With National Homeownership Month getting under way, the Lakota Federal Credit Union and Lakota Funds are celebrating increased rates of Native American homeownership on the Pine Ridge Reservation. An analysis of data gathered by the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition indicated that homeownership rates in South Dakota’s reservation communities […]
Native American Homeownership Featured on Freddie Mac Podcast
During the Freddie Mac Home Starts Here podcast, James Cromartie from Freddie Mac and Tawney Brunsch (Executive Director of Lakota Funds) discuss the realities of homeownership. They outline, not only the challenges, but also the exciting headway that is being made to increase homeownership opportunities in Native communities.
Lakota Funds Designated as Partner Agency for SD CARES Housing Assistance Program
If you have been financially impacted due to COVID-19, the SD CARES Housing Assistance Program (SDCHAP) may provide temporary rental, mortgage, or utility assistance for South Dakota residents who: Owe past-due rent or utilities because they have experienced a particular loss due to COVID-19; Have incomes at or below 115% […]
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Resources We have compiled a list of resources we think might be helpful to our community members as they are dealing with the impacts of COVID-19. As we get new information, we’ll continue to update this page. Please check back regularly. For Small Businesses Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Are […]
Tawney Brunsch joins Community Advisory Council (CAC)
The Federal Reserve Board in late October 2019 announced four new members of its Community Advisory Council (CAC), one of them being our very own Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director of Lakota Funds. Tawney and the other new members will serve three-year terms beginning in 2020. The CAC is composed […]
Community Partners Combine Forces to Open Doors to Homeownership
In the tail winds of Veteran’s Day, we and two of our community partners – Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial and the Lakota Federal Credit Union – are celebrating with Garfield Iron Crow (Oglala Sioux), a Native American veteran, as construction of his new home nears completion. After serving in the […]
Eighth Renter Transitions to Homeowner in Eagle Nest Housing Development
In the midst of an extreme housing shortage, it is estimated that the Pine Ridge Reservation needs an additional 4,000 homes to provide adequate housing for residents. With a virtually nonexistent residential real estate market, families are commonly on the waiting list for low-income tribal housing for two-plus years. In […]
Lakota Funds and First National Bank of Rapid City Partner for $15,000 Strong Communities Award
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) announced that First National Bank of Rapid City has been selected as one of seven competing for $15,000 to use to further promote economic development opportunities in their community. First National Bank, a FHLB Des Moines member financial institution, […]
Prefabricated Home Sales Office Now Open in Kyle
While thousands of homes are needed to fully meet the housing needs of Pine Ridge Reservation residents, Tess Puckett’s new business, Lakota Cabins, will be in high demand. Lakota Cabins sells custom-built, prefabricated, energy-efficient homes at a reasonable price point. Puckett hopes her new business will help the community by […]
Lakota Funds Participates in Listening Session with Minneapolis Fed President
During his trip to Pierre, South Dakota, Minneapolis Federal Reserve President, Neel Kashkari, hosted a lunch listening session with about 15 tribal leaders from around the state. Among them were Lakota Funds Executive Director, Tawney Brunsch, and Board Chairperson, Elsie Meeks. The participants shared their accomplishments in the areas of […]