St. Francis House Opens Fundraiser for 38 New Apartments

St. Francis House in Sioux Falls is asking local businesses to contribute to a new fundraising effort for 38 efficiency apartments. The organization launched the "Healing Home" campaign on Wednesday, November 4, at the Mosaic in Sioux Falls. The campaign seeks $1.5 million through the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Community Appeals program. This local push is one component of a larger $10 million goal required to finish the campus expansion.

The project adds housing units and creates dedicated space for partner agencies to provide services. These services include behavioral health care, substance use recovery, medical care, job assistance, financial counseling, and cultural support. The campus will also feature the community's first Donation Depot, a facility designed to help residents and others easily donate goods to the organization and its partners.

Ben Dold, president and chief operating officer of Midco, and Mark Millage, director of community relations at Furniture Mart USA, are leading the fundraising effort. They are joined by more than 60 volunteers who will approach Chamber members for donations over the coming months. Dold described the project as being built around responsible stewardship. He noted that the design brings partner agencies together to share programming, resources, and in-kind donations.

Kari Benz, director of human services for Minnehaha and Lincoln counties, stated that St. Francis House provides unmatched services in the region. She said the organization has a long-standing presence in the community and takes a proactive approach to meeting the needs of people affected by the criminal justice system. A former guest described the organization's impact in personal terms. The guest said staff helped them find a job and stay sober. The guest added that without the organization, they would not be financially stable today.

Julie Becker, CEO of St. Francis House, said the organization involved guests in the design process. She explained that Native American individuals designed a cultural room for talking circles. Becker said the guests wanted this space, and it is now a reality. Mark Millage, the other campaign co-chair, said the group will measure success by seeing people heal and return to the workforce. He said the greatest reward will be watching individuals who experienced homelessness or incarceration become stable members of the community.

The kickoff event on Wednesday marked the official start of the public fundraising phase. Campaign leaders plan to seek donations from Chamber members in the months ahead. The organization maintains that the expansion will allow it to continue serving those transitioning out of homelessness and incarceration in the region.