LETTER | Several factors lead to poor response to homelessness

Letter by Anny Libengood of Sioux Falls

Bishop Dudley Hospitality House. (Dakota Scout archives)

The debate around “the fence” has been wrongly reframed as an issue of homelessness and city leadership. It's important to clarify, under South Dakota's codified law 28-13, that counties, not cities, are statutorily responsible for the care of the needy. Your property tax dollars are being used to fund the Minnehaha/Lincoln County Human Services office. This office supports critical programs like Safe Home, a “Housing First” initiative, and offers case management, housing navigation and emergency relief.

That said, positive outcomes are often hindered by several systemic issues: a lack of skilled leadership, insufficient direction, poor collaboration and limited resources. The infighting and absence of a unified strategy result in fragmented efforts. New programs often emerge to address specific populations or issues, but without a broader, coordinated approach, they can perpetuate or even worsen the problem.

LETTER | Sioux Falls needs more overnight solutions for homeless