Despite backlash, City Council approves respite care center

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - When it was first proposed, The Cornerstone Rescue Mission's application to allow a group home for respite care in Rapid City was met with a lot of backlash from the community. But at last night's City Council meeting, the application was passed to the shock of many.

The facility, which is set to open at the Big Sky Lodge on Tower Road, was heavily opposed by residents in the area at a City Council meeting last month. More than 20 homeowners cited that a lack of police presence and EMS services would make it dangerous for neighbors and the patients themselves.

Cornerstone Rescue Mission Executive Director Lysa Allison says she was shocked to see her application pass Monday night but says the City Council realized how much a facility like this is needed in the community.

"There's always been a need for a respite care center here in Rapid City. Monument is struggling with places to go, sometimes the Mission isn't always the best fit. So you have homeless individuals that don't have anywhere to go staying in hospital beds for longer than they need to be just because there's nowhere to go," Allison said.

Allison says this respite center is the first of its kind in South Dakota. It's set to hold 29 people when fully operational, however, she predicts it will take time to get to full capacity as the Mission wants to make sure they do the job right.

"Of course, we have to get bids from different people. Hire an architect to do a blueprint of the facility since one does not exist, just the basics. Doing some training with our staff so on day one we're ready to go," Allison said.

Allison says the facility is expected to be up to code and opened within the next two to three months, with an open house expected sometime in February.