Veterans of the Oglala Sioux Tribe participated in a Memorial Day ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia in May 2014. Photo from Army Recruiting Center Worcester MA / Facebook

Veteran’s shelter in Pine Ridge has beds open
By Brandon Ecoffey
Lakota Country Times Editor
www.lakotacountrytimes.com

PINE RIDGE—For many veterans on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation it is quite difficult finding services designed to help them reintegrate into society. The Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Veterans Shelter is changing that however as they have announced that they have several beds available for homeless veterans.

“I think that for so long people would call and be told that we didn’t have any room for them,” said John Hussman, Veterans Shelter Director.

Hussman says the facility currently has vacancies and those with a possible need should contact the facility for more information.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe Veterans Shelter is located in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Image from OST

The shelter is a transitional living center that has the ability to house veterans who are either homeless or are in need of temporary housing. While at the shelter veterans are provided with temporary shelter, 24-Hour phone coverage, laundry facilities, assistance for clothing, vocational counseling, substance abuse counseling and referrals to other healthcare providers in addition to access to a wider range of services.

According to the shelter’s brochure the objective of the shelter is very clear. “The primary goal of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Veterans Shelter is to assist veterans in developing/maintaining a lifestyles free from drugs and alcohol. The shelter is intended to help you live each day with emphasis on sobriety, meaningful employment, and celebrating/participating in Lakota community life.”

The Oglala Sioux Tribe Veterans Shelter offers service to veterans on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Image from OST

Although the shelter has only been in operation since January, Hussman says that there have already been four veterans placed in permanent residences and others that are financing to own a home and that the projections for this year are even better.

“This year we hope to place at least 8 in permanent residences,” he said.

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To utilize the facility a Veteran’s character of discharge or service “must be under other than dishonorable conditions.” The VA does stipulate that some other types of discharge may still be eligible for benefits but those with questions should contact the shelter who can put them in touch with a veteran’s service officer.

To contact the shelter please call (605) 867-2466.

(Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacluntrytimes.com)

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