Growing Sioux Falls Charity Building $1.6 Million Addition

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Sioux Falls charity that helps the hungry and the poor is building a $1.6 million addition to increase worship and dining space.

The Union Gospel Mission project is part of an effort by community leaders to add resources for Sioux Falls' poorest residents with homelessness on the rise in South Dakota.

Mission Executive Director Fran Stenberg tells the Argus Leader (http://argusne.ws/2bTc8xw ) that footings for the current addition were put in about 20 years ago when the mission first acquired the property because organizers anticipated growth. A growing number of Sioux Falls residents who rely on the mission prompted organizers to try to bring the project to fruition.

The mission has raised about $400,000 and is still seeking donations.

Minnehaha County homeless advisory board coordinator Stacey Tieszen says the project will benefit the community.