About

The Native Veterans Homeownership Committee works to increase access to homeownership resources for Native American veterans by focusing on matters addressing housing stock and land issues, homebuyer education, and subsidies.

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veterans homeownership assessments

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new veterans homeownership model

2020

MILESTONES

> Finalize Native veterans homeownership curriculum
> Analyze selling loans for servicing
> Explore illegal NADL loan actions (such as increasing interest rates and insurance costs)
> Advocate to make veteran homeownership a priority for I.H.S. and tribal programs
> Pilot homebuyer education class
> Explore tiny home model for veterans
> Advocate to open up VASH program for homeownership
> Explore Homes for HEROES

2019

MILESTONES

> Finalize Native veteran housing needs assessment pilot initiative
> Finalize Native Veterans Homeownership Guide
> Develop Native veteran homebuyer education curriculum
> Develop a post-purchase home buyer education curriculum addendum for Native veterans
> Explore strategies to improve NADL loan servicing
> Explore a Native veteran contractor consortium

"Knowing that Native American veterans experience unique circumstances, we are working to overcome the myriad of complex barriers this group faces in achieving homeownership."

Veterans Assessments Veterans Assessments
With support of the Coalition, three tribal housing entities in South Dakota – Cheyenne River Housing Authority, Oglala Sioux (Lakota) Housing, and Sisseton Wahpeton Housing Authority –completed veterans housing needs and homeownership studies in cooperation with their Tribal Veterans Service Officers (TVSOs) to identify the housing and service issues most important to veterans on each reservation. This information will enable them to develop tailored programs to help address collective concerns surrounding veterans homeownership.
 Unique Model Unique Model Inspired by listening sessions we hosted with Native American veterans, Coalition member Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial developed an innovative approach to mitigate barriers associated with the Veterans Affairs Native American Direct Loan (NADL). In the new model, Mazaska provides a construction loan and then helps the veteran refinance with the NADL, which eliminates numerous steps and reduces the time to closing. Key Accomplishments How we are creating a clear path
to homeownership.

Events

2020
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    News

    Resources

    Coalition Veterans Homeownership Studies

    The Veterans Housing Needs and Homeownership Study was developed to gather data that would help tribal housing authorities, Tribal Veterans Service Officers, and other service providers better understand the circumstances, challenges, and needs of veterans in each of the participating communities.

    Download Report

    Cheyenne River Veterans Homeownership Study

    This report contains the key findings of the study as they relate to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The report summarizes key themes and provides associated recommendations.

    Download Report

    Pine Ridge Veterans Homeownership Study

    This report contains the key findings of the study as they relate to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The report summarizes key themes and provides associated recommendations.

    Download Report

    Sisseton Veterans Homeownership Study

    This report contains the key findings of the study as they relate to the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. The report summarizes key themes and provides associated recommendations.

    Download Report

    Get Involved!

    To get involved with the Native Veterans Homeownership Committee, please contact one of the committee chairs.

    Robert Dunsmore
    Manaja Hill

    Geri Opsal
    Larry Zimmerman

    Get Involved!

    To get involved with the Native Veterans Homeownership Committee, please contact one of the committee chairs.

    Robert Dunsmore
    Manaja Hill

    Geri Opsal
    Larry Zimmerman