Federal stimulus money is headed for South Dakota. Overall, the Rushmore State will get $3.2 million from a federal grant, part of the Economic Recovery Act. In Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County will be asking for almost $1.9 million.

Some of the local agencies that could be seeing some of that money will be the St. Francis House, Lutheran Social Services, Volunteers of America and Goodwill.

However, in tough times its not just big agencies that are hurting. As unemployment rates continue to be on the rise, some people are finding themselves in trouble when it comes to hanging on to their home. Those who need financial assistance typically go to the Minnehaha County Human Services Department and now they'll have more money to tap in to.

Action News spoke today with Kayla Severson, a young lady in her mid 20s with a 2 year old son who came for assistance. When she was asked what it's like to have assistance when she needs it she sad awesome, then said "knowing i have some place to go, knowing i have help with rent and a place for my kid is great, i really can't describe the feeling."

The goal is to prevent homelessness. Officials say the need for assistance is growing. Right now, in tough times people are in-between jobs for longer amount of time. This stimulus money will be a huge help to an already caring community.

"Overall I think we're very fortunate to live in the community that we do and have the support of our community members so that we can reach out to more people" is what Kari Benz told Action News.

Kayla knows how big the problem is with homelessness saying "There are lots of people who need help" and this new plan gives her a new feeling of hope as she told Action News "it does give me hope to help those who need it."

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