Bridging the Homeownership Gap: Progress and Challenges for South Dakota’s Native Veterans

South Dakota’s Native Veteran Homeownership Rates Show Promise, Yet Gaps Remain

PIERRE, SD — South Dakota’s Native veterans are making strides in homeownership, but significant disparities persist compared to their non-Native counterparts. A recent report from the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition reveals that while the homeownership rate among Native veterans has increased from 39% in 2019 to 43% in 2023, it still lags behind the state average of 69%.

The study, conducted by Big Water Consulting, surveyed 418 Native veterans across all nine reservations in South Dakota between October 2023 and January 2025. The findings, presented in June and finalized in July 2025, highlight both the challenges and opportunities within the Native housing market.

Nearly half of the Native veterans surveyed expressed a desire to purchase a home, with about 30% of current homeowners indicating they wish to renovate their properties. However, barriers such as difficulty saving for down payments, low credit scores, and a lack of available homes continue to hinder progress.

To address these challenges, Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in South Dakota are stepping up with targeted solutions. Lakota Funds, for instance, offers a matched savings program specifically for Native veterans on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations. Similarly, Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial provides direct homebuyer assistance and a veteran-specific homebuying guide to veterans in these areas.

“The higher costs and structural challenges of mortgage lending in Indian Country require innovative solutions,” said Tawney Brunsch, acting executive director of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition. “We know homeownership is not an easy process for Native families, but with the right support, it can be very doable for our Native veterans.”

The coalition plans to engage with tribal, state, and federal policymakers to discuss the findings and enhance outreach efforts with lenders and veterans’ service officers. Additionally, the Cheyenne River Housing Authority is set to launch a 12-week Veterans Homebuyer Education course starting January 26, available statewide via Zoom.

Looking ahead, the coalition aims to convert the growing interest in homeownership into actual closed loans, facilitating capital deployment and measurable gains in homeownership across tribal communities.

As South Dakota’s Native veterans navigate the complexities of homeownership, advocates emphasize that with the right investments and resources, the gap in homeownership rates can be bridged, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and stability within Native communities.