Residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota are worried they might not be able to heat their homes this winter.

Below-zero temperatures, storms and high energy prices have hurt the reservation, the Associated Press reports. Celeste Pretends Eagle, a 25-year-old single mother of four, ran out of propane and had to use a space heater to keep her family warm. A businessman has since offered to help the family pay for propane, The Rapid City Journal reports.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe runs an energy assistance program but it has run out of money for the past two winters. The state has already received more applications than usual for its assistance program.

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) are seeking more federal funds to help low-income families.

Get the Story:
Low income residents struggling with cold, high energy costs (AP 12/8)
Warm heart heats home (The Rapid City Journal 12/8)

Related Stories:
Major storm strikes South Dakota reservations (12/1)