The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has awarded $2.02 million in
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the city of Mitchell for a new Mitchell Area
Safehouse facility.
The Mitchell Area Safehouse is a domestic violence shelter and family visitation center that serves adult
survivors and their children. Services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, and referral
services as well as visitation services in a positive, non-threatening environment.
“I am proud to be able to award this grant to the city of Mitchell. October is Domestic Violence
Awareness Month and the programs and their advocates need to be commended for the work they do,”
says GOED Commissioner Steve Westra. “Domestic violence needs to be eradicated and I am hopeful
these funds will assist in helping those who have been affected in some way.”
The total estimated project for the new facility is over $4 million. These funds will utilize CARES Act
monies to assist in helping comply with Covid-19 CDC guidelines, ADA compliance, and policies for
capital improvement. Examples are two different living areas for clients as well as kitchen facilities for
two families to cook in while practicing social distancing.
“We are thrilled that the State of South Dakota has selected the Mitchell Area Safehouse to receive this
CDBG grant utilizing CARES Act funds. It will be a tremendous blessing to the clients we serve as well as
our staff. A new facility will have a great impact on the city of Mitchell and the seven other counties we
serve for years to come,” says Nancy Wietgrefe, Executive Director, Mitchell Area Safehouse.
Planning and Development District III is assisting with this process and will work with both the city of
Mitchell and the Mitchell Area Safehouse to complete the project. The CDBG funds provide local
governments with funding to complete projects that improve living conditions. The program is funded
through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administrated by the Governor’s
Office of Economic Development
