While working downtown at a local shelter, a man approached me needing help. Though he had Medicare, his medical expenses were still unaffordable—and he was desperate for support. He explained that he had been wanting to apply for a Medicare Savings Program, but couldn’t get to the DSS office because he doesn’t have transportation. He lives on just $1,000 a month from Social Security—his only source of income—and that barely covers basic survival. We completed the application together. He was relieved, grateful, and told me how thankful he was that I came to the shelter. Without that outreach, he wouldn’t have had access to the help he needed.
“We don’t just enroll people—we help create the foundation they need to rebuild their lives.”
He also shared that he suffers from chronic dizziness but hasn’t been able to afford the medication or care to address it. It’s a vivid example of how layered the barriers are for people experiencing homelessness—not just income, but transportation, stability, and health. Before someone can get housed, find work, or get back on their feet—they must be healthy. Access to care must come first. This is why our work matters. We don’t just enroll people—we help create the foundation they need to rebuild their lives.
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Navigator assist
- Low-income
- Medicare
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