November Update

As I’m sure you are aware the ongoing government shutdown has created great uncertainties as to whether various programs and people will receive benefits from the federal government. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of these programs and a potential lack of funding in November represents a looming crisis for communities around the country, including Pine Ridge.

These are scary and dangerous times. Remote and marginalized reservation communities such as Pine Ridge stand to suffer the most from the impacts of the federal shutdown. For many people on the reservation, SNAP is the primary option to put food on the table. Without SNAP, many will struggle to feed their families.

Access to food is a basic and fundamental human right. To provide the opportunity for families and individuals to eat is not only an obligation, it is simply the right thing to do. In a country of abundance people should not go hungry.

At Re-Member we will do what we can to respond to and address immediate needs. We will provide meals and resources, collaborating with partners as opportunities allow, in order to support the community in the ways that we can. Your support is greatly appreciated as we prepare for the days ahead.

The uncertainly surrounding food access is not the only concern for many here on Pine Ridge. Winter is around the corner and temperatures are already dropping to sub-freezing overnight lows.

We began offering winter heating assistance in mid-October, the earliest we have ever started the program. Due to incredible donor support we have increased our standard assistance from $200 to $300 to make one-time electric payments or purchase roughly 150 gallons of propane for families. By the end of December, we will assist well over 100 households. We will continue offering assistance into 2026 for as long as funding allows.

Our firewood crew is hard at work at the wood pile and hustling to make deliveries around the reservation. These efforts will continue as long as weather dictates, bringing consistent warmth to hundreds of families over the course of the winter.

Through your support, our work goes a long way to keep families comfortable and provide some measure of peace of mind during difficult and uncertain times.

SAVE THE DATE: GIVING TUESDAY

Giving Tuesday, December 2, is just around the corner and we will again be raising funds in support of our Winter Heating Assistance Program. Donate today as an early supporter to offer warmth, comfort and peace of mind to families across the reservation. We appreciate your support!

We will provide updates via social media about the situation on the reservation over the coming days and weeks if the government does not figure out a way to return and continue fulfilling its commitments and obligations. Please keep all those who rely on various federal benefits and funds in your thoughts as we navigate these challenges together.

Sincerely,

Will Paese
Executive Director