Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) –Cold weather can bring difficulties for those without a home.
Limited resources also prevent many from getting back on their feet.
Being able to work together to make sure people in need get the correct resources.
“Helping houseless individuals in the winter time. We came together at the right time early before winter set in to determine who’s going to do what this winter. And at the end of the day, we all have the same goal of keeping people alive.” Pennington County Human Services Director Barry Tice Said.
The organizations involved are the Health & Human Services, Wyotan Lutheran Church, Journey On, Cornerstone Rescue Mission, and the Care Campus.
“We got together and we just formulated a plan. We’re going to contact each other when the weather is getting cold, see who’s available for what. How we can work together to make sure that we can get as many people to a safe warm place as possible.” Journey On Street & Youth Outreach Director Betsy Running Shield said.
“So then we’re able to talk and plant the idea that, hey there are options available. And I think every service provider is doing that. As you build that rapport it makes it easier to sit down and have conversations about, here’s options available if you’re ready to change the direction in your life.” Care Campus Director Tony Verchio said.
South Dakota winters can turn harsh quickly, and keeping people inside is the best way to help them.
“In the winter it becomes much more difficult walking and riding bikes. Wambli Ska, they have a bus that’s currently getting repaired right now, but it’s a warming bus. So individuals can get on that bus and stay warm.” Tice said.
Journey On is a transportation tool in this campaign, helping people get to and from these resources.
“We do focus on the houseless relatives. People who are staying with other family members, couch surfing, anybody who’s not in a secure place of their own. We get people to and from shelters, resources, the hospital.” Running Shield said.
Journey On will also be making itself more seen after hours during these colder months.
“As a community it should be our goal to help individuals walk down a different path so that for the next six months or six years, it’s not this same cycle of having to sleep outside for whatever reason.” Tice said.
This winter it’s all about patience and stamina, making sure that you can take the time to lend a hand, or find someone who can in any given situation.
“If we reach an extreme weather event where it’s cold and it’s not safe for people to be outside, Even during the day normally when we don’t have folks in our safe solutions area, we will work with our other partners and make sure that if someone needs shelter here, we get them shelter here.” Verchio said.
Other than helping people who are in difficult positions, the Be Cool Campaign aims to help them improve themselves to get out of their tough situation.
