As a daytime mission center in Rapid City approaches closure, approximately two dozen individuals are urging the city council to address the needs of the homeless population facing the upcoming winter.
The closure has raised concerns about the lack of daytime services for the estimated 500 homeless people in the area.
Despite pushback on a plan for the nonprofit to relocate to a larger facility, community members are pressuring the city government to fill the service gap.
Woyatan Lutheran Church is activating its warming bus for the second consecutive year, while a community workshop recommends repurposing empty properties for essential services like shelters, showers, and warmth.
The Hope Center, set to close on December 8, emphasizes the urgency of finding sustainable solutions beyond survival.
The city council discusses entities providing services, including overnight shelters and a $2 million allocation for crisis services, reflecting differing opinions on the role of city government in addressing homelessness.
Various groups in the city are mobilizing efforts, such as collecting warm clothes to support those in need.