased by tribal members or any homes purchased with the new Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Down Payment Assistance Program.
In addition, David’s certification has opened more funding opportunities for his tribe’s housing projects. Having that additional qualification on their team makes their grant proposals more competitive.
“We are able to get almost perfect scores in the administrative category on our HUD grants due to the capacity of our team,” says David.
While the inspector certification exam is certainly challenging, David believes his engineering background and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering helped a lot. Because it is an open book test, the key is being able to flip through the book quickly. A solid understanding of the basic concepts and the ability to find topics through the table of contents and index is also a must.
David’s next career enhancing endeavor is becoming a certified general appraiser. Also part of the Coalition’s programming, the appraiser initiative aims to increase the number of appraisers that serve tribal communities throughout the state. So far, David has completed a beginning class and is planning to take several more. Once the class level is complete, he will apprentice with a certified appraiser for 1,800 hours. During that time, he will learn more and more about the job until he is ready to do it on his own. Eventually, he will achieve his own certification.
“I’ll gradually work up to becoming independent within three to five years,” says David.
Coalition Receives $1.7 Million Grant, Kicks Off New Statewide Down Payment Assistance Program
During the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition’s first-ever Annual Membership Meeting, the Wells Fargo Foundation announced a $1.7 million grant award from its Invest Native initiative to support the Coalition’s continued growth and development, including creating a new housing development subsidiary to support tribal communities in their efforts to increase the number of safe and affordable homes.
“As the Bank of Doing, our goal is to work alongside Native communities and continue a dialogue around how we can best support local leaders and their work,” stated Otis Rolley, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation. “The collaborative approach of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition is highly effective in creating more access to resources and empowering more Native homeowners.”
This grant is part of Invest Native, a $20 million philanthropic initiative by Wells Fargo to strengthen housing access and affordability, small business growth and sustainability in Native communities across six states.
“We are grateful to Wells Fargo for investing in statewide coalitions like ours that bring together partners who develop innovative strategies to help Native families overcome the barriers associated with homeownership in Indian Country,” said Cheryce Not Afraid, Director of the Coalition.
At today’s meeting, the Coalition also announced its new down payment assistance program designed to increase home affordability for South Dakota’s Native American families and close the state’s racial homeownership gap, which currently lies at 35.7%. The program, which was supported by previously awarded funding from Wells Fargo and the Northwest Area Foundation, will infuse $500,000 of down payment funds into South Dakota’s Native communities, resulting in at least 50 new Native homeowners.
Also of significance during the Coalition’s Annual Membership Meeting, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) provided an update on several pieces of federal legislation he is advancing to support increased rates of Native American homeownership, including efforts to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Native American Direct Loan, to expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture 502 home loan relending demonstration, and to streamline the Bureau of Indian Affairs mortgage approval process.
“The Coalition has achieved some critical milestones today,” said Sharon Vogel, Coalition Chairwoman and Executive Director of the Cheyenne River Housing Authority. “Throughout our ten-year history, we’ve strived to make it easier to achieve homeownership. Since 2016, Coalition members have supported 253 Native families to become homeowners. As we expand our programming and continue to remove federal policy impediments, that number will only get higher.”
Introducing Tanisha!
Let’s welcome Tanisha Swanson to the Coalition’s team! Tanisha joined our staff as Program Coordinator in July.
In her position as Program Coordinator, Tanisha will be helping to manage the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Social and Economic Development grant project, which is designed to transition the Coalition into an independent non-profit organization. Since coming on board, she has been providing administrative support to our Board of Directors and working committees, as well as helping with the logistics of our upcoming Annual Membership Meeting & Planning Day. Tanisha will also be responsible for coordinating the Coalition’s impact tracking and data reporting efforts.
Prior to joining the our team, Tanisha was an Occupancy Specialist at Crow Creek Housing Authority. She was a Gates Millennium Scholar and studied psychology at South Dakota State University and Sinte Gleska. Tanisha has four children and currently lives in Sisseton.
“It’s exciting to be a part of the Coalition in this stage of its development when there is so much innovation happening. I’m looking forward to contributing to the organization’s growth and increased homeownership for Native families,” says Tanisha.
Coalition Member Recognized on National Stage
Stephanie Provost received the Industry Achiever Award from Oweesta Corporation.
On Wednesday, June 28th, during their 2023 Native CDFI Capital Access Convening’s Native Awards Night, Oweesta Corporation recognized two individuals at the Native CDFI staff level for their outstanding commitment to service in Native CDFI industry. One of the awardees was Stephanie Provost of Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial, a long-time Coalition member.
Oweesta awarded the Industry Achiever Award to Stephanie because she exemplifies excellence in the Native CDFI industry, excells at her position within Mazaska, and helps the organization meet their mission. As Loan Officer of Mazaska, Stephane plays a crucial role in creating affordable housing opportunities. Her dedication and passion have allowed Mazaska to provide over $4.8M in housing loans to 43 borrowers in just six years.
The Coalition would like to congratulate Stephanie, not only for her commitment to Mazaska, but also for all the contributions she makes within the Native homeownership field. She has helped innovate lending models to make the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) more accessible and has been an integral part of the USDA 502 Relending Demonstration Program. Stephanie recently went to the Hill to advocate for policies that promote Native homeownership, and recently became a homeowner herself. This award acknowledges Stephanie’s passion and hard work for the industry and people she has helped to make homeownership a reality.
Welcome Kimberly!
Kimberly Long Soldier joined the Coalition’s staff as our Homeownership Program Manager in May. We are glad she is on board!
Growing up in Kyle, South Dakota, Kimberly joined the military at 17 years old. During her time in the Army, she was stationed at various locations throughout the globe and served as a Military Policeman. Kimberly holds an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, and has several years of experience in case management and directing nonprofit programs with a focus on homelessness, job connection services, and veterans.
In her position as Homeownership Program Manager, Kimberly is managing the Wells Fargo Wealth Opportunities Restored Through Homeownership (WORTH) grant, which was awarded in partnership with cdcb, Fahe, Communities Unlimited, HOPE, RCAC, and Oweesta, collectively known as Partners for Rural Transformation. The grant project will create 5,000 new BIPOC homeowners over the next four years, and 400 of them will be located in South Dakota. Since she has come on board, Kimberly has been focusing heavily on developing the Coalition’s new down payment assistance program, which will be launching soon. The program will work with Coalition member organizations to deploy up to $10,000 in down payment funds to tribal members who are purchasing homes, making homeownership more affordable for Native American families.
“I’m really looking forward to helping people. I know how hard it can be to purchase a home because of the land issues, jobs, and housing availability. But, the Coalition is helping people overcome those barriers, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to see that,” says Kimberly.
Introducing Our Workforce Development Team!
Samantha McGrath and Justin Williams have joined the Coalition’s growing team and will be focusing on our workforce development program. Let’s give them a warm welcome!
Last year, the Coalition was awarded a $5 million grant by the U.S. Economic Development Administration for a project that will support the creation of 100 jobs over a three-year period. The project builds on our capacity-building work in the residential construction industry, specifically through our construction internship program, contractor trainings, appraiser and inspector certifications, and partnerships with colleges and universities.
As the Workforce Development Program Manager, Samantha is helping with program design, overseeing grant activities, and building relationships within the residential construction field. She comes to the Coalition from Elevate Rapid City where she facilitated the workforce development program for three years. She has extensive experience in apprenticeship and labor programming, as well as the federal grants system. Samantha holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
She is glad to be a part of the Coalition’s mission to create homeownership opportunities and says, “To deploy such a holistic approach, with wrap-around services, to the complex issue of homeownership on reservations in South Dakota is something that has never been done before, it’s a very exciting program to be a part of.”
In his role as Workforce Development Training Coordinator, Justin is actively coordinating training events, supporting the delivery of wrap-around services, and coordinating data tracking efforts. In addition, he is responsible for recruiting individuals for the construction internship program, contractors for contractors’ capacity building trainings, as well as individuals for inspector trainings. Prior to this role, he was the Assistant Registrar in the Administration Office at Oglala Lakota College. Justin grew up in Oglala, South Dakota, and received his degree in Information Technology from Oglala Lakota College in 2021.
He says, “The Coalition is doing some great things for the reservations in South Dakota, and being part of it is an award in itself. I’ve always liked helping people, and the Coalition is making that happen by giving individuals great opportunities ranging from the construction internship to homeownership.”