Wow! In person or over the phone…in just over two weeks, nearly 1,500 families have applied for, and received, critically needed Heat Match funds. With temperatures at night dipping into the teens and many days not getting past freezing, the Heat Match program is truly making a huge impact for so many families on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the Great Plains of South Dakota.
Launching the Heat Match Program
On November 6, we announced the start of our Heat Match program on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, providing matching funds to households so they can keep their homes warm during the coldest winter days.
How the Heat Match Program Works
Through the program, reservation residents can apply for funding to pay their utility bills or fill their propane tanks, typically lasting about six weeks. The Heat Match program provides a 1:4 match, with each family contributing $100 and Running Strong matching it with $400, totaling $500 in heating assistance.
Nearly 1,500 Applications Already Processed
In the first two weeks, Running Strong staff at the Oyate Ta Kola Ku (OTKK) Community Center processed 819 electricity applications and 669 propane applications—1,488 households in all. Staff members have been busy handling applications, many from first-time applicants eager for this essential help. Propane companies are working to deliver as quickly as possible, and the utility company is applying the funds to electricity accounts.
More Families Encouraged to Apply
OTKK director Rose Fraser let families know, “We are ready for more. If you didn’t get a chance to turn in your money order and applications, bring them over!”
Community Gratitude and Appreciation
• From one recipient: “Wopila Tanka for the propane 🙏♥”
• From another: “Thank you so much for the amazing heat match. Comes in good use for us who are having a hard time paying our electric.”
• From another family: “Thank you for all your hard work. My family received our assistance. We sure do appreciate it.”
During the winter of 2023, the Heat Match program served a total of 2,050 families. We are already on track to exceed that number this year—helping even more households stay safe and warm through the harsh winter.
Donate Now to join us in keeping homes warm and families safe.
