My name is Staci, and I am a mother to four wonderful children, ages 10, 6, 4, and 1. Two of my kids are in elementary school, and like any parent, I want to give them a safe and comfortable place to call home. Until recently, we lived on the Pine Ridge reservation in an old trailer house with no running water, no indoor bathroom, and no working furnace. Winters were especially hard—some nights, it got so cold that a thick sheet of ice would form along the walls. We relied on electric heaters just to get by, but it was never enough to keep us truly warm or safe.

I knew we needed a better life, so I applied for Section 8 housing and was approved for a three-bedroom apartment in Rapid City. I reached out to my tribe for help with the deposit, but unfortunately, their funding ran out before they could assist us. Now, I owe a deposit for our new home, and if I can't pay it before Christmas, my children and I will be evicted by the end of the month. I've tried every resource I can find, but so far, nothing has come through. We have very little support, and the local shelters are all full.

Since moving into our apartment, my children have been so happy and grateful to have an indoor bathroom, a place to bathe, and warmth at night. We finally have peace of mind, knowing we are safe and not at risk of freezing or constantly being sick. Losing our home would mean returning to the trailer with no electricity or running water, and I am doing everything I can to prevent that. Any support you can offer would mean the world to us. Your kindness can help us keep our home and give my children the stability and comfort they deserve, especially during the holidays. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering our family.