Help for the Homeless

As many as 85,000 Native Americans living in tribal areas are homeless with limited access to resources. The Sioux Nation Relief Fund (SNRF) is a program of Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) that offers a hand-up to Natives in need through its Residential service. Program partners like Laura Bagola on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota receive essential supplies that help her homeless shelter operate and benefit clients. Deliveries include items like socks and shoes, hygiene products, food and bottled water, which make a huge difference for residents of the New Hope Homeless Shelter.

49-year-old Mary has lived at New Hope for nearly 2 years. The supplies from SNRF are available to residents at any time, for which Mary is grateful. “I haven’t had to go without anything.” Mary is always happy to get bottled water, which she prefers over tap. “Water bottles are hard to come by.” She also appreciates deodorant, shampoo, soap and fabric refreshers to keep things smelling fresh. She estimates a $300 monthly savings on these items which are expensive at local stores. Like many other residents at New Hope, Mary has no car to get around.

Mary gets all forms of support from Laura, who facilitates various educational classes and reminds her to keep working and stay sober – her biggest focus. Mary tries to stay positive throughout all her challenges, growing up in foster care and being the victim of a car wreck several years ago. “I have a hard time breathing and walking steadily.” Despite her injuries and setbacks, Mary describes herself as energetic, which is great for her part-time job as a receptionist at New Hope.

Mary’s coworker Sarah used to live at the shelter, but she now has her own home and works as Laura’s assistant. “I was homeless, and the shelter helped me. It’s morally rewarding to help others. Homelessness is a big problem here, and the [SNRF] items help residents a lot, especially when they come from emergency situations or have nowhere else to go.”

SNRF’s mission is, “To help Native American people improve the quality of their lives by providing opportunities for them to bring about positive changes in their communities.” With support from SNRF’s Residential service, Mary and other residents at New Hope have their basic needs covered so that they can focus on positive change. Donate to SNRF today.