On December 17 and 18, 2025, a historic windstorm tore through northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota. With gusts reaching a staggering 101 MPH, the storm brought the region to a standstill. Power lines snapped, infrastructure faltered, and the National Weather Service in Rapid City recorded its highest wind gust in history at 91 MPH.
For five days, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation sat in the dark. The grid failed, leaving most of the community without power, heat, or light during the freezing winter days.
But amidst the darkness, one building remained a beacon of light and warmth: the Allen Youth and Community Center.
In 2020, Everybody Solar partnered with One Spirit to install a battery-backed solar array at the Center. At the time, the goal was to reduce electricity costs so more funds could go toward youth programs. Last month, that installation proved its worth in a way we couldn’t have fully predicted. When the regional grid collapsed, the Center’s solar system kept the lights on.
For five critical days, the Allen Youth and Community Center became the only building with power in the area. It transformed into a vital lifeline for the community. Residents flocked to the Center to stay warm, cook hot meals in the communal kitchen, do laundry, and, most critically, charge life-saving medical devices such as diabetes pumps.
“The solar system kept us running when everywhere else was down,” said Jeri Baker, Executive Director of One Spirit, our project partner.
This is why solar matters.
While the financial benefits of solar energy are undeniable, allowing nonprofits to redirect savings into their missions, the true value of solar often reveals itself in moments of crisis. It is about resilience. This means ensuring that when disaster strikes, the doors of our community anchors remain open. Ultimately, it is about providing a safe haven where families can gather, eat, and survive when the rest of the world has gone dark.
The storm in Pine Ridge was a stark reminder of our vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather. But it was also a testament to the power of preparation and community investment. Because of the support of our donors and partners, the Allen Youth and Community Center was ready.
We build solar projects not just to save money, but to save lives. We build them so that when the next storm comes, our partners can be the light in the darkness.
To support our mission of bringing resilient, clean energy to more communities like Pine Ridge, please visit our donation page or learn more about our partnership model.
