Operation Walking Shield Coordinates Housing Solution For Kickapoo Tribe Families

"The transfer of homes from a base to a reservation is a practical and cost-effective housing solution for rural American Indian families," Dr. John Castillo, executive director of Walking Shield, Inc. said. "A quality home slated for demolition now provides a family a safer and healthier place to live and build a promising future for children."

The homes, which were transported by semi-trailers, were originally slated for demolition at the base. Riley's, LLC, the privatized partnership between the U.S. Army and Corvias Military Living, worked with Operation Walking Shield to save and donate the homes to help meet the Kickapoo Nation's housing needs. Since October 2015, there have been at least ten Kickapoo tribal members who have been on a waiting list for homes. In a community where it's common for multi-generational families to live under one roof, there is a pressing need for quality, three to four bedroom houses.

There are additional 250 homes at Fort Riley planned for demolition and another 335 homes designated as excess that could eventually be donated through the Riley's, LLC partnership. Fort Riley is the first active-duty U.S. Army installation to donate houses through Operation Walking Shield, which is the housing and infrastructure branch of Walking Shield, Inc. headquartered in Lake Forest, California.

With a long-standing partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, Operation Walking Shield staff members have unique experience in working with the military to identify excess housing units and coordinate discussions between tribes and military bases. The goal is to transfer the excess homes, normally designated for demolition, to reservations with significant housing shortages.

About Walking Shield, Inc.
Since 1986, Walking Shield has been improving the quality of life for American Indian families by coordinating programs that provide shelter, healthcare, community development support, educational assistance and humanitarian aid. Walking Shield, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization collaborates with tribal leaders, the Department of Defense, government agencies, corporations and foundations to fulfill its mission in some of the country's most remote regions.  Visit the website at www.walkingshield.org.

Contact: Dr. John Castillo, 949-639-0472

SOURCE Walking Shield, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.walkingshield.org