This project will provide materials for building tiny homes for Native American families devastated by flooding on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Tribal officials struggle with lack of resources, water, transportation, and facilities. There has been suffering for generations. "The crisis on Pine Ridge is a collision of nature, poverty and inadequate infrastructure."
Currently, Pine Ridge is the poorest county in the United States. Rapid City, SD, is the nearest town 120 miles away, for those who can travel to find work. There is no industry, technology or commercial infrastructure to provide employment. 97% of the population lives below the U.S. federal poverty line. There is a 90% unemployment rate and a 70% high school dropout rate. Over half the homes need to be demolished due to black mold, without insurance or govt. programs to assist families.
Cypress Missions will mobilize teams to provide humanitarian assistance with the relief effort working with Mr. Henry Red Cloud, a tribal leader. Initially contributing resources such as water, non-perishable foods, and basic humanitarian needs. Post-relief to build compact homes and train residents with essential building skills required to lay the groundwork for the future.
This project will directly impact devastated Reservation families and benefit the community. It effects change for self-sufficiency and self-reliance by empowering residents through hands-on training for building. Historically, generations and present day Native-Americans are synonymous with suffering. As Americans our values and we can all be better.
