He Came Home To Celebrate His Nephew’s Birthday And Saw The Sad Conditions His Elderly Grandparents Are Living In Along With The Kids They Are Raising, So Now He’s Trying To Change That

Kyle, South Dakota. Brandon, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was raised off the reservation. But his commitment to his home community and family is still profound.

After returning home recently for his five-year-old nephew’s birthday, he immediately noticed that his aunt, nieces, and nephews lived in deplorable conditions.

“I witnessed no running water, no windows, blankets on the walls for insulation – my heart instantly broke,” he shared. 

And when he saw Melissa Lynn’s eyes brimming with tears, he knew he had to help.

“I am hoping to spread a ‘Call for Help’ from a Lakota Elderly Couple taking care of their four grandkids,” he wrote in his GoFundMe post.

The family soon told Brandon about how the Tribe and its Programs had denied them any support besides a bit of firewood.

“I witnessed the kids taking turns using the flashlight on the cellphone to go outside and use the bathroom in -1 degree weather.”

Without electricity, it was clear that the family struggled to perform basic tasks and withstand the brutal weather.

GoFundMe; pictured above is where Brandon’s family is living

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When Brandon applied to external programs for help—”for a motel room, financial assistance for a used trailer…temporary use of the RVs sitting vacant”—he received the same response; the family was given no external support.

When temperatures dropped below -7 degrees, the family had to stay up all night tending the fire. But by morning, they were living in dire conditions. Finally, an assistance program got them two nights in a motel, but it was a short-term solution for a long-term problem.

“I need everyone’s help to get their home fixed up before they return with the grandkids.” He shared. “They have absolutely nothing. The kids are 13, 10, 5 and 10 months old. I need your help to help them.”

Brandon’s goals are simple: to find the family a used trailer so they can trash the one he describes as “condemned.”

Then, he’ll purchase food, hygiene products, and clothing for the family while the grandchildren stay in a hotel to wait out the freezing temperatures.

Brandon shared his clear vision for the fundraiser; “The goal is to secure match funds from the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Programs, Businesses and private donors to purchase lumber and other materials needed to build a permanent frame house for the family.” 

Thankfully, construction crews have already contacted him about donating their time and energy toward building the family a new home.

The family will receive all funding in the form of necessary items, and the deed to the new house will be in Melissa Lynn’s name.

Though the GoFundMe’s goal was only $5,000, the family has raised over $25,000! But you can still donate and learn more about their amazing story here.

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