{"id":33789,"date":"2022-02-26T06:55:31","date_gmt":"2022-02-26T11:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/journey-on-rapid-city-street-workers\/"},"modified":"2022-02-26T06:55:31","modified_gmt":"2022-02-26T11:55:31","slug":"journey-on-rapid-city-street-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/journey-on-rapid-city-street-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Journey On! Rapid City street workers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Journey On! Rapid City street workers<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Clara Caufield,<\/p>\n

NSNT Correspondent<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

They are very recognizable to the houseless and hungry in Rapid City, wearing bright lime hoodies emblazoned with the logo \u201cJourney On!\u201d\u00a0 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 \u201cGreen Genies\u201d, two of that dedicated staff.<\/p>\n

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. \u00a0\u201cOn New Year\u2019s Day which was very cold, had over sixty people, because there was a serious shortage of beds and shelter,\u201d they explained.<\/p>\n

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, \u201cNorth Siders\u201d where most of the native community has always lived.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe understand our relatives and do not turn our backs on them,\u201d said Khrystal, who was once briefly homeless herself.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 \u201cNo address, no I.D. means no job,\u201d Khrystal explained.\u00a0 \u201cThat is a huge problem for many, as on the street, many times things are stolen by others who are desperate.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Woyatan Church is very unique, obviously a place where native people feel comfortable.\u00a0 It may be one of the only churches to have tribal and an old AIM flag flying from the spire! \u00a0Due 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 \u201cjam\u201d 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. \u201cCulture, especially our songs and language, is a great healing tool,\u201d Old Horse remarked<\/p>\n

Another fellow, Michael Cross, Oglala who assists at the Church explained \u201cWhen we feed people, it makes the spirits of our ancestors happy.\u00a0 An old tradition among us. We are taking care of our own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Presently the main worship area has been converted into the men\u2019s 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\u2019s quarters. The middle area of the building features a large kitchen, comfortable couches, televisions and reading material.\u00a0 \u201cThey don\u2019t have to leave here unless they want to,\u201d the pastor said. \u201cAll are welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recently, this rider had the opportunity to accompany the \u201cGreen Beanies\u201d 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. \u201cAre you hungry?\u00a0 Are you felling all right? Need anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

There are several \u201chot\u201d spots where houseless people tend to congregate,\u201d Toby explained.\u00a0 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trust is very important,\u201d Khrystal stressed.\u00a0 \u201cMany have had bad experiences with programs, law enforcement and \u201cother officials.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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. \u201cWe treat them with respect,\u201d Toby emphasized.<\/p>\n

So many partners are working in tandem to address the houseless and hungry situation in Rapid City. Hats off to the \u201cGreen Beanies\u201d those on the front lines. Thus, more stories on this subject are warranted. Look for them in future issues.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

(Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The post Journey On! Rapid City street workers<\/a> first appeared on Native Sun News Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/div>

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 \u201cJourney On!\u201d\u00a0 Krystal Rencountre, Standing Rock Sioux and her companion Toby McCloskey, Rosebud Sioux man the trenches of the <\/p>\n

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Shared by Native Sun News Today<\/a> February 26, 2022<\/p>\n

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