A community-informed look at the housing ecosystem of Laguna Pueblo
Laguna Housing Development & Management Enterprise
Laguna Housing Development & Management Enterprise (LHDME) serves as the tribally designated housing entity for the Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico. It works to develop and preserve quality housing for low- and middle-income tribal members, help families obtain and maintain housing, and promote financial education and housing advocacy.
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The purpose of the housing needs assessment was to assist LHDME in better understanding the housing needs of Laguna Pueblo community members. The data and insights gathered and compiled in the final report are intended to provide a concrete picture of the housing-related needs, desires, barriers, and opportunities within Laguna Pueblo, as well as a series of forward-looking recommendations for addressing the housing issues that are most important to Pueblo members.
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Gather insights from both local housing experts and community members through in-depth interviews, in-person community engagement, and a comprehensive community housing survey.
Construct an interactive map of housing units across six Laguna Pueblo communities that documents home repair needs.
Synthesize primary and secondary data into a series of actionable recommendations for LHDME in their efforts to ensure safe and accessible housing for Laguna Pueblo members.
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The findings provided a comprehensive and community-driven picture of the housing challenges and opportunities within the Pueblo of Laguna and is currently used for grant applications and content preparation. The study affirmed what members of Laguna Pueblo already know: beyond basic shelter, housing is at the core of family, culture, well-being, and is central to a thriving future for Laguna communities. Through collective effort, careful strategic planning, and purpose-driven partnerships, these challenges can be addressed in a culturally mindful, community-centered manner.
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Apr 2024–Jan 2025
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Max Van Oostenburg — Project co-lead, secondary data collection and analysis, interview and survey tool design and data collection, qualitative analysis, housing unit mapping and analysis, and report writing
Michael Brydge — Project co-lead, interview and survey data collection, housing unit mapping, and report writing
Jodi Wolfe — Graphic and layout design, creative direction, and data visualization
Jackie Carter — Literature review and report writing
“I just hope and pray that one of these days we’re going to be able to house everybody. Someone will be able to come in, qualify, and get their keys in two weeks instead of 2–3 years.” —LHDME employee
