Reservation Homeless Study

Support a study of homelessness on Native American reservations, led in partnership with Tribal nations across Minnesota.

Since 2006, Wilder Research has partnered with Tribal nations and the Minnesota Tribal Collaborative to Prevent and End Homelessness to conduct the Reservation Homeless Study.

This one-of-a-kind study interviews hundreds of community members experiencing homelessness or near homelessness on Native American reservations. The result is one of the nation’s most comprehensive sources of information about homelessness in Tribal communities. 

In 2026, 10 of the 11 Tribal nations in Minnesota will participate— making this the largest Reservation Homeless Study yet. Your support will power the study, helping ensure Tribal nations have the data they need to act on this critical issue.  

Real Stories, Trusted Data. Collective Impact.

Data from the 2023 Reservation and Minnesota Homeless Studies revealed a sobering reality: while Native Americans make up just 2% of Minnesota’s overall adult population, they represent 30% of adults experiencing homelessness. 

The next Reservation Homeless Study will help us track, understand, and address these disparities so all our relatives have a safe place to call home.

Its findings will empower Tribal governments, policymakers, service providers, and advocates to address homelessness with targeted, effective solutions.

“Since 2006 the data collected from the Reservation Homeless Study has been used to prioritize needs, identify systemic issues, and improve programs and policies to address homelessness in our state. Minnesota tribes used the data to develop the first in the U.S.A. tribal plans to prevent and end homelessness.”  - Christina Olson, Minnesota Tribal Collaborative to Prevent and End Homelessness

Now is the Time

The Reservation Homeless Study has never been more important.

Deep federal funding cuts and extreme eligibility restrictions are threatening to destabilize housing for thousands of Minnesotans and eliminate evidence-based housing supports.

The 2026 study will help those working on the front lines of housing and homelessness understand and measure the impact of these changes on Tribal communities—so we can plan, organize, and act.

Give Today

Your support is essential to making this study happen. Together, we can help reduce homelessness and create a future where all of our relatives have access to safe and stable housing.

Keep up with the latest study news at mnhomeless.org.