By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Today Correspondent
PIERRE – 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 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.
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.
Toni
Handboy is a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe member and founder of Piya Wicoicaga
Luta, a group that addresses needs in her community. Photo courtesy Karla Abbott
The community advocate said she churches and tribal groups have held events to feed the homeless and chronically addicted. Those events serve 180 individuals.
“Currently, there are over 50 individuals homeless at the powwow grounds, not including those that live in abandoned homes. The homeless have a temporary shelter during the winter months where they can stay for a minimum of 3 months depending on the weather,” she said. “The 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.”
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.
“I have personally organized meals to be fed to the homeless, and check on them throughout the day and the night. It is important because these are our relatives and everyone matters. Native lives matter and who knows we may bring a spark of hope and let them know no one has forgotten their basic human needs,” she said. “Yes, we have had instances where there have been assaults due to intoxication and rape; also my father passed away at the powwow grounds.”
Handboy said she has made it her commitment to help and assist when she can. During her monitoring of the homeless population, she has taken individuals to shelter or to a safe place to make sure nothing happens to them.
“I have helped women and let them know I care. I have offered clothes, food and blankets. Our New Beginnings Recovery Support group has started giving back by providing services, feeding and provided donations. When there are feeds it is not just the homeless but we noticed more families will arrive to eat, children and babies with their mothers,” she said.
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. She 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.
Contact Native Sun News Today Correspondent Richie Richards at richie4175@gmail.com
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