Bismarck, N.D. (AP) A number of tribes in North Dakota have received $5.5 million in federal funds to help families that struggle to heat their homes during the winter and cool during the summer.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program assists households with heating, cooling and home energy costs, as well as insulation in order to make homes more energy efficient.
Jeannie Chaffin with the U.S. Department of Health and Human services says the program is a lifeline for many vulnerable individuals. She says extreme indoor temperatures can negatively affect seniors and young children in particular.
The tribes that received funding are the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, Spirit Lake tribe, three affiliated tribes and Turtle Mountain Chippewa Band.