Cheyenne River homeless need support

PIERRE – As winter approaches, the homeless population across the reservations in South Dakota are in need of supplies and support. This includes the Cheyenne River Reservation.

Located in the heart of South Dakota, Cheyenne River is no exception to the harsh winters. Many have gathered at the powwow grounds for shelter and safety in numbers. One woman hopes to help this population with survival needs through her non-profit, Piya Wicoicaga Luta.

Toni Handboy is a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe member and social worker and advocate for families and youth; especially those who may be surviving behavioral and mental health issues. According to Handboy, the reservation has limited resources and space to house this segment of their population.

The community advocate said she churches and tribal groups have held events to feed the homeless and chronically addicted. Those events serve 180 individuals. “Currently, there are over 50 individuals homeless at the powwow grounds, not including those that live in abandoned homes. The homeless have a temporary shelter during the winter months where they can stay for a minimum of 3 months depending on the weather,” she said. “The tribe has a homeless shelter, yet they have requirements for them to stay and remain in the shelter. The tribe also provides two homes for a specific amount for families per house.”

On the Cheyenne River Reservation over the last couple of years, a majority of the homeless population has been living at the powwow grounds. During this period, the tribe shuts the water off on the grounds and the shower rooms are locked. There is not a place on the reservation that feeds them every day, according to Handboy. The food pantry does provide limited food. When Handboy makes her rounds checking on their mental health and medical needs, she notices a majority of the homeless families are eating cold foods.

“I have personally organized meals to be fed to the homeless, and check on them throughout the day and the night.  It is important because these are our relatives and everyone matters. Native lives matter and who knows we may bring a spark of hope and let them know no one has forgotten their basic human needs,” she said. “Yes, we have had instances where there have been assaults due to intoxication and rape; also my father passed away at the powwow grounds.”

Handboy said she has made it her commitment to help and assist when she can. During her monitoring of the homeless population, she has taken individuals to shelter or to a safe place to make sure nothing happens to them. “I have helped women and let them know I care. I have offered clothes, food and blankets. Our New Beginnings Recovery Support group has started giving back by providing services, feeding and provided donations. When there are feeds it is not just the homeless but we noticed more families will arrive to eat, children and babies with their mothers,” she said.

The Cheyenne River social worker and advocate is asking for donations to the communities to help prepare for winter. This would include blankets, stocking caps, gloves, boots and jackets. She said they can accept anything to prepare those in need and she will be setting up feeds to help them with their basic needs. She encourages donors to contact 605-200-2536 or send donations to P.O. Box 1494 Eagle Butte, SD 57625.

“It is the Lakota value of our people to not forget our relatives, to have compassion. That they may not want to ask for help and it is difficult to ask because of shame and other reasons may be being judged. Although they have an addiction or mental illness it does not take away from who they are. They have a heart,” said Handboy. The homeless population has found themselves in tough times, according to Handboy. “Everyone deserves to be reminded that we have not forgotten about our relatives, my father would want me to continue my work although he has passed on.  Share some love and compassion these winter months help each other.”

Handboy is grateful for the help she has received thus far. “We have our relatives that will be assisting during the feed and donations give away, Wolves Den Boxing Club, New Beginnings Support Group and homeless relatives that would like to clean up and help when done. Also, our business non-profit Red Generation is a service we are committed to and dedicated to do until the end of life.  I would like to thank all those ahead of time for considering that it is not just Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe that is working in tough times it is the Lakota Nation. Remain in prayer for healing,” said Toni Handboy.

The South Dakota winters claim lives each year across the state of in urban and rural areas. These deaths are preventable, according to Handboy.

(Contact Native Sun News Today Correspondent Richie Richards at richie4175@gmail.com)

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