Impending winter temperatures have added a sense of urgency for the Sioux Falls homeless task force. The group discussed the need for emergency and transitional housing during its meeting on Monday.
Madeline Shields, executive director of the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, said the fire marshal recently capped the shelter's capacity at 155 people. Shields said the shelter surpassed that number 30 nights over the past couple years.
"We need to know on those 30 nights, what do we do with those extra people? And that's a real concern for us," she said.
One of the members of the task force is Terry Liggins, a life coach who has experienced homelessness. He told Shields the thought of turning people away from the shelter keeps him awake at night.
"But I'm just curious," he said, "In your position, has anybody brought you ideas of what to do with your 156th guest?"
"No," Shields replied simply, and silence fell for a moment. Sheilds went on to say dozens of people could be turned away, and she wants to be able to refer those people to other shelters—especially during winter's life-threatening cold temperatures.
Andy Patterson with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation is another member of the task force. He's concerned that one shelter is over capacity while other shelters have open beds.
"Because we've got a problem coming in about two months," he said, again referencing impending winter. "And there's a lot of talk of collaboration and willingness but it seems like one place in town has to carry the water for all of these people that don't have a place to be."
Some members of the task force plan to connect with other local shelters to understand their capacity. The group plans to propose policy to the city government by the end of this year.
