State Has Several Programs to Help the Homeless

Press Release

South Dakota has long had a variety of programs and services for the homeless, ranging from food assistance to medical and job assistance.

Those services are even more essential in the current economic climate, said Gov. Mike Rounds. The Governor noted that a recent survey conducted by the South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium indicated the economy has impacted the number of homeless.

"There are people hurting because of current economic conditions, and unfortunately some individuals are ending up homeless," Gov. Rounds said. "While the recession has stretched our safety nets, they are still there to help individuals experiencing difficult times. Some people who have never been eligible or needed our help before may now need our assistance."

The Governor said several state programs are available to address causes of homelessness, such as loss of jobs, mental health issues and substance-abuse problems.

"I want to make sure that people who need our services are aware of what we have to offer," Gov. Rounds said.

The South Dakota Department of Labor (DOL) provides a wide range of services for people who have lost their jobs. There are 19 DOL offices in the state, offering employment information and job-training opportunities.

Unemployment insurance benefits compensate those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, until they can find new jobs. Each DOL office manager is involved with a local homeless coalition group.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) assists those who struggle with alcohol, substance abuse or serious mental illness, and its Division of Mental Health contracts with nine of the 11 community mental health centers to provide specialized services for homeless individuals or those at risk of becoming homeless. The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, also within DHS, accredits 58 agencies across the state to provide chemical dependency services to the homeless, both in outpatient and inpatient settings

In addition, two of the mental health centers, Behavior Management Systems in Rapid City and Southeastern Behavioral HealthCare in Sioux Falls, have Homeless Outreach Programs.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) offers a variety of medical assistance programs, food assistance, and even cash assistance to help the homeless with basic needs.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called the Food Stamp Program, helps with food needs. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash for basic daily needs, helping families with children to become self-sufficient.

Community Action Agencies statewide also can help qualifying individuals with rent deposits, utilities, food and other emergency services.

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