LifeScape, the Sioux Falls-based nonprofit helping disabled individuals, opened a new residential home in the community.
Officials say the homes are more than just a structure, they’re an opportunity to connect.
LifeScape has now opened five new adult residential houses in as many years. The idea sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic when the nonprofit was seeking a way to build community during a time of isolation.
The houses have eight independent rooms each with its own bathroom. The company says this allows a level of independence for the residents, while still creating support through staff-members.
Alex Jensen is a commissioner for the South Dakota Housing Authority. He said projects like these are a good example of how the private sector and public funding can work together.
“This is our fifth project that we’ve worked with Lifescape to accomplish, and as a part of that they need funding, and we can help provide funding through a lot of the grants that we can access through the federal government. So, we are a conduit for them to access those funds, and that’s where South Dakota Housing comes in to help provide those funds,” Jensen said. “So, as you look forward to homes six and seven, we can go ahead and fund those projects and accomplish our mission of providing that kind of housing.”
Steve Watkins is the CEO for Lifescape. He said though it’s a house they’ve physically built, the hope is that a community is built as well.
“We all like that. I mean, who doesn’t like to go out into the driveway and have a beer with the neighbor? And that’s what we’re really trying to create here is an opportunity that these people that may not have exposure to people with disabilities,” Watkins said. “They get a chance to understand they’re just like you. They like going to football games. They like going to basketball games. They have their favorite teams. You know, they wanna grill out. They wanna get a chance to meet you. And in these environments, this really sets that up. Our backyard setup, so we can invite people over do some grilling, have a pizza party, and we’ll invite community members, just neighbors across the street. And it gives them an opportunity to be part of that.”
Watkins added plans to establish houses six and seven are on the horizon.
