Hope Center celebrates the lives of unhoused people who have passed | News [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Hope Center, a non-profit that until December of last year provided services at their drop-in day center, is still making rounds and supporting the local unhoused community. They used to provide mail services, free haircuts, and even had a telephone/messaging center, but when the local need outsized the space, the Hope Center started looking for a new facility. But when applying for a building permit to start a new facility, the Rapid City council turned down the request in an 8 to 1 vote. Now with no home, much like the people they help, the Hope Center has greatly reduced the services it can offer.

Earlier this evening, the Hope Center held its 10^thannual Candlelight Vigil to remember those who have died while experiencing homelessness. Some 15 people have died since the closing of the Hope Center, so for this year’s vigil, many have found that it has taken a more somber tone …