SWIRC Firewood Delivery Keeps Native Elders Warm for the Winter

As winter rapidly approaches, many Native Americans residing in remote communities face a host of challenges, including inadequate insulation, lack of electricity, and unreliable transportation. In response to these barriers, the Southwest Indian Relief Council (SWIRC), a program of Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA), collaborates with Program Partners to provide essential firewood to vulnerable families. Thanks to the dedication of Program Partner Sylvia, SWIRC recently provided 68 cords of firewood for Elders in Pinedale, New Mexico.

Valued at approximately $200 per cord, this service offers critical support to the Pinedale community, where nearly 66% of all residents live below the poverty line, surpassing the poverty rate across New Mexico threefold. SWIRC’s Firewood service plays a vital role in the lives of residents like 67-year-old Irene, who resides in a single-room house that lacks many amenities that most take for granted, such as electricity and running water. For the past three years, she has relied on her wood-burning stove and a flashlight to illuminate her home, and the absence of running water necessitates her reliance on bottled water or collecting buckets of water from her daughter. With Pinedale residents experiencing freezing temperatures for three months out of the year, Irene found great value in the firewood she received.

With a monthly income of approximately $800, Irene must make every dollar count. Unfortunately, she lacks personal transportation, saying, “I used to have a car but the transmission broke down, and it hasn’t been fixed in 2 years.” Despite receiving some support from her sister and daughter, Irene aspires to lead a more independent life. Her goal is to move to Gallup, where she hopes to escape the harsh winter cold and gain access to more reliable utilities.

In addition to her daily struggles to maintain a safe home, Irene grapples with the emotional wounds left by the unexpected loss of her son in the previous year. Her grief is one of her most significant challenges as she told us, “Sometimes I just sit outside and cry about my son.” To cope with her grief, Irene dedicates her time to gathering wood and setting aside time for prayers throughout the day.

Although she keeps to herself for the most part, Irene’s sister, daughter, and grandson are stable supports for her as she navigates through her daily challenges. With her grandson often visiting to help chop wood and her daughter occasionally helping her with errands and meals, Irene believes in the importance of maintaining her family relationships.

The recent delivery of firewood from SWIRC is a sign of hope for Irene. She estimates that the wood will last her about two months, providing her with much-needed relief and cost savings as she prepares for the impending winter. Irene can now rest more comfortably, freeing up some of her time from the physical strain of wood collection and chopping.

Your support can make a significant impact on the lives of underserved Native Elders like Irene. Donate to SWIRC today and ensure that they stay warm and safe during the winter months. Your generosity can make a real difference.