LAKOTA TINY HOUSE NATION

    Lakota Tiny House Nation began with learning of the suicides of five young teens on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and seven additional suicide attempts by more teens in the same community.  Having developed deep and meaningful relationships with the Lakota Nation over the last 10 years, we were deeply saddened and then angry about this terrible, irrevocable loss of young lives, their promise and potential.  Sending our sympathy was not enough.  Being in ACTION about these deaths was what everyone connected to LTHN felt must happen. 

   In conversation with our LTHN project partners, what became most clear about the young people of Pine Ridge is their desire and willingness to be part of something meaningful and true to the culture.  These children and teens have the heart, the intellect, and the desire to do good things, to realize all their potential as Lakota and as young adults, and to be able to navigate this very chaotic and confusing world.  While most relatives and friends provide the spiritual and cultural resources needed to make their children's and grandchildren's lives happy and healthy; many of these same families don't have the financial resources necessary to support their health and wellbeing.  Youth sometimes feel a hopelessness that becomes overwhelming.

   For those of us who do have the financial resources, and, who can make a donation; it will help us to build not only Tiny Houses but will add pride, self-esteem, and a measure of safety that comes from being part of something positive and worthwhile while not feeling isolated or alone. 

   Your donation and generously donated building supplies, combined with the sweat equity of our many volunteers, has already been put to use at our first home site in Manderson, SD (just a few miles from Wounded Knee).  Completion is expected by late Fall. Your continued help will grow this important project at a time when it will have the greatest impact for the children and families of Pine Ridge. 

  Please support our LTHN fund so that we may have the financial resources needed and begin accepting new applications to build our second Lakota Tiny House in the summer of 2016.

   These houses are built by a dedicated group of mentor/carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and volunteers from both on and off the Reservation. Youth are active participants.  These young builders will also be involved in deciding who will receive a LTHN home.  Being empowered to make decisions that impact lives and communities in positive ways is essential for Youth and places them positively at the center of this effort. 

  Your financial help will enable us to grow Lakota Tiny House Nation to meet the needs of the families who make Pine Ridge their home.  We also see a time when LTHN homes serve as classrooms, food distribution centers, clinics, animal shelters, artisan galleries, retail stores, welcome centers, safe houses, and much more.

   Most importantly, this is a Lakota-driven initiative with the support of allies from around the country.  It is not outsiders "fixing an Indian problem".  It is a thoughtfully considered cooperative action designed to provide a positive solution to the devastation of the Oglala Lakota Nation because of suicide.  We wish to build community and cultural understanding while protecting our most valuable resource...our children.

   Any amount you can give will help us.  We anticipate the cost of each house to be between $12,000 - $15,000, with some of the materials provided by the recipients themselves and some donated through the generosity of private donors and companies.  We accept recycleable building materials as well. 

   Your kindness, generosity and sharing of this campaign is gratefully and deeply appreciated.   Many thanks and welcome to the LakotaTiny House Nation. 

   YES!  I WANT TO SUPPORT LTHN!