Wisconsin Native Housing Coalition
New Opportunity: Program Manager
We are actively building the Wisconsin Native Housing Coalition, a collaborative effort bringing together Tribes, housing entities, Native CDFIs, lenders, nonprofits, and public agencies to address one of the most urgent needs in our communities, access to safe, affordable housing for Native families. As this work continues to grow, WIHEDC is seeking a Program Manager to help lead and strengthen the Coalition. This role will be central to coordinating partners, advancing strategic priorities, supporting Tribal engagement, and helping turn ideas into meaningful, on-the-ground impact. The Coalition represents a unique and powerful approach, recognizing that no single organization can solve housing challenges alone. By working together, we can remove barriers, expand homeownership opportunities, and create sustainable housing solutions rooted in community priorities. We are looking for someone who is not only experienced in housing or community development, but who also understands the importance of relationship-building, collaboration, and culturally grounded work with Tribal Nations. View the full position description here. Applications are being accepted through April 10, 2026.
The Wisconsin Indigenous Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC) has developed the Native Housing Coalition in Wisconsin.
This effort recognizes the impact of similar Native homeownership coalitions in other states, and builds on the power of Native communities to collaborate with key stakeholders to create innovative solutions to overcome the real challenges to Native homeownership in Wisconsin and across Indian Country.
Our key partners for the Wisconsin coalition movement include Tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities, Native CDFIs and other lenders, nonprofits, and federal and state agencies.
Each of these stakeholders holds a piece of the puzzle and a commitment to increasing homeownership. Coming together as a coalition, stakeholders can more effectively tackle the barriers that stand in the way of Native families becoming homeowners.
These Efforts Reveal:
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Considerable housing development experience in every Tribal community and experience with developments financed by the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in many Native communities;
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Varying levels of homebuyer education and preparation; and
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The need to promote existing loan products, including USDA’s 502 mortgage loan, the HUD Section 184 mortgage loan product, the VA’s Native American Direct Loan, Fannie Mae’s Native American Conventional Loan Initiative, Freddie Mac’s HeritageOne product, and other mortgage loan products originated by the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund.
Read the Wisconsin Native Homeownership Assessment Report
The report presents findings from three data-gathering efforts:
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An online survey of homeownership practitioners,
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Asset mapping conversations with housing stakeholders from each of Wisconsin’s 11 Tribal communities, and
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Key stakeholder interviews with others involved in Wisconsin’s Native homeownership process.
Through the online survey, respondents provided input on different elements of homeownership, including how it is promoted, its importance, barriers, and obstacles to homebuyer readiness. They also provided input on the demand for home financing and the most needed financial resources. Looking at the development of a homeownership coalition, respondents shared input on challenges to a coalition’s work, as well as suggested coalition activities. Key stakeholder interviews focused on barriers to homeownership, as well as possibilities on the horizon for homeownership.
To Date, Coalition Efforts Include:
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An online survey of stakeholders;
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Asset mapping conversations with housing leadership to identify homeownership assets, gaps and trends in Tribal communities;
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Discussions with stakeholders to examine best practices, barriers and potential coalition structures; and
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Established a Steering Committee for the Homeownership Coalition.