How We Help Overcome Poverty

Rent, Utility, and Material Assistance

• Rent, Utility, and Material Assistance program need:  Often the largest bills each month are for rent and utilities. Getting help with a daunting bill payment even just once can turn the tide and help an individual or family reach financial stability again. 
• Rent, Utility, and Material Assistance program summary:  No one should have to choose between heating their home during the frigid winter months and putting food on the table, and yet, sadly, many are forced to make that very choice. That's why we are grateful to work with Black Hills Energy to offer utility assistance via HeatShare funds. Learn more about HeatShare.  We also provide gas vouchers, diapers and other household supplies for those who need help making ends meet.   

Back-to-School Supplies

• Back-to-School Supplies program summary:  Families living within a limited budget often find the back-to-school season particularly challenging. The costs of school supplies can add up quickly, which is why we are happy to help kids get what they need to start the school year off on the right foot.  

Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance

• Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance program summary:  Because the holidays can put an even greater strain on an already-tight budget, we provide food baskets at Thanksgiving and toys and food at Christmas to families in need. 

Food Programs

• Food Programs summary:  Because hunger is one of the most significant effects of poverty, we offer several food programs, including a nutritious community meal six days a week, a food pantry and lunches at area parks for hungry kids during the summer. Learn more about our food programs.

Pathway of Hope

• Pathway of Hope population served:  The goal of Pathway of Hope is to guide families with children 18 years and younger through crisis and instability to a place of security to ultimately break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. 
• Pathway of Hope offers strengths-based casework, providing services such as:
  • financial counseling and planning
  • goal setting with manageable action steps
  • job training, referrals and employment assistance
  • assistance with securing housing and childcare
  • emotional and spiritual support 
• Pathway of Hope program summary:  Pathway of Hope works with people where they are, offering practical guidance to help families overcome obstacles and achieve their big-picture goals, one step at a time.