See list of Rez Assistance Programs below

NDN News Press Release September 12, 2007

**** Please forward this press release in its entirety, do not modify, edit or remove any info***

*begin


'Siyo my relations!

Well, it's almost that time of year again and the winter months are right around the corner! Each year at this time, organizations, groups and individuals like myself begin the search for funding, donations and various assistance for the Reservations in need. The most critical need is for winter heating assistance which includes; propane, wood, wood hauling (trailer rental and fuel expenses) or wood vendors, heaters and winterizing materials.

Winter months on the Lakota Rez of South Dakota can be brutal with temperatures reaching 35* below zero or worse and many weeks of 0 degrees or low teens. There are hundreds and hundreds of families on the Rez's that live in sub-standard conditions in these freezing temperatures. A large majority of these folks live in trailer houses that are not winterized or suitable for living in these temperatures. Their heating may only be a small wood stove (which is usually very dangerous in trailer houses). A few homes have electric heat. But the vast majority of people need propane to heat which can average up to $2.00 per gallon or even more.

An example of the need: the average yearly income on Pine Ridge is approximately $3500.00, a tiny income which may have to sustain an entire family! To fill a propane tank could easily cost up to $400.00 dollars or more at a single filling and that tank may not even last a month.

Needless to say, several hundred dollars of propane doesn't last long in these constant below 0 degree temperatures all winter long. In March of 2007, there was a unusual cold front that came into South Dakota for several weeks, with temp's reaching into the low teens. Many people were freezing because all of the propane funding, through what little funding the Government and Tribal Programs do offer, was completely exhausted by this time.

The Federal/State and Tribal programs such as LEAP are very limited and in many cases only offer assistance of maybe up to a couple hundred dollars per year, if at all. Many Tribal Members NEVER see any assistance with these programs, especially the folks in the outer communities that may not have any transportation to get to the Tribal or program offices to seek assistance. A large portion of these folks in need are elders and/or disabled! Additionally, statistics cite that nearly 60% of these elders are raising their small grandchildren by themselves in their homes.

It is because of folks like YOURSELVES, good people that have stepped up and donated to the cause each year, that these folks have gotten through these brutal and harsh months on the Rez.

This year is no exception and YOUR HELP is once again needed to help make a difference! Winter is right around the corner. Folks are already starting to apply for these various assistance programs including heating. All the funding from last winter is gone and as of this moment, Link Center Foundation has no funding to be able to start approving applications of the elders and disabled in need for heating assistance on the rez. LCF receives hundreds of applications requesting heating assistance each year. The earlier folks apply, the better chance they may have to receive the help needed.

We need everyone's help in assisting to spread the word that donations are desperately needed immediately! Link Center Foundation is a Colorado non-profit corporation with Federal 501(c)3 status pending, Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law. You can visit their website for further details at www.LinkCenterFoundation.org  and to view their financial statements. Additionally, donations can safely and securely be made at their website directly using your Bank Debit Card or Credit Card.

I also have a section on my website for additional Rez Assistance programs that also assist with various programs including heating, clothing, food, wood, toys and more. Please visit NDN News's Rez Assistance Programs listing for further details.

I would like to remind everyone about the "Helping the ReZ" program sponsored by NDN News. One of the programs available is the ink cartridge recycling program, which does not cost you any money! All you do is turn in your empty ink cartridge containers to Advantage Cartridge, you can visit their website at www.advantagecartridge.com/index.asp  for additional details regarding ink cartridge recycling. They are the company I have made arrangements with for this fundraising program. ALL THE PROCEEDS for this program go DIRECTLY to the non-profit Link Center Foundation for PROPANE & HEATING ASSISTANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To get more details on participating in this program, please visit www.NDNnews.com , go to the "Helping the ReZ" program or click here "Helping the Rez" Assistance Program, sponsored by NDN News. All the details about the program are on this page. It’s a easy way for YOU to help make a difference and it does not cost you ANYTHING! This is for real folks, it’s not a joke, please take a moment to check it out!

Also, for the folks that are in South Dakota, the Forest Service has FREE PERMITS to cut and gather fire wood in designated areas. All you have to do is contact your local office. These wood collection areas are spread all over the Black Hills area, there is tons of wood in these areas! There are also details about this program on my website Free Fire Wood for South Dakota Reservations .

For the South Dakota Winterization Program, which is a State operated program, contact 605-773-3668. They have an application process and it’s first come, first serve, they have limited funding! PLEASE call ASAP, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL WINTER HAS ALREADY ARRIVED! They may assist you with winterizing or even replacing windows, doors, fireplaces, etc.

Please help with as much or as little as you are able! Even if its $10, there are at least six thousand people who get this email and if each person donates, that will buy a lot of propane! Each and every dollar helps to make a difference! No amount is too small!

It is appalling and horrifying that in 2007, in today's society, we continue to have elders and families with small children freezing to death in the winter, some resorting to burning their clothes for heat! What will YOU do to help make a difference?

Thank you!

In peace & solidarity,
Tamra Brennan

Director/Founder
www.NDNnews.com
www.protectsacredsites.org
"Providing news and information about Native American Issues & Causes"
"Helping to make a difference for our people in Indian Country, one day at a time. What will you do today to help make a difference?"

"Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what’s left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten?"

*end

Heating Assistance

Link Center Foundation ~ a non profit 501 C3 organization

Helping the people on Reservations in South Dakota with utilities and heating assistance.

Mail your donations to:

Billy Mills Foundation

Running Strong is offering its emergency heat-matching program to help American Indian families make it through the Northern Plains winters.

One Spirit

Helps Pine Ridge and Cheyenne River Reservations in South Dakota for youth, heating wood supply, and food co-op assistance

Jackets and warm clothing

Indigenous Children of the Americas ~ a non profit 501 C3 organization

Warm clothing and toys for children on Reservations 

General Needs

Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation

Runs scholarship, books, school, and fuel assistance programs for Pine Ridge.  Also supports numerous other reservation assistance programs.

Help the Dineh (Navajo) elders of Black Mesa ~ a non profit 501 C3 organization