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American Indian Community Housing Organization – AICHO

AICHO was created in 1993 as an Indigenous response to social conditions in Duluth, MN, powered by the urban Native American community. AICHO started with basic needs – shelter, housing, support – and this resulted in ongoing work to change systems. The issues are real: the impact of violence, housing and economic inequity, historical trauma, and racism. AICHO provides a continuum of community action, housing options, and support services. Our goal is to respond to crisis while laying the path for long-term stability and our vision is to rebuild our Indigenous community.

  • Gimaajii-Mino-Bimaadizimin – We are, all of us together, beginning a good life. AICHO’s headquarters at 202 W. 2nd Street in Duluth. Gimaajii features 29-units of permanent, supportive housing utilizing the “housing first” model. On-site services include assessment, advocacy, limited case management, and limited programming.
  • Dabinoo’Igan Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter – A place where you are safe, comforted and sheltered. Dabinoo’Igan is a 10-bed emergency shelter for victims of physical and sexual violence, trafficking, and stalking who need immediate shelter. Women and children can stay up to 30 days and receive a variety of services including advocacy, information and referral, housing search assistance, financial assistance, limited follow-up, limited on-site legal services and culturally specific programming.
  • Endazhi-Maadaajimon – A place where stories begin. Endazhi-Maadaajimon is a ten unit building which provides long-term housing options for individuals and families that already have access to housing vouchers. Case management is provided through other programs and not offered as part of the housing.
  • Legal Advocacy Services – Advocates work with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. Services include protection orders, court advocacy, transporting to appointments, and transportation for court/legal appointments. – Indigenous First Art & Gift Shop – We sell quality gifts and goods with a mission of advancing, promoting, and investing in Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs. Indigenous First is a continuously expanding social enterprise run by AICHO in its Gimaajii building. Our holistic, mission-based dedication to building opportunity for Indigenous people is rooted in a vision of health and vibrancy, honoring the resiliency of our community, and perpetually acting with future generations in mind.
  • Giwiidookoodaadimin “We help each other” COVID-19 Emergency Food Distribution. Community distribution is provided bi-weekly and includes food, household essentials, PPE, and COVID-19 health information. Distribution is held via curbside/pick up out of the Niiwin Market. We are offering limited delivery services to elders, households in quarantine due to COVID-19, and those who are homebound. All deliveries will occur the week after curbside distribution. To make a request for delivery, register by emailing foodaccess@aicho.org.

COVID-19 Community Coordinator- Northeast Minnesota

AICHO became a COVID Community Coordinator for the American Indian Community providing resource navigation, public information phone line, and testing support for the American Indian Community in Duluth and surrounding Northeast Minnesota region in Collaboration with MDH, local public health, and other partners.

Resources and up-to date information from AICHO regarding COVID-19 awareness and safety

  • Vaccine Information & Resources
  • Saliva Testing Resources
  • Emergency Food Support Resources
  • COVID-19 Articles & Bulletins
  • Updates on MN Stay Safe Plan
  • MDH Resource Updates
  • COVID-19 Weekly Stats
  • AICHO Artists Respond: Art Awareness about COVID-19