The weather at Crow Creek is like elsewhere on the Great Plains. It comes in extremes. Summers reach temperatures over one hundred degrees but the long cold winters can be terrifying. Temperatures can drop to thirty degrees below zero with a wind chill that never stops. The geography of the northern plains also offers little to block the winds.

This winter we can expect many days of sustained cold temperatures well below zero before the wind chill is factored in. Snow drifts will form house-sized hills and horizontal rain will find its way into every crack or crevice. The wind will propel anything loose including roof shingles and open doors. Only a few homes here are capable of enduring the weather and survive the leaky roofs and the cold drafts.

Most homes will survive the storms with unfrozen pipes and a working furnace – but many will not. The reservation has too many homes in poor condition in need of replacement. So what’s being done? Nothing. That is nothing other than what Dacotah Tipis is doing. Our Habitat for Humanity affiliate is the only organization, public or private, building homes on Crow Creek. Our homes are built to the IRC standard residential codes with proper insulation, a robust heating system, and an air tight exterior. Our homes are built for the South Dakota winters, and our Executive Director is a licensed South Dakota contractor who knows what that takes. 

In order for us to continue helping our partner families build adequate homes on Crow Creek, we need your help. Right now we need donations in order to buy the materials needed for the upcoming builds. Please consider a gift of any amount you feel comfortable giving - any amount is appreciated.

Remember… we leverage your donations with our wonderful volunteers’ and partner family’s labor to get an incredible Bang for your Buck!

Contact Jim Huntley at:
Dacotah Tipis Habitat for Humanity
P.O. Box 487
Fort Thompson, SD 57339
605-245-2450 Office/Fax
605-680-0402 Cel
hfhtipis@midstatesd.net