A State of Emergency
A four-day, region-wide blizzard last week has now evolved into a days-long bout of extreme cold. Temperatures have plummeted into the negative 30s — with wind chills dipping into the negative 50s. We know of many homes that have resorted to burning trash, clothing, and even furniture to produce heat.
Oglala Sioux Tribe President Star Comes Out declared a State of Emergency on December 17.
This is life-threatening cold.
Last week’s blizzard began Monday night and continued through Friday. On Monday morning, as we prepared for the work day, Will and I exchanged text messages about the day to come. We knew that the phone would likely ring off the hook all day, as tribal members did their best to prepare for the incoming storm. 30+ inches of snow was possible, with blizzard conditions advertised as being possible for several days.
“We’ll do all that we can,” said Will.
A look at our North Gate. Buried under several feet of drifted snow on Friday, December 16, 2022
The reality is that we did all we could. The blizzard was indeed crippling, and drifted our access to the highway under six-to-eight-plus feet of snow. Our woodpile remains buried. When temperatures drop below zero, it’s not only unsafe for our staff to work outside, but our equipment also begins to fail.
We will resume our winter heating assistance efforts on Monday, January 2. Our staff work diligently, in a year-round operation, and take a yearly break around the holidays.
In the meantime, we know that the need will be even greater in January, and for the remainder of the winter, as these back-to-back storms have exhausted the limited resources for many families, and other organizations that administer similar programs.
We are grateful for the generosity of our winter heating assistance program donors, and for the words of encouragement and support that have come from so many of you in the last few weeks.
Winter is far from over here on the high plains of South Dakota.
If you can, please give the gift of warmth with your support of our winter heating assistance program today.