RAPID CITY, S.D. - TelAve -- Press Release

Contact: Kia Overturf, Chair
Youth Taskforce, Black Hills Housing Stability Partners
Phone: 507-491-9005
Email: koverturf@youthandfamilyservices.org

Youth Taskforce of Black Hills Housing Stability Partners Raises Awareness During Youth HOPE Month

Rapid City, SD: Upcoming Event, Main Street Square Tuesday, November 18^th 5p-7p

The Youth Taskforce, a dedicated group of young people and service providers under the Black Hills Housing Stability Partners, continues its mission to advocate for youth and young adults facing housing insecurity in Rapid City and across South Dakota. This group meets monthly to create awareness and promote solutions that support vulnerable youth and young adults.

November marks Youth Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month, a nationwide public awareness campaign that highlights the challenges of youth homelessness. The campaign educates the public on how they can help prevent and end youth homelessness and increases visibility of critical services available to vulnerable youth.

The Youth Taskforce has been active for over 12 years and played a pivotal role in establishing the Youth Action Board (YAB), which has successfully brought approximately $3 million in funding to South Dakota, with $1.4 million available annually.

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Key Statistics Highlighting Youth Housing Insecurity:

• As of November 11th, the Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) McKinney Vento program identified 412 students as housing insecure since the start of the 2025 school year.
• The Coordinated Entry System reports 60 unaccompanied youth ages 18-24 statewide waiting for housing options, with most referrals concentrated in Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
• The 2025 Point in Time Count identified 104 young adults aged 18-24 as homeless statewide, with 46 in Rapid City.
• In Sioux Falls, 625 people were identified as homeless (565 sheltered, 60 unsheltered), while Rapid City counted 422 homeless individuals (236 sheltered, 186 unsheltered). Among these, 46 youth and young adults (18-24) were homeless in Rapid City (29 sheltered, 17 unsheltered).
• Nationally, approximately 4.2 million youth aged 13 to 25 experience homelessness annually.
• In 2024, Rapid City reported 258 runaways and 509 total runaway case reports.
• During the 2024-2025 school year, 625 students were identified by the RCAS McKinney Vento program as housing insecure.

Why the Youth Taskforce Takes Action

The Taskforce emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the housing insecurities faced by young people and providing information about available resources and supports. They challenge the stigma often associated with runaways, reminding the community that "runaways are good kids running away from bad situations" and that every youth has a story behind their circumstances.

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The Youth Taskforce is committed to being part of the solution, reducing stigma around homelessness, and helping friends and neighbors in need.

Upcoming Event Agenda, Main Street Square Tuesday, November 18^th 5p-7p

• 5:15 PM: Walkers, drummers, and supporters arrive; Taskforce welcomes attendees and directs them to their areas.
• 5:25 PM: Gathering at Main Street Square; Central Drumline lines up for the walk.
• 5:30 PM: Emcee welcomes everyone.
• 5:32 PM: Song and drum group performance.
• 5:37 PM: Adult mentors present appreciation certificates to Young Leaders.
• 5:42 PM: Proclamation read by Councilwoman Callie Meyer.
• 5:45 PM: Walk begins from Main Street Square.
• 5:45 – 6:15 PM: Walk along Omaha to Mt. Rushmore Road to Quincy Street; stop at WAVI.
• 6:15 – 6:25 PM: Stop at WAVI with hot chocolate and service provider presentations.
• 6:25 – 6:35 PM: Walk back to Main Street Square via 6th Street.
• 6:35 PM: Emcee thanks attendees and partners; introduces personal stories from youth (Jayden).
• 6:55 PM: Emcee closes event; Arvella performs a Fancy Dance.

For more information

Kia Overturf, Chair
Phone: 507-491-9005
Email: koverturf@youthandfamilyservices.org