Journey On! Rapid City street workers

Journey On! Rapid City street workers

By Clara Caufield,

NSNT Correspondent

They are very recognizable to the houseless and hungry in Rapid City, wearing bright lime hoodies emblazoned with the logo “Journey On!”  Krystal Rencountre, Standing Rock Sioux and her companion Toby McCloskey, Rosebud Sioux man the trenches of the houseless and hungry community five days a week, sometimes fondly called the “Green Genies”, two of that dedicated staff.

Driving in a comfortable van donated to Journey On! By the city of Rapid, they assist an average of 30-50 people a day with transportation for a wide array of reasons. This includes rides for meals, medical appointments, to the VA or VOA housing assistance programs, picking up medication, transporting to shelters or in some cases the hospital or detox center, sometimes evens arranging for motel rooms, especially for those who must be isolated due to COVID.  “On New Year’s Day which was very cold, had over sixty people, because there was a serious shortage of beds and shelter,” they explained.

Though allowed to work all over Pennington County, they focus mostly upon the Rapid City area, knowing it well. They both grew up in Rapid City, “North Siders” where most of the native community has always lived.   “We understand our relatives and do not turn our backs on them,” said Khrystal, who was once briefly homeless herself.

A major partner in the effort to provide food and shelter is the Woyatan Church under the guidance of Pastor John Old Horse, Oglala; however, there are also dozens of volunteers, good-hearted folks who can be found there daily, cooking meals, sharing encouragement, helping people with various types of paperwork and applications.  “No address, no I.D. means no job,” Khrystal explained.  “That is a huge problem for many, as on the street, many times things are stolen by others who are desperate.”

The Woyatan Church is very unique, obviously a place where native people feel comfortable.  It may be one of the only churches to have tribal and an old AIM flag flying from the spire!  Due to the severe need, it has been transformed into a shelter. The primary worship area is beautifully adorned with star quilts, one for each of the seven Lakota nations; beautiful pictures of tribal ancestors hang on the walls, cedar is used for smudging and a huge drum, used nearly every day for “jam” sessions is prominent, drumming and singing that is. On the day that this writer visited, about twenty singers and drummers gathered, boosted by many women and others who simply observed by with big smiles or sometimes a tear on their face. “Culture, especially our songs and language, is a great healing tool,” Old Horse remarked

Another fellow, Michael Cross, Oglala who assists at the Church explained “When we feed people, it makes the spirits of our ancestors happy.  An old tradition among us. We are taking care of our own.”

Presently the main worship area has been converted into the men’s dorm, cots, blankets, cots, backpacks etc. everywhere, though the guests there are expected to keep things tidy as possible. There is similar room in the building for the women’s quarters. The middle area of the building features a large kitchen, comfortable couches, televisions and reading material.  “They don’t have to leave here unless they want to,” the pastor said. “All are welcome.”

Recently, this rider had the opportunity to accompany the “Green Beanies” for several hours as they made their rounds, Krhrstal frequently hopping out of the van to give someone a big hug and inquire about their welfare. “Are you hungry?  Are you felling all right? Need anything?”

There are several “hot” spots where houseless people tend to congregate,” Toby explained.  We do drive to those areas to make sure our relatives are not in trouble, so they have gotten to know us and vice-versa.”

Trust is very important,” Khrystal stressed.  “Many have had bad experiences with programs, law enforcement and “other officials.”

In an interesting development, the Journey On! Street outreach workers are now working in close association with many local businesses to more compassionately deal with the problem of houseless people who may seek shelter or warmth at a Wendy’s or other business. Rather than call the law enforcement, they are now beginning to call Journey On! As Toby is large-framed and Khrystal is so kind, they can easily deal with and diffuse those type of situations, even if the person in under the influence. “We treat them with respect,” Toby emphasized.

So many partners are working in tandem to address the houseless and hungry situation in Rapid City. Hats off to the “Green Beanies” those on the front lines. Thus, more stories on this subject are warranted. Look for them in future issues.

 

(Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com)

The post Journey On! Rapid City street workers first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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