Amy Eldridge

This housing needs study for Belle Fourche analyzes demographic, economic, and housing market trends from 2000 through 2024, with projections to 2030. It identifies moderate population and household growth, increasing demand for diverse housing types, and significant housing affordability challenges, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents. Key findings highlight the need for increased owner-occupied, senior-friendly, and rental housing, alongside initiatives for housing preservation and repair. The study culminates in recommendations for addressing these needs and developing a community housing strategic plan.

The meeting included updates and discussions on various topics, including the Continuum of Care, competition updates and debrief, advocacy efforts, Stand Up for Housing, ESG, SHIP, HMIS, data warehousing, data request process, and CES. Updates were provided on ESG traditional funding, SHIP allocations, and HMIS end-user surveys. A new process for third-party data requests was discussed. The CES workgroup presented updates on revised policies and procedures, a monitoring tool for access points, and an updated MOU for access points. The first Annual Lisa Bondy Award for Outstanding Service was presented.

The meeting included updates from CoC Support Staff, including the release of the PIT Press and media reporting. Project monitoring is moving forward well this year. Monitoring for access points has begun. Feedback was sought on the dashboards. HMIS Office hours began in February and has been well received. The 2025 ESG application will be released soon.

The consolidated plan for South Dakota from 2023 to 2027 outlines strategies for housing and community development. Key priorities include affordable housing initiatives such as developing new rental units, rehabilitating existing properties, and providing assistance to special needs populations. The plan also addresses homelessness through emergency solutions grants and emphasizes non-housing community development with a focus on workforce training and economic development. The plan aims to leverage federal funds with private, state, and local resources to achieve its goals.

The Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting included discussions on the SDHHC Gov. Charter Agreement, focusing on changes to the wording and format for monitoring recipients. The PAC also reviewed and approved a letter for PAC elections to be distributed to the CoC. Updates were provided on the PIT Count Report, the Homeless Summit, the Homeless Prevention Build-out, the ESG Funding Report, and Emergency Housing Vouchers.