Are you Homeless or about to be?

1. Try to locate an assistance program near you.
Some agencies provide homeless prevention assistance. These programs may have waiting lists, require an appointment/interview, or have certain restrictions on who they serve. For these reasons, the sooner you can find a program that may be able help you, the better. If you do not know of any programs near you, the section Sources of Help may help you find one.

2. Apply for Public Housing and/or Section 8 Housing.
Waiting lists for public and Section 8 housing vary across the state, but housing may be immediately available. You can find out how to apply by calling the South Dakota Housing Development Authority at 605-773-3181 to get information about available housing in your community or look for the number of your local public housing authority in the government section of the phone book.
Search for rental housing in your area
Catalog of Affordable Rental Housing
Housing Resource Guide

3. Apply for Transitional Housing.
In some communities, transitional housing is an option for people who are homeless. The sooner you apply, the sooner your name comes to the top of the list. You will have to fill out an application and make an appointment for an interview. Follow through with as many of these programs as possible.

4. Make sure your ID is current and available.
If your driver's license has expired, or been taken for a traffic ticket, etc., reapply or get your State ID processed. If you only have a print-out of your Social Security Card, get a new card to replace it as soon as possible. Many shelters and employers have strict ID requirements, and it will make things easier if you have these things ready or in process. Set up a P.O. Box for delivery of mail if that is possible.

5. Make an Emergency Pack.
If you have more than two bags for yourself, or one for each child, try to find someone you know who can and will hold your things for you. Almost every shelter has limits on the amount of baggage people can carry with them because they don't have enough space.

Pack the things you can take with you. Try to arrange a ride or some sort of transportation for the day you'll have to leave. If there is anyone who can lend you some money, now would be the time to borrow it. Try to keep at least $20-$50 with you in a safe place just for emergencies. Make sure your ID is in a safe and accessible place -- you will want to take it with you.

Some shelters charge money, or have strict ID requirements. These recomendations are just suggestions so that you will have the most resources at your disposal when you need it.

 

For more information on how to get help, contact:

Housing for the Homeless Consortium
Attn: Lisa Bondy, SDHDA
P.O. Box 1237, Pierre, SD 57501
605.773.3445
lisab@sdhda.org