Running Strong helps American Indian families acquire safe housing in overcrowded and underserved areas.

Safe Housing Overcrowding, homelessness, and lack of affordable housing are major issues in American Indian communities throughout the nation. On many Indian reservations it is not uncommon to find a family of ten or more living in a small trailer.  Running Strong helps improve housing in Indian Country through the building of new homes, home repairs, and homeowner education programs.   We teach individuals how to buy and maintain homes and how to manage financing and credit counseling.  Our hope is to foster pride, self-sufficiency and suitable housing for Indian children. Learn more about our safe housing programs here.

Spotlighted Programs

LOCATION

Eagle Butte, South Dakota

TRIBE

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Cheyenne RiverOn the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, many people live below the poverty line.  Homes are often over crowded and in need of serious repairs. For youth especially, living in such conditions can bring feelings of depression and despair.

Through our Cheyenne River Home Repair Program, Running Strong provides funding for home repairs of up to $1,000. We have assisted with many types of improvements, such as repairing burst pipes so that a family isn’t forced to haul water in the snow; replacing a leaking water heater which was causing a floor to collapse; installing a new front door that keeps snow and ice from seeping in; or replacing a furnace that had become a dangerous fire hazard.

The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation’s location on the Northern Plains makes the repairs that we finance all the more critical. Winters in the plains are notoriously harsh, and having a reliable furnace, or well sealed doors and windows can make a huge difference in the life of a family living on the reservation.  Safe and comfortable homes are a key component of a healthy lifestyle and we are committed to making such homes a reality on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.

LOCATION

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD

TRIBE

Oglala Sioux

 

 

 

On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, there are many homes in need of repair, and people often cannot afford to complete the repairs. Some housing problems are caused by destructive weather or other events, while others are from normal wear and tear.

To help address this, each year Running Strong partners with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Partnership for Housing (OSTPH) to repair homes on the reservation.

These repairs are especially necessary when winter hits, bringing below-freezing temperatures and feet of snow.

Some of the repairs completed by OSTPH with Running Strong’s support in the last year included replacing flooring throughout a home, insulating and sealing doors, and replacing broken windows. These types of repairs not only provide a secure living situation and peace of mind to Native youth, they also keep families warm through the winter and keep heating costs down.

Running Strong is committed to working with OSTPH to make sure Pine Ridge families have safe homes.