Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In the midst of growing economic uncertainty and budget cuts to vital tribal programs, the work of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition (SDNHOC) has never been more urgent. Together, as Coalition members and allies, you are helping to dismantle longstanding barriers to Native homeownership, create powerful opportunities for Native individuals and families, and protect the economic sovereignty and self-determination of our Native nations. This work is transformative, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to the Coalition’s mission.

Today, SDNHOC continues its own exciting transformation—from a more informal coalition to a strong, independent Native-led nonprofit organization. As a Board, we remain focused on building long-term resilience and sustainability, including identifying the right leader to guide our next chapter.

While we share our appreciation for Kristy O’Rourke, who has stepped down from the Executive Director role after a brief tenure, we are now launching a full-scale search for a dynamic, experienced nonprofit leader. This individual will play a critical role in shaping and advancing the Coalition’s vision in the years ahead. We are already encouraged by the quality of candidates expressing interest and invite you to help spread the word by sharing the position announcement with your networks.

As we move forward with this search, we remain as committed and focused as ever on our mission. Our work continues without interruption. Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director of Lakota Funds and a key leader in the Coalition since its earliest days, is currently serving as Interim Executive Director. Under her guidance, our programs remain strong and growing. Initiatives like our Construction Internship Program are creating unprecedented opportunities for Native communities. Meanwhile, our committees of dedicated members continue to advance innovative strategies to support homebuyer readiness, address policy barriers, and expand pathways to Native homeownership.

We look forward to gathering with many of you at our Annual Coalition Member Meeting on September 24, where we will share more updates on our progress. In the meantime, we remain committed to transparency and welcome your questions, ideas, and continued engagement.

Your support makes this work possible. We are proud of all we have accomplished together—and even more excited for what lies ahead.

In solidarity,
The Board of Directors
South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition