Summer Storm Preparedness in Porcupine

Summer heat brings severe weather threats like thunderstorms and power outages that often affect rural reservations. To support vulnerable Elders, program partners like Julie Two Eagle distribute Summer Emergency Boxes provided through the Sioux Nation Relief Fund (SNRF) program of Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA). These boxes include items like bottled water, canned goods and protective weather gear.

“We’re used to getting food with a short shelf life, so canned food helps people a lot,” Julie notes. “One Elder was glad that nothing in the box would spoil.” Julie adds that the variety of supplies is great. “Our stores around here are pretty basic, so to be able to give a little extra is awesome. It’s exciting for me to see all the things Elders can use. They might not have extra money to buy things like sunscreen and laundry scent beads.”

One happy recipient of the summer boxes was Oglala Elder Georgia, age 77, who helps support a household of seven, including two children. Opening her Summer Emergency Box, Georgia was excited to find personal hygiene supplies. “We’re always after lotion, and of course, soap is always handy. Toothpaste is good because I still have my chompers!”

Georgia looks forward to using the protective rain gear in the tall grass around her home. “It’s too rainy, and it’ll keep the wood ticks away.” The summer rain affects Georgia’s ability to leave her home. She must drive on steep, gravel roads that become dangerous during inclement weather. “It’s a job to get from the house to the highway.”

Growing up in Porcupine, Georgia volunteered in the church garden and canned food with her mom. Now at age 77, Georgia says it’s too physically hard to do the same work, and she’s become more dependent on others. “I try to stay home and don’t get out much to shop.”

As a retired teacher, Georgia receives social security but is on a fixed income. “I’m usually on a limited budget, and things like soap don’t come with food stamps, so I have to skip some stuff.” Thanks to the summer box, Georgia can save money for things like bills, gas and groceries.

Georgia notes that prices have risen on practically everything. “Have you checked prices on some of this stuff?” She appreciates all the household items in her summer box, especially the cleaning supplies and nonperishable foods. “These are foods that we eat a lot – corn, green beans, soup and macaroni and cheese. That’s a good price taken off my hands.” To shop where there are more options and affordable prices, Georgia drives 42 miles to Gordon, Nebraska.

PWNA relies solely on individual and in-kind donations to aid Native Americans living on remote reservations with limited resources. Donate to SNRF today to help more Native Elders like Georgia.