SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – November 18 marks the beginning of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Sioux Falls. It’s a time of collaboration for the area shelters and agencies to bring to light a difficult topic in the city.
To kick off Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, area leaders and advocates walked through the rain in remembrance of people who have lost their lives and been touched by homelessness.
New signs going up at Falls Park
“We have 63 names of people that we are remembering today who passed away this year in 2024 who were either homeless at the time that they passed away or homeless at some point in their lives,” Madeline Shields, Executive Director of the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, said.
Prior to the walk, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken read a proclamation that highlighted the degree to which the city sees homelessness. “Hundreds of individuals have been identified as homeless including more than 1,556 unduplicated individuals, including 40 children, who have utilized this place right here, the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House so far this year,” TenHaken said. “1,109 unduplicated guests at the Union Gospel Mission and 602 unduplicated individuals, including 36 children, at the St. Francis House this year.”Hunger is also an issue in the city. “With 34,250 lunches being served at the Bishop Dudley House, 128,694 meals served at the Union Gospel Mission,” TenHaken said. “But also our wider community where 146,000 meals have been served by the Banquet’s two locations this year.”Numbers that show the staggering need for support to the area non-profits lending a helping hand. “None of us can do this work alone. We have to work together,” Shields said. “And I am proud to be in a city that encourages all of the collaboration.”
There’s a number of events happening this week to raise awareness for hunger and homeless including the annual Walk a Mile in their Shoes event on Saturday:
Tuesday: Minnehaha County and Eat Well Mobile Market
1 pm – 5 pm @ 521 N. Main
Mobile Market parked out front with multiple agencies tabling inside on the main concourse
Wednesday: The Banquet and Lunch is Served
Breakfast 7 to 8 am
Dinner 6 to 7:30 pm
Thursday: Call to Freedom and Urban Indian Health
12 to 1 pm @ 1800 W. 12th Street
Red Sand Awareness Event
Organizers ask attendees to wear red
Friday: Union Gospel Mission and Faith Temple Food Giveaway
2 to 4 pm: Cocoa and Coats @ 705 E. 8th Street
4 to 6 pm: Faith Temple Food Giveaway @ 100 Lyon Blvd.
Saturday: 8th Annual Walk a Mile
10:30 am registration, 11 am walk begins
Start at Big Sioux River and 6th Street
