Watertown Cares is excited to be able to provide temporary emergency housing to our fellow citizens in the area who do not have permanent housing and, through relational, intensive case management, help these persons secure permanent housing as well as the ability to maintain their housing and lead productive lives.
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is providing Watertown Cares, funding to purchase 612 Flats, which will be converted into eight units for Emergency Housing.
Unlike a typical homeless shelter that provides a safe place to spend the night, and perhaps a meal, Watertown Cares, will, in addition to providing safe shelter, provide ongoing case management to help clients address the many contributing factors that have led to their homelessness, and help them regain stability, dignity, and hope in their lives.
Ultimately, shelters are not the cure to homelessness. Affordable housing is the cure. It is much more expensive to shelter a family for a year than it is to provide housing. As vital as Emergency Housing is to someone whose only other choice is to spend an uncertain night beneath the stars or in a vehicle, Watertown Cares, will explore additional options for other housing needs, such as transitional housing and additional income-based housing in the community.
Watertown Cares, will also provide Rapid Rehousing Support and Homeless Prevention Services to persons who do not have permanent housing, or who are at risk of losing their housing.
None of these services would be possible without the on-going support of the Watertown community. Supporting funds to assist with start-up costs have been provided by the Watertown Area Community Foundation, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Codington County, and the City of Watertown.
Will Warnock
Executive Director
Watertown Cares
Good to know fact - Watertown Cares' creation is a result of the Codington County Social Services Strategic Plan's objective to develop safe, affordable housing that meets community needs including emergency & transitional housing. Read more about the strategic plan