Yankton Homeless Shelter Inc

Our mission: To serve the immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness within the Yankton area, while engaging partners in developing long-term solutions. The shelter was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a home. 

Pathways Shelter for the Homeless originated in 1994 as, "Yankton Area Homeless Shelter". For 21 years, it had operated out of a two-story house on 4th Street. This space provided shelter for up to 9 individuals. 

In 2015, Yankton Area Homeless Shelter established its own 501(c)3 and became "Yankton Homeless Shelter, Inc." In October of 2015 a 14-room motel was purchased and has increased shelter capacity to 48. Even with the increased space, Pathways developed a waiting list in 2017. On average there are 50 people waiting to enter the shelter. At times, the waiting list has grown over 100 people. 

In January  of 2017, Yankton Homeless Shelter, Inc. changed its name to "Pathways Shelter for the Homeless", because it does much more than provide a bed at night. In 2022, Pathways provided shelter to 485 unique individuals, including 109 children. Our Emergency Solutions grant programs and Secity Deposit Assistance Program combined reached 196 unique people. In total, Pathways provided services to 681 individuals in 2022. 

In order to address the waiting list, Pathways completed an expansion project that increased capacity from 48 to 84 people, depending on household size. The renovated basement (Night by Night Shelter) has created two large rooms that will provide shelter to 10 adult men and 10 adult women. The NBN shelter officially begon on February 28, 2022. 

There are further plans to expand services, programming, shelter capacity, and better serve our community.