The Ho-Chunk Village is a project in partnership with Ho-Chunk, Inc. (51%) and the Ho-Chunk Community Development Corporation (HCCDC– 49%). The Ho-Chunk Village provides housing opportunities and a brand new community for the Winnebago Tribe.

Ho-Chunk, Inc. has undergone huge growth since its inception and has been providing many new jobs for Tribal members. Simultaneously, the Winnebago Tribe itself has been successfully adding new social programs for Tribal members targeted to low income, elderly, handicapped and other underserved groups. However, HCI and the Tribe have recognized the need to further expand services available to Tribal members. Particular focus has been on the need for affordable housing and services on the Reservation.

As a result, Ho-Chunk, Inc. developed the HCCDC in 2000. HCCDC, a 501 (c)3 non-profit corporation, was launched to fill the gap between the social mission of the Tribe and the economic mission of HCI. The most ambitious program directed by HCCDC in partnership with HCI is the Ho-Chunk Village. The Village Project is a 40-acre development on the north side of the village of Winnebago. The development in conjunction with other assistance programs is offering Tribal members a new beginning with affordable homeownership or rental property; entrepreneurial opportunities and commercial space; as well as community services and recreation. Read more on the actual Village description in the “Ho-Chunk Village Development” section on this website.

Down Payment Assistance Program
HCCDC also administers other valuable programs for Tribal members. To make new housing opportunities in the Village and elsewhere more affordable, HCCDC operates a Housing Down Payment Assistance Program for Tribal members. Established in 2001, the program educates enrollees on the responsibilities of personal finance and home ownership. In return, successful graduates receive down payment assistance to pave the way to home ownership.

Community Development Fund
Another program operated by HCCDC is the Community Development Fund (WCDF). Grants made from the WCDF benefit the Ho-Chunk Renaissance Program, the Village Partners for infrastructure, the new Community Center, Whirling Thunder gym and other community services.

Business Development Center
HCCDC also operates a Business Development Center to help develop and foster an entrepreneurial spirit on the Reservation. A healthy local business climate is part of an overall plan to revitalize the Reservation and provide a positive future for its residents.

The combined work of the Ho-Chunk Village Partners and the additional programs provided by HCCDC are designed to continue to address a variety of social and economic needs of all Winnebago Tribal members. All of these efforts are intertwined with the Ho-Chunk Village development and a stronger, more dynamic community for the future of the Tribe.