City updates approach to addressing homelessness with summer ahead

An updated plan to combat homelessness is getting underway, while the city is taking immediate steps to address needs as summer approaches.

For the first time in recent history, the number of people experiencing homelessness decreased year over year during an annual count in January.

“It’s just something exciting to celebrate within our community,” said Michelle Treasure, the city’s homeless services coordinator.

“A lot of things went into maybe why that number changed, but we’re happy to see that decrease.”

The city-funded homeless street outreach contract with South Dakota Urban Indian Health is in its third year. In 2025, the organization assisted 300 different individuals, including many multiple times.

“It’s really been a successful partnership and relationship with them,” Treasure said.

The organization is focusing on meeting people where they’re at, housing success, advocacy, collaboration and sustained funding, she added.

“Their bread-and-butter is to create relationships, partnerships, get the rapport and respect from those that are unsheltered.”

Fourteen people ultimately were sheltered last year after contact with South Dakota Urban Indian Health.

“When you’re dealing with some of that chronic homeless population, 14 people is quite a bit. Most of these people have been banned from all shelters … so to be able to get 14 people into housing while providing 40 hours of street outreach, I feel like has been a pretty good success.”

South Dakota Urban Indian Health needs more help as homelessness expands outside of downtown, and the organization has explored additional outside funding to help support it, Treasure said.

The anti-panhandling campaign started in 2025, and “we felt like it was important to carry this forward into 2026,” Treasure said.

The plan is to run it through mid-August, including updated graphics in downtown Sioux Falls, newsletters and additional street signs in newer problematic areas, along with a skywalk banner and sidewalk stickers. There also will be new signs in 10 locations based on feedback and analysis.

The city also has added to the tool kit it offers businesses and community members, using an approach from Rapid City as well as materials from Fargo to Florida as the city has worked with others. That includes suggested responses people can use when various situations with people experiencing homeless occur.

Next steps include beginning a new three-year homelessness plan, working with North Star Solutions, Augustana Research Institute and Minnehaha County.

“As we are working through what our downtown core looks like as far as homelessness and homelessness shelters and responses and looking to the future … what do we need to be doing to make sure that we’re continuing to support our community?” Treasure said.

The plan is being funded by a donation, she said.

“This donor has worked alongside some of our nonprofits in this space for many years and just sees a need for this to happen,” she said.

The hope is to look at streamlining services to more effectively serve the population, Treasure added.

Those needing assistance with supporting the homeless population can reach out the following ways:

For information on resources, visit here.