Building Indigenous Wealth
Sharon’s Journey to Homeownership
After years of renting, Sharon Jurina decided it was time to invest in herself. With support from Mni Sota Fund’s Financial Wellness Series and First-Time Homebuyer Homestretch® class, she learned how to make confident, informed choices on her path to homeownership.
Finding Stability and Freedom
For Sharon, owning a home wasn’t just about having a place to live. It was about belonging.
“Being a homeowner, for me, meant having a place where I could always come back to,” Sharon said.
“A place where I don’t constantly have to be moving. I just have my own space to be.”
After renting for more than a decade, Sharon wanted something lasting. Her first home taught her lessons about the realities of homeownership — and the importance of preparation.
When she was ready to buy again, she came to Mni Sota Fund determined to approach the process differently.
““Being a homeowner, for me, meant having a place where I could always come back to... A place where I don’t constantly have to be moving. I just have my own space to be.””
Sharon Jurina, Native Homeowner
Learning the Process
Through the First-Time Homebuyer Homestretch® class and one-on-one coaching with Roxanny, Sharon learned the value of comparison shopping, budgeting, and financial planning.
“I learned that I could talk to multiple lenders within a month, and it would only count against my credit once,” she said. “That was huge. The first time I bought, I only talked to one bank. This time, I wanted to understand my options.”
She also took part in the Financial Wellness Series, where she gained tools to strengthen her finances and plan for long-term stability.
“Some of it was a refresher,” she said, “but I also learned so much more — especially about taxes and financial planning. Even when you think you know it all, it’s good to have reminders and new insights.”
A New Chapter
The journey wasn’t easy. Sharon looked at nearly 100 homes before finding the right one.
“I wasn’t even the highest offer,” she said. “I wrote a letter to the seller about wanting a yard for my dogs to run and play. That letter is what got me the house.”
Through every challenge, Sharon stayed grounded in what she learned and the community that supported her.
“It was so helpful to have contacts at banks and people to talk to directly,” she said. “Mni Sota Fund helped make those first introductions, and that made everything less intimidating.”
Now, Sharon enjoys a home where she can garden, make her own teas, and let her dog run free. It’s more than a house — it’s the foundation of her financial freedom.
Building Indigenous Wealth
“Homeownership means I’m not paying someone else’s generational wealth,” Sharon said. “I’m putting my hard-earned money back into myself.”
Her advice for others:
“Take the class. Even if you think you already know what you’re doing, it helps to have someone walk through your finances and help you get the best deal possible. You’ll learn something that sets you up for success.”
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to start your own journey, Mni Sota Fund can help. Explore our Financial Wellness Series and First-Time Homebuyer Homestretch® class to build confidence, stability, and financial freedom.
