American Indian Community Housing Organization

The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) is a nonprofit organization established in 1993 in Duluth, Minnesota, to address social issues affecting the Native American community. It was founded by a collective of Native American women who identified a need for a culturally specific organization to combat challenges like violence against women, poverty, and homelessness. The organization's leadership continues to be predominantly Indigenous women. LeAnn Littlewolf, a member of the Gaa-Zagaskwaajimekaag Band of Ojibwe, is the current executive director.

AICHO's core mission is to provide housing and supportive services anchored in Indigenous values. The organization operates as the primary provider of culturally specific housing in Northeast Minnesota. Its housing portfolio includes 44 units of permanent supportive housing, an emergency domestic violence shelter, and transitional housing programs. One of its key properties is the Gimaajii Mino-Bimaadizimin building, which houses 29 permanent supportive housing units for Native American women and children and serves as a community center. The organization also offers legal advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking.

Beyond housing, AICHO manages a broad range of programs that include arts and culture, climate resiliency, food sovereignty initiatives, and youth programming. It runs the Indigenous First Art & Gift Shop, a social enterprise to promote and invest in Indigenous artists. The organization also operates cultural centers, such as the Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, which host events, exhibits, and ceremonies. AICHO is developing the Niiwin Market, a community center and indoor farmers market focused on providing access to local and Indigenous foods. Funding is primarily through grants and community support to sustain its multifaceted programs.

Keywords: Indigenous housing, supportive housing, domestic violence shelter, Native American services, cultural resiliency, food sovereignty, Indigenous arts, community development, homelessness prevention, legal advocacy, youth programming, Minnesota nonprofit, Duluth community, women-led organization, social enterprise, cultural center, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, community support, Indigenous values