Community advocates oppose Bishop Dudley House fence proposal citing homelessness solutions

The Regular City Council Meeting held on March 4, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, focused heavily on the contentious proposal to install a fence around the Dudley parking lot, a site frequently used by individuals experiencing homelessness. The meeting featured multiple speakers, including healthcare professionals, business owners, and community advocates, who expressed their concerns regarding the effectiveness of the proposed fencing as a solution to homelessness.

The first speaker, a physician, highlighted the limitations of the fence, arguing that while it may reduce police calls in the immediate area, it would merely displace individuals to other neighborhoods, such as Whittier and Heritage Park. The physician emphasized that the fence does not address the root causes of homelessness and called for more comprehensive solutions, including long-term housing and supportive services. They pointed out the stigma surrounding homelessness and the need for community support to tackle the issue effectively.

David Salkaitis, another speaker, echoed these sentiments, stating that homelessness is a complex problem intertwined with various social issues, including addiction and poverty. He criticized the fence proposal as a superficial response that fails to address the underlying challenges faced by the homeless population. Salkaitis advocated for long-term community care and suggested that investing in housing solutions would ultimately save the city money by reducing the costs associated with emergency services.

Shannon Ward, a local business owner, also opposed the fence, arguing that it would not resolve the issues of homelessness but rather push individuals further into the community, creating new challenges for residents and businesses alike. Ward proposed alternative solutions, such as repurposing vacant buildings for transitional housing and expanding community services to provide essential resources for those in need.

The meeting concluded with a call for the City Council to reconsider the fence proposal and to focus on systemic changes that address the root causes of homelessness. Several speakers urged the council to invest in proven interventions, such as the Housing First model, which emphasizes providing stable housing along with necessary support services.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored a strong community sentiment against the fence proposal and a collective desire for more effective, compassionate solutions to homelessness in Sioux Falls. The council is expected to deliberate on the feedback received and consider alternative approaches to support the city's vulnerable populations.