(Editor's note: This is just one part of a series of stories about local candidates in the upcoming June 2 primary, municipal and school board election. Find more coverage here.)
Simplified: Sioux Falls Simplified surveyed readers before talking to all of the local political hopefuls, and one of the topics that came up most was the city's approach to homelessness and supporting Sioux Falls' unhoused population. Here's what mayoral candidates had to say on that topic.
Here's what we asked:
What is your philosophy when it comes to addressing homelessness in our community? And what, if anything, would you do differently than the current administration?
And here's what candidates (listed in alphabetical order) had to say:
Joe Batcheller said he wants to see more systems and shared data, e.g. making the Helpline Center's Network of Care more effective so various programs can work together.
- He also wants to see more transitional housing and possibly a day center to help coordinate multiple nonprofit services under one roof.
"I think we need to decide as a community how do we want to handle homelessness," Batcheller said. "Do we want to prioritize getting people into homes vs. criminalizing it? I can tell you putting people in to homes is far less expensive, and it's just the right thing to do. It's a more humanitarian approach to the situation."
Christine Erickson noted that she was on council when it approved funding for The Link triage center, and that the next step is figuring out where folks go after The Link and how the city can meet them where they are.
- She also appreciates the downtown ambassador program and street teams meeting people where they are.
"I think we really need to hone in on that and find out the root of homelessness," she said. "Technically, it falls within the county’s responsibilities per state law, but the city is within the county, and we need to be a good partner on that. So I envision some collaboration on that in how we can really move the needle in getting people the help that they need."
Greg Jamison said homelessness is one of those challenges every administration tries to fix, but it's a "difficult challenge," but "we won't quit." He said he'd look forward to being the full-time guy to bring this issue to the proverbial table.
"There’s a lot of people who are almost like one event away from being homeless, so strengthening that position is also an opportunity to avoid them becoming homeless," Jamison said. "So it’s like we need to step in front of it so we can get behind it."
Jamie Smith said the first place to start is with the immediate need, especially on cold nights, in making sure people have access to shelter and safety.
- He also said he's pleased with the city and county's collaboration on a Safe Home, and would like to continue moving in that direction.
- Additionally, the city should look at the root causes of homelessness, including mental health, addiction, etc.
"It’s an all-of-the-above approach, and it’s always going to be a problem," Smith said. "We can never ignore it. We need to probably put a little more effort though into that area as well."
David Zokaites said the first step is providing shelter and taking a "housing first" approach. Then, once they're housed, people can be further supported with any necessary addiction or mental health treatment, as needed.
"And, it turns out, all of this doesn't really cost any money because of the money it saves," Zokaites said. "I've looked at studies that say it’s actually cheaper to house the homeless than it is to ignore them."
