On Monday, December 26, at 11:00 p.m., pipes burst at Union Gospel Mission Sioux Falls, causing major damage to the Women’s Center, Thrift Store and Distribution Center. Current loss estimates are over $100,000.
With no water, heat, phone system or internet in the administrative building, the women and children staying at the shelter were quickly transferred to UGM’s Men’s Center during the night until a plan was put into place the next day. Case Managers and Community Health Workers collaborated together immediately, reaching out to area human services partners including: St. Francis House, Call to Freedom, Children’s Inn, Avera Behavioral Health for emergency placements.
Next Steps - we need volunteers and donations ASAP! Significant work lies ahead over the next couple of weeks as thousands of pounds of destroyed clothing and other items must be baled and removed from the thrift store and distribution center. Due to the flooding incident, both the Thrift Store and Distribution Center will be closed until further notice. However, we are still looking for several donations to meet this urgent need, especially for the Women’s Center. Donations will be received BY APPOINTMENT ONLY at the Main Office building located at 701 East 8th Street, directly next to the thrift store.
UGM Women’s Center donation and urgent needs include: money for new beds, bedding, mattresses, linens, towels, toys, clothing, and computers. To make a financial donation, visit https://ugmsiouxfalls.com/support/, watch the latest weekly update here, drop off at the main office location or mail your gift to 701 East 8th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57103.
What does this mean for our guests? Many of our women's center guests are already connected with Southeastern Behavioral Health, however, homelessness already puts mental health concerns into crisis mode & the added stress of unforeseen events like this just adds to the stress, confusion & fears they have. Most of our residents are curious what their next program will look like, if they're able to come back, what happens to their Case Manager meetings and progress towards personal endeavors. One member knows this situation far too well explaining - “This morning has been full with intakes for all UGM residents. Staff has been doing their best to ensure guests know they have another housing option available until we can reopen the shelter again. In fact, our whole team is working together to get them where they need to be, and we will be in communication with them about their individual needs,” said UGM Community Health Worker Roechelle Williams.
Union Gospel Mission staff has been doing their best to ensure guests are updated and supported throughout the transition. “We work diligently to provide stability to our clients in the shelter. Due to this crisis, we still continue to help them find hope and stability in their everyday needs. We are not passing them off to the other agencies. Our team will be present in their facilities,” said UGM CEO Eric Weber.
Service update - both the UGM Thrift Store and Women's Center are closed for at least 2 weeks. Meal services will resume as scheduled and offered 3 times per day, 7 days a week at the Men’s Center located at 220 N Weber Ave in Sioux Falls. The food box distribution was closed on Tuesday, December 27th, however, we're hoping to resume services on Thursday, December 29th from 1-5pm if progress goes well this week. We will share more updates as soon as we get them.
For all questions on specific donation items needed or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 605-334-6732 to make an appointment or email office@ugmsiouxfalls.com.
Union Gospel Mission is a 501(c)(3) Christian nonprofit serving homeless and low-income men, women and children in the Sioux Falls area for over 122 years. Services include food, shelter, clothing, medical, counseling, art therapy, case management, chapel services and resident recovery programs and are available to anyone regardless of religious beliefs, gender, lifestyle or politics. UGM is also compliant with ADA guidelines. Learn more at www.ugmsiouxfalls.com.