Lakota Funds recently became a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency through Oweesta Corporation’s Native Homeownership Network, the only national housing counseling network comprised exclusively of Native-led organizations seeking to increase homeownership for Native Americans.

“This provides our community members with a local resource they can turn to for anything housing-related, whether it is coming up with a household budget, dealing with rental lease issues, or pursuing homeownership,” says Kelsie Whiting, Lakota Funds’ Asset Development Specialist, who completed a rigorous training and examination process to become a certified HUD Housing Counselor.

As part of the Native Homeownership Network, Lakota Funds will have the opportunity to engage with the nine other member organizations from various Native communities to share best practices and lessons learned, participate in trainings, receive customized assistance, and apply for program funding.

“Becoming HUD-approved has been a two-year process, but well worth it. We are looking forward to providing a greater depth and breadth of services to our clients, and continuing to build our capacity and expertise through the network,” says Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director of Lakota Funds.

As a certified HUD Housing Counseling Agency, Lakota Funds will provide a myriad of services free of charge, including financial management/budget counseling; home improvement and rehabilitation counseling; mortgage delinquency and default resolution counseling; pre-purchase counseling; pre-purchase homebuyer education workshops; financial, budgeting, and credit workshops; rental housing counseling; and non-delinquency post purchase workshops. Those interested in services are encouraged to call Lakota Funds at 605-455-2500.