MITCHELL (SDPB.ORG) – Residents of Mitchell are hoping to establish the city’s only homeless shelter to assist the hundreds of people without a reliable place to stay.
The Salvation Army in Mitchell reports around 20 people monthly seeking emergency shelter. While Mitchell does have a domestic violence shelter, any other shelters are at least an hour’s drive away in Sioux Falls.
Wendy Figland, a Mitchell resident who has experienced homelessness firsthand, is working to establish the city’s first homeless shelter. Figland, who also spent many years working with the local domestic violence shelter, says Mitchell has far fewer resources than other larger cities in the state.
“Here we have a one-night hotel stay, and go to the food pantry and get some food, go to the Salvation Army for lunch, and that’s kind of the extent of what’s available,” Figland told SDPB.
Figland is a member of a citizen-led task force called “Home for Now,” which is working to establish a shelter that will provide a safe and warm place to stay for people experiencing homelessness. The shelter will also offer access to food, clothing, and other essential services.
The task force includes clergy members, concerned citizens, and faculty members from Dakota Wesleyan University. In its most recent meeting, the group discussed plans to present to Mitchell City Council later this summer.
Reverend Matthew Richards leads the meetings in the conference room of the Congregational United Church of Christ, where he is lead pastor.
“This is entirely grassroots from the community,” he told SDPB. “[We’re] hoping for other organizations to sit in and be involved and partner with us. And also churches as well.”
“Christ says, ‘What you’ve done to the least of these you’ve done to me.’ How can you ignore that?” said Richards.
The group is filing for 501c3 nonprofit status. They hold public meetings twice a month.
— SDPB —