SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — For the last year, volunteers from Midwest Street Medicine have been walking the streets of Sioux Falls and giving free medical care to people who can’t afford it.
Not everyone can afford a trip to the doctor, so that’s where the non-profit comes in.
“Today, we just have our small group of folks who go out and just check in with people and see what they need and see how we can help,” volunteer Dr. Shannon Emry said.
One place volunteers checked in was at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House. That’s where they met with George Van Vooren. The army veteran lost his right leg and toes on his left leg from frostbite.
“They even come in, come out here on the street because I can’t go in. They come out here on the street with me and make sure my wounds are all healed and doing good and stuff like that. I wouldn’t know what to do without them,” Van Vooren said.
Just like Van Vooren, every person Midwest Street Medicine helps has a unique story.
“There are as many paths to homelessness as there are people experiencing homelessness, so there’s not a one size, there’s not just one story that you can tell. There are multiple ways people end up out here and end up struggling, so I don’t think it’s fair to kind of lump everyone in one category,” Emry said.
No matter the path, Dr. Emry says everyone deserves health care and to be cared for as a person.
“I think the more we stigmatize homelessness or stigmatize addiction, that’s just really not helpful,” Emry said.
Van Vooren appreciates the care and would like to see more people support organizations like Midwest Street Medicine.
“You need to fund them so that they can come out here and help us because we can’t do it,” Van Vooren said.
If you would like to donate to Midwest Street Medicine, click here.
