South Dakota Governor Rounds Takes Steps to End Homelessness

Governor Rounds signs executive order creating Interagency Homeless Counsel.

Governor Mike Rounds issued and signed Executive Order 03-7 on September 25, 2003 establishing the South Dakota Interagency Council on Homelessness to evaluate and address homelessness issues in South Dakota.

"There exists a need for increased and improved collaboration among State agencies which receive federal funding to address homelessness needs," commented Rounds. "With a joint effort such as this, mainstream services and housing resources can be targeted and better utilized to their greatest potential."

The Council is challenged with a variety of duties including identifying and defining homeless issues, determining effective strategies for the prevention of homelessness in South Dakota, providing public education to, and working with various advocacy, business, and faith-based groups and consumers regarding policy and program development.

"With the council working together with homeless advocates and local service providers, we plan to focus specifically how best to help these individuals obtain training, employment, housing, and transportation." Concluded Rounds.