December, 2017


Dear Volunteers and Donors,

I write to you as a Board member of Habitat for Humanity-Dacotah Tipis on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation at Fort Thompson in South Dakota.

I am writing to update you on our organization. Jim Huntley has moved on to another opportunity in Texas. The Board of Directors has re-organized our efforts. We have new personnel to greet volunteers, direct volunteer efforts for Habitat building, and offer Native cultural experiences. Tasks have been re-assigned to Board members and others. For example, I am now responsible for the volunteer program.

The Volunteer Center is up and running and is reserved exclusively for volunteer groups.The Volunteer Center has a generous and complete kitchen, sleeping and bathroom facilities for men and women, and can house large groups.It is located below the Golden Age Center in the heart of Fort Thompson.

Since we reorganized, two homes will be ready for occupancy within three weeks, though we still seek funding for a refrigerator, stove, and linoleum for one of those homes, and for repairs to existing homes. We almost continually rehabilitate substandard or damaged homes here on the reservation. Land has been platted and approved by the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for three more homes.

The Board also would like express that we have strong financial needs. The Crow Creek reservation lies in the poorest county in the USA: the median household income of Buffalo County is $22,900, a mere 30% of the national average. Therefore, help must come from outside the Reservation, from people like you.

We would love to have you and your group return to volunteer here on the reservation. We would also be most appreciative of a financial donation. All donations are tax-deductible because Habitat for Humanity – Dacotah Tipis is a 501(3)(c) charitable organization. While I am not a tax lawyer, my Google searches say that you can also deduct mileage and meals (but not your time) for your volunteer efforts.

Please call me at 605-680-0402 or send me e-mail at hfhtipis@midstatesd.net. I will be happy to make arrangements for you or your group.

At this holiday time, please consider donating generously. Donations can be made online to: www.dacotahtipis.org/donate

or mailed to:
Sister Charles Palm at Box 487, Ft. Thompson, SD 57339.

Please visit our website at http://www.dacotahtipis.org/.

Thank you very, very much.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert J. Werner