Rapid City groups try to provide housing during extreme weather, but city officials order shelter work halted
In the face of extreme weather conditions and the closure of the Hope Center, community organizations in Rapid City have come together to address the urgent needs of the unsheltered population. Despite the absence of coordination with city officials leading up to today, Woyatan Lutheran Church (seen above in a picture from the church’s website) and several other dedicated organizations have been planning and have taken it upon themselves to assist.
On Friday afternoon, John Olson, escorted by Rapid City Police Lt. Tim Doyle, said he was “speaking on behalf of the mayor and the chief” indicating he was interested in coordinating. However, at the end of the meeting, the city code enforcement inspector provided the Woyatan president with a stop-work order in response to an emergency shelter overflow tent that had been erected.
Woyatan took this action as a result of having a scheduled funeral overnight.
Additionally, the severity of the situation became apparent as individuals were turned away from the Care Campus just yesterday, highlighting the persisting issue of limited shelter capacity in Rapid City.
In response to this dire need, the city extended an offer to provide temporary shelter in the jail, a solution deemed inappropriate and unacceptable by community leaders. When asked about resources for families, Olson’s response was, “I don’t have any answers; obviously, there are unmet needs.”
Such dismissive and ineffective statements failed to assure the community regarding the safety of all unsheltered individuals. The severity of the situation became apparent as individuals were turned away from the Care Campus just yesterday, highlighting the persisting issue of limited shelter capacity in our community.
In a swift response, community leaders and organizations mobilized to provide support. Chris White Eagle, president of the Lakota Center, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support.
“I was overjoyed to receive a phone call about the Lakota Home Board’s willingness to open the doors of their community center to meet the needs of unsheltered individuals,” White Eagle said.
He emphasized the community’s resilience during this trying week and extended gratitude to the generous individuals and supportive community organizations. He reiterated their primary objective: to ensure the well-being of all community members. Recognizing that not everyone has the capacity to make healthy decisions, they view it as their collective responsibility to provide assistance to those in need.
Additionally, many individuals are awaiting housing and have no alternative shelter options. The commitment to treating every person with the utmost respect and dignity remains at the core of their mission and goal.
The Lakota Center, in collaboration with NDN Collective, WambliSka, Dakota AIM Grassroots, Urban Roots Ancient Wisdom, COUP Council, and St. Matthews/St. Andrews, is fully committed to ensuring the health and safety of unsheltered individuals and families facing this challenging situation.
Lakota Center is a dedicated community organization of the Woyatan Lutheran Church committed to Lakota people providing community resources to improve their individual health and well-being and that of the community. In times of crisis and throughout the year, they stand united to ensure the well-being and dignity of all community members, particularly those facing homelessness and extreme weather conditions.
For shelter needs, contact Hermus Bettelyoun at 605-872-9921 or Chris White Eagle at 605-787-8918. For more information or to offer support, please contact Annie Bachand at 602-999-2424.
Annie Bachand of Rapid City is an advocate, writer, speaker and public health consultant dedicated to equity, justice, and community empowerment.
