Our Indian reservations contain some of the deepest pockets of poverty in the United States. Over three hundred thousand Native Americans are homeless. Countless homeless families and others live in shacks and up to 20 people can live in a single uninsulated mobile home. It is heartbreaking!

In the face of this enormous problem, Robert and his volunteers are going into reservations and teaching communities to build their own homes out of straw bales. He has been able to form a partnership with the University of Washington and Penn State University, and together they have designed a community-friendly model that is three times more energy efficient than a typical home. Families are saving enough in heating costs alone per month to pay the majority of the mortgage on a new home.

For seven years, Robert Young has kept Red Feather afloat with his life savings and donations from caring individuals. But the ignorance in our country of the plight of native families is deep. Most funding organizations do not want to look at the problem. The result is that Red Feather turns down hundreds of volunteers a year simply because they do not have funding to conduct additional building projects.

Several years ago Robert was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite this tragic disease and its complications, Robert continues his effort.

Because of the tremendous difference I have seen in the lives of tribal members he has touched, I am compelled to nominate Robert Young for the Volvo for life Award. He is empowering people, helping families and giving Indian children and their communities hope for a better tomorrow.

For more information about Robert's work with the Red Feather Development Group please visit www.redfeather.org.

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