For a family in need, the winter season can be filled with tough decisions, such as whether to buy enough warm clothing, pay for heating, or purchase essential supplies. In the Northern Plains, temperatures can drop well below freezing, and blizzards or heavy snowstorms are common, making survival even more difficult. The cold weather can last several months, severely impacting those without reliable heating or shelter.

While families living on reservations have done their best to prepare for another difficult winter season, Elders—many of whom are raising grandchildren—still need vital supplies. When it comes to staying warm, options are limited to propane, electricity, gas, or firewood, and all are costly. Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) offers a Winter Fuel service through our Northern Plains Reservation Aid® (NPRA) program. Through this service, Elders receive vouchers for their heating bill, which can make a life-saving difference.

Our Program Partner on the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota, Jim P., was grateful to see Elders in his community receive heat assistance. He recalled a recent bitterly cold winter, saying, “We got some heavy snowfall and 50-60 mph winds that created its own blizzard by moving the snow around. The wind alone tore shingles off roofs. The roads were closed a lot; we never had more road closures than in 2023, and it created a lot of problems. There were buildings that collapsed from snow, and it took the resources we had here to rescue people who were stuck. You get stuck out there, and your car quits… It’s deadly when it’s 20 or 30 degrees below zero.”

One recipient of the Winter Fuel service was 65-year-old Jennifer A., who exclaimed, “Gee whiz, this is awesome! I didn’t know I was going to get it.” She received a voucher for her electric bill, her biggest expense. About the cost, she told us, “It’s always been high.”

Jennifer lives in Sisseton with her daughter and three grandchildren, ages 8, 15, and 21. She shared that the Winter Fuel voucher saved her family’s limited budget. “It helps us out a lot,” she told us. “My daughter is working full time now, but before, it was only me working and taking care of everybody. I’ll work till they tell me I can’t work anymore. All I ever do is work.” Jennifer has spent 15 years working at the Tribe’s enrollment office. She’s had a job all her life, starting as a waitress at the age of 14.

Thanks to the Winter Fuel service, Jennifer explained, “I have a little extra money now that I don’t have that often, so I really appreciate it. Thank you for the help. We don’t get help a lot.” She hopes that Tribal members can receive more help with their electric bills in the future.

Jim shared, “This heating assistance was great. It may seem like a little bit, but every dollar matters. I know they’re incredibly grateful.”