Paving a Way out of Poverty

How We Help Overcome Poverty

The following programs are available through our Family Services at 900 N. Cliff Ave. Call 605-332-2331 for more information or to make an appointment. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. 

Emergency Rent and Utilities Assistance
A person shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying the electric bill, but sadly, these are often the choices that people living in poverty are forced to make. We offer emergency rent and utilities assistance to help individuals and families make ends meet during times of financial crisis. 

Appointments for rent and utilities assistance can be made Monday through Friday between 1 and 3:30 p.m. (last client appointment is 3:30 p.m.).

• For utility assistance please provide a disconnect notice, notice of action from Minnehaha County dated within 30 days of your appointment with us, a photo ID, social security cards for all members of the household and proof of income. 
• For rent assistance please provide an eviction notice, notice of action from Minnehaha County dated with 30 days of your appointment with us, a photo ID, social security cards for all members of the household and proof of income.

Back-to-School Shopping for Families in Need
Outfitting kids with clothes, shoes, backpacks and supplies before the start of the school year can put a financial strain on low-income families. That’s why each August we invite approximately 80 children from Lincoln and Minnehaha counties who are enrolled in our youth development programs or who have been assisted by our Family Services to start their school year off on the right foot by inviting them to our back-to-school shopping spree, sponsored by Hofer Trust. We are especially grateful to Eastside Kohl's and their staff for their patience and kindness and for allowing the families to visit the store early to get their back-to-school shopping done.

Coats for All
Winter in South Dakota can be harsh, which is why for the past 31 years we’ve partnered with KDLT News, Billion Automotive, Shipley’s Garment Spa and Results Radio to collect winter coats and accessories for people in need. Our goal is to keep men, women and children in Sioux Falls warm during South Dakota’s coldest months.  

Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets
The holidays can be more stressful than joyful when the budget is tight. That’s why we partner with Avera McKennen Hospital & University Health Center and Hy-Vee to provide delicious Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need. At Christmas, our partnerships with First United Methodist Church, Empire Mall and 30 Angel Tree collection sites ensure that there will be food on the table and gifts under the tree.

Prison Toy Lift Program
We make Christmas possible by providing gifts to children whose fathers are incarcerated.

Pathway of Hope
The goal of Pathway of Hope is to guide families living in Lincoln and Minnehaha counties with children 18 years and younger through crisis and instability to a place of security in order to ultimately break the generational cycle of poverty. We offer strengths-based casework, providing services such as:

• financial counseling and planning
• goal setting with manageable action steps
• job training, referrals and employment assistance
• assistance with securing housing and childcare
• emotional and spiritual support 

Pathway of Hope works with people where they are, offering practical guidance to help families overcome obstacles and achieve their big-picture goals, one step at a time.