What does it mean to build a community rooted in tradition, support, and opportunity? For the Ho-Chunk Nation, it’s about more than just putting a roof over heads. With the guidance of the Ho-Chunk Nation Housing Department, tribal members like Desiree Pettibone and Emily Collins are part of a larger vision, focused on safe, affordable homes and a deep commitment to cultural kinship. Keep reading to explore this new chapter in Ho-Chunk Nation housing.
Real-Life Stories
Desiree Pettibone
When Desiree Pettibone moved into her new home on two acres of Ho-Chunk land, she started a new beginning, planting roots in a community deeply connected to its heritage. Desiree’s path to ownership took nearly two years, made possible by the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Down Payment Assistance program, step-by-step guidance through the application process, and a Post-Purchase Education class that helped build her confidence in managing her home.
Emily Collins
On the other hand, Emily Collins’ experience highlights another vital layer of the Nation’s housing efforts. Renting a tribal unit, her family needed specific safety accommodations for their child with special needs. The Housing Department responded almost immediately, installing a safety fence to provide security and peace of mind. Programs like these offer families stable, supportive environments as they work toward future homeownership.
Strengthening Families Through Housing
The Housing Department views each home and rental as a win for the whole community. Rooted in the belief that it takes a village to raise children and care for elders, they aim to provide safe, affordable housing that strengthens family ties. Currently, the Housing Department manages over 265 rental units across Wisconsin, allowing tribal members to stay connected to their families, friends, and culture.
Honoring Tradition, Embracing New Paths
Traditional Ho-Chunk families have long lived in multigenerational homes, and homeownership as an independent concept is relatively new. The Nation bridges traditions and present-day opportunities by providing programs that teach financial literacy and homebuyer education, such as the Pathways Homebuyer Education course. Building and owning homes on Trust Land involves unique challenges, but the Housing Department guides families through every step.
A Culture of Care and Connection
More than bricks and mortar, Ho-Chunk housing is about relationships, installing safety features for special needs children, offering subsidized rents funded by NPD programs, and supporting families on their homeownership journey. Like any close-knit community, Ho-Chunk neighborhoods thrive on knowing and looking out for each other. This strong cultural bond transforms each house or rental unit into a true home where kinship and tradition live on.
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For Desiree Pettibone, Emily Collins, and many other tribal members, their housing journeys symbolize not just personal milestones but the enduring strength of the Ho-Chunk Nation, building a future rooted in history, family, and cultural pride.
To learn more about the Ho-Chunk Nation and its housing programs, watch the full story on YouTube:
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Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
