Informing the community is the primary responsibility of the Siouxland Sleep Out. Many other Iowa cities are following our example; we estimate 1,500 volunteers will spend 25,000 hours raising awareness this year. Funds raised here will be used to provide housing and recovery programs within Sioux City. Some of these programs are Henry Muller Hall, Project Restore, and Shesler Hall:

Henry Muller Hall

The Mental Health Association of Siouxland organized the Sleep Out to fund this transitional housing for men with mental illness. Henry Muller Hall accepts tenants from the streets, hospitals, prisons and from settings not considered suitable housing. The ability to pay rent is not a requirement.

The prerequisite is a desire to move on to independent living. This means the men do not drink or use; they take any appropriate medication; they spend at least 25 hours a week in gainful activity.

The estimated transition period is six months to one year. If able, the residents pay rent for housing which is shared with three others.

Supportive services are provided by non-profit community agencies, usually at no cost. Any required healthcare needs are met. These supporters allow the resident to recover from homelessness.

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Project Restore

Siouxland Mental Health Center began Project Restore as part of its Community Support Services. Agency outreach workers probably know the area homeless better than anyone.

They do accept referrals from other non-profit agencies. Project Restore provides services to any homeless person. Finding suitable housing is one of those services. In addition, the outreach workers match individuals to appropriate recovery services.

Project Restore workers know how to coordinate the transition from street to sustainable independence. They know the services offered through federal, state, local and private programs. They fit client needs with available services.

Some homeless individuals require treatment from alcohol or substance abuse. If serious mental illness is present, the client may access therapy and medication through Siouxland Mental Health.

This agency serves clients who are still living on the street and others who are newly placed in permanent housing.

Funds provided from the Siouxland Sleep Out supplement other sources. The money provides clothing, blankets, housewares, food, transportation and even rent.

The homeless deserve everything this understanding team has to offer, including a little extra financial help.

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Shesler Hall

Shesler Hall allows previously homeless women the opportunity to live independently in a supportive, homey living environment. Life skills training give residents a chance to contribute and prepare for living on their own. Caring staff offers personal support for individual concerns.

The facility has been around for over 100 years and is a haven for women with special needs. There is room for 22 residents. Emergency space is available for women who would otherwise have no place to stay.

Shesler Hall promotes a program enhancing the whole person, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Staff is provided 24 hours a day.

Women are accepted into the residence on the basis of need. Many arrangements are made for the special needs of its residents through other community agencies.

Fees collected from the residents fall WAY short of operating costs. Proceeds from the Sleep Out are a big help.

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Other Help

The Siouxland Sleep Out will announce other programs to receive funding at a later date - in 2008 we ARE expanding our list of recipients. It's a-gonna be good! All proceeds go towards Siouxland homeless efforts.

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