A social services organization is appealing for funds to build an affordable housing project in Sioux Falls.
The non-profit Glory House is partnering with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce to raise $1.35 million in a campaign to construct at least 72 efficiency apartments next to its current campus on South West Avenue.
The City of Sioux Falls partially donated the land in return for the organization to build affordable housing.
Glory House president and CEO Dave Johnson says the project began to fill a need in the community.
“What we continuously saw was clients with felony records having a hard time finding safe, clean, affordable housing that would be accessible to supportive-type services,” he said. “Actually, it’s been a long-term goal of the boards and about 10 years ago we started working on it.”
Johnson said the housing’s proximity to Glory House’s campus will provide residents easier access to social services.
Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead said the money raised through the campaign contributes not only to the individuals in need of housing but to the greater population of Sioux Falls.
“Providing long term housing with support services and extending the length of sobriety can reduce demands on law enforcement and the courts, save taxpayer dollars, greatly reduce recidivism and even save lives,” he said in a news release.
Construction on the first 25 units of the apartment complex is expected to finish by mid-December.
