{"id":9375,"date":"2019-10-09T11:15:19","date_gmt":"2019-10-09T16:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/cheyenne-river-homeless-need-support\/"},"modified":"2019-10-09T11:15:20","modified_gmt":"2019-10-09T16:15:20","slug":"cheyenne-river-homeless-need-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/cheyenne-river-homeless-need-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheyenne River homeless need support"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Joseph Brings Plenty, Trinity Montreal, Brandon and Alveno Bowker.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

PIERRE \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The community advocate said she churches and tribal groups have held events to feed the homeless and chronically addicted. Those events serve 180 individuals. \u201cCurrently, there are over 50 individuals homeless at the powwow grounds, not including those that live in abandoned homes.\u00a0The homeless have a temporary shelter during the winter months where they can stay for a minimum of 3 months depending on the weather,\u201d she said. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have personally organized meals to be fed to the homeless, and check on them throughout the day and the night.\u00a0 It is important because these are our relatives and everyone matters.\u00a0Native lives matter and who knows we may bring a spark of hope and let them know no one has forgotten their basic human needs,\u201d she said. \u201cYes, we have had instances where there have been assaults due to intoxication and rape; also my father passed away at the powwow grounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Handboy said she has made it her commitment to help and assist when she can.\u00a0During her monitoring of the homeless population, she has taken individuals to shelter or to a safe place to make sure nothing happens to them.\u00a0\u201cI have helped women and let them know I care. I have offered clothes, food and blankets.\u00a0Our New Beginnings Recovery Support group has started giving back by providing services, feeding and provided donations.\u00a0When there are feeds it is not just the homeless but we noticed more families will arrive to eat, children and babies with their mothers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0She 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is the\u00a0Lakota value\u00a0of our people to not forget our relatives, to have compassion.\u00a0That they may not want to ask for help and it is difficult to ask because of shame and other reasons may be being judged.\u00a0Although they have an addiction or mental illness it does not take away from who they are. They have a heart,\u201d said Handboy. The homeless population has found themselves in tough times, according to Handboy. \u201cEveryone 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.\u00a0 Share some love and compassion these winter months help each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Handboy is grateful for the help she has received thus far. \u201cWe 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.\u00a0Also, our business non-profit Red Generation is a service we are committed to and dedicated to do until the end of life.\u00a0 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,\u201d said Toni Handboy.<\/p>\n

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

(Contact Native Sun News Today Correspondent Richie Richards at richie4175@gmail.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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Joseph Brings Plenty, Trinity Montreal, Brandon and Alveno Bowker. PIERRE \u2013 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 <\/p>\n

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Shared by Native Sun News Today<\/a> October 9, 2019<\/p>\n

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