Firewood Service Helps Native Elders Endure Harsh Winter

Adequate heating is a crucial necessity in Native American communities, just as it is for any other population. However, tribal lands face challenges in their infrastructure as they approach the winter. With more than 2.3 million households in the United States still relying on wood as their primary heating source, Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) aims to alleviate this inequity, along with many others, by serving the immediate needs of Indigenous people. Through the Southwest Indian Relief Council (SWIRC), a PWNA program, Partners receive support to promote healthy and safe living conditions, protect Native people from the harsh weather conditions, and alleviate socioeconomic disparities by providing resources that some families cannot afford.

Through the Firewood service, SWIRC provided 68 cords of wood for households in Pinedale, New Mexico. Program Partner Sylvia, a Community Health Representative, oversaw the chopping and delivery of wood to homes throughout Pinedale where nearly 2 out of 3 residents live below the poverty line. “A lot of people don’t have working vehicles, so they can’t haul any wood,” said Sylvia, highlighting the value of our partnership as it supports many households who cannot afford to travel on their own to purchase or gather wood. With Pinedale lacking local vendors to provide wood in the community, residents often find themselves traveling 22 miles to Gallup, where the prices are “outrageous.” Sylvia is aware of the multifaceted challenges that Pinedale residents face as acquiring necessities is not only a matter of purchasing supplies, but a combination of spending on fuel and time as well. While some Elders choose to ration their wood to get through the winter, those without reliable transportation purchase smaller quantities of wood at higher prices, which is ultimately more costly in the long run.

SWIRC’s support of Native Elders is valuable for residents like 81-year-old Joann. A lifelong resident of Pinedale, Joann is proud to call Pinedale her home. Having spent her childhood in a hogan, Joann is thankful to have community resources available so she can live more comfortably and ease the burden of acquiring extra wood as the winter approaches. Living on a fixed retirement income, Joann feels the pressure to save money as the winter approaches, when she typically spends more money. With her delivery of wood, Joann expects it to keep her home warm for up to 2 months. Not only does this delivery save Joann about $200, but it means less time dedicated to traveling into Gallup for a supply run. Since Joann is saving both time and money, it allows her to do more of her favorite activities, like making food with her family and finding moments to celebrate with them. Furthermore, Joann is now less likely to face bad weather to acquire more wood, citing bad snow and impassable roads.

Sylvia considers PWNA’s support valuable in helping her better serve her community, sharing, “PWNA is a great asset to me. A lot of people here aren’t rich; they’re on a fixed income, so these supplies help them a lot.” Donate to PWNA’s SWIRC program to help Native Elders like Sylvia stay warm this winter.