SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls, South Dakota—Robert Marbut, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, appointed by President Trump in December 2019, will make a site visit to Union Gospel Mission, 708 E. 8th Street in Sioux Falls, Friday, October 9, at 9 a.m.
“I’m excited to show Mr. Marbut what we’re doing at UGM to respond to the issues that cause homelessness and keep people homeless,” said Eric Weber, executive director at the Mission.
“Our programs and services are designed to lift people out of homelessness by teaching life-skills like budgeting and building healthy relationships, offering work and art therapy and counseling, and by introducing them to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We don’t want to just feed and shelter the homeless; we want to breathe new life into them, helping them overcome barriers to stable, productive living,” Weber said.
Marbut has received criticism since his appointment for his positions on popular solutions to homelessness, such as Housing First. “We actually feel that many individuals are not ready to be permanently housed right away,” Weber said. “Housing First can be a real win for families with children, but many individuals dealing with addiction and mental disorders aren’t ready for housing and are evicted soon after moving into housing. A structured recovery program can be a very positive step to take before moving into permanent housing.”
Union Gospel Mission provides emergency services, such as free meals and overnight shelter, and a Christian resident recovery program for an average 145 people each day. “We serve
an average 500+ meals each day and provide 150 beds each night,” said Weber, adding that anyone who comes into the Mission for services is encouraged to join the resident recovery program or is referred to other recovery services in the city.
Weber said, “Approximately 80% of the adults who come into the Mission have a substance abuse addiction, or an addiction to unhealthy relationships, or gambling. Many have issues with mental illness, domestic violence, trouble handling money, and some have no marketable skills, especially in light of COVID 19.”
The Mission is a private Christian organization, dependent on the donations of individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, and civic groups. “It’s a daily struggle to raise the money needed to meet our budget,” Weber said. “But we have a generous and compassionate community in Sioux Falls. And we are dedicated to helping the homeless become productive members of our wonderful community.”
(Janice Almond of the Union Gossip Mission contributed this report.)
