Cornerstone Apartments provide hope for homeless families. This newly opened apartment community consisting of 24 two and three-bedroom apartments offer case management and transitional living services for homeless families in Rapid City. The need for these services in Rapid City prompted Cornerstone Rescue Mission (http://www.cornerstonemission.org) to apply for and receive a Continuum of Care (CoC) Grant from HUD. The CoC grant combined with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and HOME funds from South Dakota Housing Development Authority help build this much needed facility. The resident families receive extensive case management to help them move from homelessness to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Kitchen in Typical Apartment

Local faith-based and other community organizations have embraced the residents of Cornerstone Apartments through the Guardian Angels Program. The Guardian Angels adopt families and help them develop a support network to assist them in making the difficult transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Volunteers assist families in acquiring household items and provide vital social support to help reintegrate families in the community.

The local community has been generous with donations of furniture, kitchen wares, linens and a host of other items to make the apartments home. The Cornerstone Thrift Store has given over $19,000 (thrift store prices) in merchandise and received a grant that purchased beds for every bedroom to help families move from homelessness to self-sufficiency.