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Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in South Dakota

Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in South Dakota

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, step‑by‑step hub for single moms in South Dakota who need free furniture, beds, and basic household goods. You’ll find fast options for today, how to qualify, who to call, and what to do if funding is tapped out. Links are placed right where you need them, and every section ends with a Plan B.


If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call or text 2‑1‑1 to reach the statewide Helpline Center for real‑time openings, furniture referrals, and delivery help; if 2‑1‑1 doesn’t connect on your phone, use 1‑605‑339‑4357 or the online directory at Helpline Center 211. Ask for furniture banks and “beds for kids” near you, and request warm transfers to agencies that deliver. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
  • If you live near Sioux Falls, ask a caseworker, school social worker, shelter advocate, or pastor to submit a referral today to Furniture Mission of South Dakota and ask about next‑available pickup or curbside delivery; if you don’t have a caseworker, call 1‑605‑977‑6800 and ask who can refer you fastest. Delivery may run about two weeks, so push for pickup if you can arrange a truck. (furnituremission.org)
  • If you’re in the Rapid City/Black Hills area, call 1‑605‑718‑5683 and ask Love INC of the Black Hills for their “Rise Furniture Ministry” intake; tell them you’re a single parent setting up housing and ask about any urgent “earn‑your‑furniture” slots this week. If you only need beds for your kids anywhere in SD, submit an online request to Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) and select your closest South Dakota chapter. (loveinconline.com)

Quick Help Box – Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How This Works in South Dakota

When you’re starting over or setting up housing, combine a few local sources: a furniture bank, a church clearinghouse, and a voucher from a charity or county office. In the Sioux Falls area, furniture usually flows through referrals to Furniture Mission of South Dakota, while in the Black Hills, most paths run through Love INC of the Black Hills and partner churches; statewide, kids’ beds come from Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Expect waitlists during fall and winter, and always call to confirm current availability before applying. (helplinecenter.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 to search by “furniture” and “household goods vouchers,” request a three‑way call to an agency that delivers, and ask if the Salvation Army has household vouchers this month; if you’re in a crisis shelter, ask staff to certify a move‑in. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

The Fastest Free Furniture Sources (and How to Qualify)

Furniture Mission of South Dakota (Sioux Falls area)

Start here if you can get a referral. A case manager, school social worker, pastor, hospital, or agency partner submits the referral to Furniture Mission; after referral, they call to schedule your appointment, and delivery is curbside only if you can’t pick up. The Helpline Center lists a typical delivery wait around two weeks, so try to borrow a truck to speed things up. (helplinecenter.org)

  • Eligibility: You must live in the service area (Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Moody, Turner) and have a referral; households may use the service once every two years, per the 211 listing for Furniture Mission. (helplinecenter.org)
  • How to apply: Ask your referrer to use the online form on Furniture Mission – Refer or through the Helpline Center; you’ll get a scheduling call from 1‑605‑977‑6800. Delivery is curbside; plan help to carry items inside. (helplinecenter.org)
  • Required documents: Your referrer will verify identity and address; have your lease, photo ID, and a list of needed items when they call. See program notes on Furniture Mission – Program. (furnituremission.org)
  • Wait times: Appointment scheduling varies; deliveries often about two weeks; pickups can be faster. Confirm current wait on Helpline Center listing. (helplinecenter.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the referrer to retry next week, then request backup from St. Vincent de Paul – Sioux Falls for a thrift voucher and call 2‑1‑1 to hunt for “household goods vouchers” across agencies; ask about limited‑cost items at Habitat ReStore – Sioux Falls and request a church delivery team through the Helpline. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Love INC of the Black Hills – Rise Furniture Ministry (Rapid City/Sturgis)

For Rapid City and nearby towns, the furniture pathway usually starts with an intake call to Love INC of the Black Hills. Participants “earn” needed items by completing service hours alongside volunteers at the Rise Furniture Ministry; Love INC then coordinates delivery. Donation pickups within Rapid City typically fill 1–2 weeks out. (loveinconline.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 for additional Black Hills options, including Salvation Army – Rapid City vouchers and OneHeart referrals; if you have kids without beds, apply to Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Rapid City. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)

Beds for Children (Statewide) – Sleep in Heavenly Peace

If your child is 3–17 and sleeping on the floor or couch, apply for a complete twin bed set (frame, mattress, and bedding) from Sleep in Heavenly Peace. There are active South Dakota chapters (including a revived Sioux Falls chapter) and most areas deliver when donations allow; Sioux Falls chapter contact is 1‑844‑432‑2337 x5602 via SHP Sioux Falls. (shpbeds.org)

  • Eligibility: Child must be 3–17, lack a bed, and live in the chapter’s service area; apply online at SHP – Request a Bed. Delivery is volunteer‑based. (helplinecenter.org)
  • Timeline: Waitlists come and go as lumber and mattresses are funded; local colleges and churches often host builds, like recent Sioux Falls build events. Watch your chapter page for build days. See examples via Southeast Tech news on SHP. (southeasttech.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school counselor to certify a “no‑bed” situation and to email local SHP leaders; ask 2‑1‑1 to search for crib or pack‑n‑play programs through DOH or WIC; check church pantries for bedding sets and call St. Vincent de Paul for a thrift voucher. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Charities That Issue Household Goods Vouchers

Many families round out kitchens and linens using vouchers. In Sioux Falls, Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers vouchers for clothing, cleaning supplies, and household items (furniture available except mattresses) to be redeemed at local thrift stores; online request windows open weekly, and availability depends on donations. The Helpline Center listing covers voucher details and eligibility. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Other areas may use Salvation Army vouchers. In Rapid City, the thrift store at E. St. Patrick Street honors household vouchers issued at the Cherry Ave. Social Services office; call 1‑605‑342‑0982 for eligibility and bring your photo ID when applying, then shop at the Family Store. Details and hours show in the Black Hills 211 listing. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the caseworker to try again next week, then look for low‑to‑no‑cost items at your nearest Habitat ReStore and ask a church for a one‑time voucher; use 2‑1‑1 to check if any “Community Closets” are scheduled this month. (habitat.org)

Government Programs That Indirectly Free Up Cash for Household Needs

Using the right government programs to cover utilities, food, or deposits can free cash for furniture and basics. Apply fast and ask about expedited processing where allowed.

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Apply online or by mail through South Dakota DSS – Energy & Weatherization; status line 1‑800‑233‑8503. 2024–2025 guidelines and application steps are posted by DSS, and applications are processed within 60 days; payment goes directly to your energy vendor. (dss.sd.gov)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): If you have kids and very low income, TANF can help with monthly cash and job support through DSS – TANF. As of 2025, payment standards vary by family size and living arrangement; TANF also supports work clothing and limited relocation costs through the Parent Work program, per DSS. (dss.sd.gov)
  • WIC (women, infants, children): WIC frees food dollars and connects you to cribs/pack‑n‑plays and referrals; statewide contact is 1‑800‑738‑2301 via South Dakota WIC (DOH), with 2025 income updates published June 30, 2025. (fns.usda.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Dial 2‑1‑1 for a local navigator to help with forms, or contact your nearest Inter‑Lakes Community Action Partnership office for help with personal care items and vouchers; they list local contacts through 211 pages. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Key Programs and Typical Timelines

Here are realistic waits and who to call. Always verify current availability before you spend time applying.

Program What you get How to apply Typical wait Notes
Furniture Mission (Sioux Falls area) Free furniture and household items Referral from agency, church, school, or hospital Appointment timing varies; delivery often ~2 weeks Delivery is curbside only; one use every 2 years
Love INC – Rise (Rapid City area) Earned furniture and deliveries Call Connection Center 1‑605‑718‑5683; complete intake Depends on donations and service hours Donation pickups often 1–2 weeks out
St. Vincent de Paul (Sioux Falls) Voucher for household goods/furniture (no mattresses) Apply online during posted windows 24–48 hours for volunteer follow‑up when windows open Limited by donations
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Beds for kids (3–17) Apply online at SHP chapter Varies by donations/builds Multiple SD chapters; Sioux Falls chapter active
LIHEAP (DSS) One‑time energy payment Apply online/by mail DSS processes within 60 days Crisis help faster; funds to vendor

What Documentation to Prepare (Screenshot‑Friendly)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a shelter/agency to write a verification letter; ask 2‑1‑1 to email you a list of acceptable proofs for each program; request “reasonable accommodations” if you need help gathering documents due to disability through Dakota at Home. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Where to Find Low‑Cost Backup Items (When Free Options Are Empty)

Use thrift partners and ReStores while you wait for a voucher or referral. In Sioux Falls, check Habitat ReStore for furniture and kitchenware; in Rapid City and Spearfish, try Black Hills Habitat ReStores. If a church can sponsor, ask for a micro‑grant to cover the cart and request volunteer delivery. (siouxfallshabitat.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 again and ask for “community closets” or “rack days” in your county and any upcoming distributions; ask for a three‑way call to confirm day/time. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Resources by Region (Practical Contacts)

Sioux Falls Area (Minnehaha/Lincoln/Moody/Turner/McCook)

Start with a referral to Furniture Mission through a partner like Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety or St. Francis House; after delivery, finish your setup with a St. Vincent de Paul voucher. For local bill issues and payment plans, call Sioux Falls Utility Billing at 1‑605‑367‑8131. (helplinecenter.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 for same‑week church deliveries, check Habitat ReStore – Sioux Falls, and watch SHP – Sioux Falls for bed builds if children lack beds. (siouxfallshabitat.org)

Rapid City / Black Hills (Pennington/Meade/Lawrence)

Begin with Love INC of the Black Hills – Connection Center at 1‑605‑718‑5683 for furniture intake; if approved, expect volunteer coordination and delivery from Rise Furniture Ministry. Ask Salvation Army of the Black Hills about household vouchers at 405 N Cherry Ave. (loveinconline.com)

  • County help: Pennington County Health & Human Services (Care Campus) takes appointments at 1‑605‑394‑2156; bring proof of address and income; liens apply to county assistance. See hours and address in the 211 listing. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
  • Beds for kids: Apply to SHP – Rapid City and watch for delivery emails. (helplinecenter.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request a church partner through Love INC, check Black Hills Habitat ReStores for low‑cost pieces, and ask OneHeart Rapid City for donation connections. (habitat.org)

Northeast & I‑29 Corridor (Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings)

In Aberdeen, coordinate through local churches and Hub Area Habitat for Humanity contacts; in Watertown, reach out to Greater Watertown Habitat and check whether SHP – Watertown is accepting bed requests. Use 2‑1‑1 to find any St. Vincent de Paul conference near you. (habitat.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 for any “community closet” events and check your county welfare office; Brown County posts strict rules and liens for emergency aid, so ask about repayment terms before accepting help. (brown.sd.us)

Central & Missouri River (Pierre, Huron, Mitchell)

Call 2‑1‑1 to locate the nearest furniture ministry and SHP chapter (Pierre and Mitchell both have SHP activity), and ask ROCS Community Closet about household items in Wagner or Mitchell; their community closets stock kitchenware and small appliances at low prices. (rocsinc.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Check your county human services office and the SD Housing for the Homeless Consortium – Coordinated Entry for move‑in kits when a homeless housing provider places you. (sdhousing.org)

Southeast (Yankton, Vermillion)

Look for St. Vincent de Paul in Yankton for household donations and vouchers (contact on 211), and ask your parish or a local church network for a furniture delivery team; pair that with Habitat for Humanity – Clay/Yankton to stretch your budget. Use 2‑1‑1 to check for any SHP bed builds within driving distance. (blackhillshabitat.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for neighboring county options, and request online shopping vouchers if a partner thrift operates in your area. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in South Dakota Today

Time matters: call your utility before 10:00 a.m. to set up a payment plan, then file your LIHEAP application the same day.

Sioux Falls Water Bill Help

Call 1‑605‑367‑8131 and ask for a payment arrangement through Sioux Falls Utilities & Billing; if past‑due, pay the disconnect charge and minimum to restore service the same day after 5 p.m. if posted by close of business. If you’re very low‑income or on a crisis timeline, file LIHEAP immediately and tell Utility Billing you applied. (siouxfalls.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the Public Utilities Commission Consumer Affairs at 1‑800‑332‑1782 to mediate a complaint or request more time, and ask 2‑1‑1 for local church assistance for the reconnection fee. (puc.sd.gov)

Rapid City Water Bill Help

For payment options and to start/stop service, call 1‑605‑394‑4125 via Rapid City Utility Billing. If you’re a senior or disabled, apply for the city’s Utility Rate Relief to reduce bills by 25% for two years if you meet income rules. (rcgov.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Pennington County Health & Human Services (1‑605‑394‑2156) about emergency utility assistance, and request a voucher from Salvation Army – Black Hills. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Diverse Communities – Tailored Tips and Contacts

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask shelters and agencies to note your chosen name in all referrals and deliveries; Church on the Street – Sioux Falls publicly states inclusive values, and 2‑1‑1 can filter for affirming providers. If you face discrimination in housing, report it to HUD – South Dakota and ask for a housing counselor. (churchonthestreetsf.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Call Dakota at Home at 1‑833‑663‑9673 for home‑based supports, and ask about in‑home help on move‑in day; for adaptive equipment, learn about reuse and low‑interest loans at DakotaLink (AT program) with 1‑800‑645‑0673. For job‑related accommodation help, contact Rehabilitation Services (DHS). TTY users can dial 7‑1‑1 to reach the Telecommunications Relay Service. (dakotalink.net)

Veteran single mothers: Call VA Sioux Falls – HUD‑VASH/Homeless Care at 1‑605‑336‑3230 and ask for HUD‑VASH screening; if approved, the Sioux Falls Housing team issues vouchers and VA coordinates services. You can also call the National Homeless Veterans hotline at 1‑877‑424‑3838 via HUD – SD Veterans help page. (va.gov)

Immigrant/refugee single moms: Ask your case manager at LSS – Center for New Americans about household set‑ups and donations; they accept furniture and kitchen supplies and may arrange pickups for large items. Pair with referrals to Furniture Mission for bigger items once you have a stable address. (lsssd.org)

Tribal‑specific resources: Check your tribal human services for LIHEAP, CSBG, and emergency help; the Oglala Sioux Tribe lists LIHEAP and household aid at 1‑605‑867‑5169, and Oglala Lakota Housing can advise on move‑ins. For WIC and FDPIR food support, see contacts for Oglala Sioux Tribe and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. When homeless or at risk, use the statewide Coordinated Entry (SDHDA) at 1‑800‑664‑1349. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Rural single moms with limited access: Ask 2‑1‑1 to check neighboring counties for deliveries; community action partners like ROCS and Inter‑Lakes CAP often know which churches deliver to outlying towns. Request DHS telephonic intake through Dakota at Home if transportation is a barrier. (rocsinc.org)

Single fathers: All programs here serve households with kids regardless of parent gender; apply through the same channels at Furniture Mission or Love INC, and request SHP beds at Sleep in Heavenly Peace. (helplinecenter.org)

Language access: WIC has statewide hotlines and interpreters through the DOH; SNAP/EBT offers multilingual support and Spanish IVR at 1‑800‑604‑5099 via DSS EBT page. If you use TTY or need relay, dial 7‑1‑1 per the FCC TRS guide. (fns.usda.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the referral: Furniture Mission requires a partner referral; call your school social worker, a shelter like Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety, or a pastor to submit it the same day. Don’t wait a week to find a referrer—ask 2‑1‑1 who can refer you now. (helplinecenter.org)
  • Not planning for curbside delivery: Several providers only deliver to the curb; arrange friends or a church team to carry items inside; confirm curbside rules with Furniture Mission. (helplinecenter.org)
  • Assuming counties cover furniture: Most county human services focus on rent, utilities, and burial, often with liens; see Brown County’s lien notice and ask your county before you sign. Use counties for basics and rely on furniture banks/charities for goods. See Brown County Welfare. (brown.sd.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your referrer to note disability‑related needs in the referral, request a church delivery team, and keep a backup list of items to source via Habitat ReStore and vouchers. (siouxfallshabitat.org)

Reality Check – Funding, Waitlists, and Deliveries

  • Demand is seasonal: Fall winters strain furniture banks; plan for longer waits and smaller item bundles. Keep checking Furniture Mission and Love INC weekly, and consider low‑cost ReStores while you wait. (furnituremission.org)
  • Delivery limits: Furniture Mission lists curbside only; you must bring items inside; deliveries are limited to Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg, and Tea unless you have a large approved donation or special arrangement. Confirm on Furniture Mission – Pickup Info. (furnituremission.org)
  • LIHEAP processing time: DSS says applications are processed within 60 days; crisis cases can move faster, but call 1‑800‑233‑8503 to check status. Plan for bills due in the meantime. See DSS Energy Assistance. (dss.sd.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need First call Backup Tip
Free furniture – Sioux Falls Furniture Mission, 1‑605‑977‑6800 SVDP Sioux Falls Get a partner referral same day
Free furniture – Rapid City Love INC – Black Hills, 1‑605‑718‑5683 Salvation Army – Black Hills Intake then “earn‑your‑furniture”
Beds for kids Sleep in Heavenly Peace Ask school social worker to help apply One application per child
Utility shutoff Sioux Falls Utilities or Rapid City Utility Billing PUC Consumer Affairs File LIHEAP same day
Rural deliveries Helpline Center 211 ROCS Ask for “community closet” days

Application Checklist (Print or Screenshot)

If Your Application Gets Denied

  • Ask for the reason in writing: For LIHEAP or TANF, call DSS and request the specific item that’s missing or the rule you did not meet; ask about reconsideration with new documents. (dss.sd.gov)
  • Escalate politely: For utilities, call PUC Consumer Affairs at 1‑800‑332‑1782 with your account number and disconnection date; ask them to mediate a payment plan while LIHEAP is pending. (puc.sd.gov)
  • Try an alternate program: If Furniture Mission is at capacity, use SVDP vouchers and Habitat ReStores to stretch a small budget, and reapply next month. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Local Organizations, Churches, and Support Hubs

  • Helpline Center (2‑1‑1): Real‑time referrals, including furniture, vouchers, and delivery volunteers at 2‑1‑1 or 1‑605‑339‑4357 via Helpline Center 211. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
  • Bishop Dudley Hospitality House (Sioux Falls): Day/night shelter; they do not accept or distribute furniture but can connect you to partners; see donation policies on BDHH. Furniture requests should route to Furniture Mission. (bdhh.org)
  • OneHeart (Rapid City): Campus of care connecting people to services; reach via OneHeart RC; ask staff about partner donations and coordinated entry. Combine with Love INC for furniture. (oneheartrc.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Have 2‑1‑1 conference you with the church or nonprofit that actually delivers to your address, and ask about storage until move‑in day. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

County‑Specific Notes (Rules Differ)

  • Minnehaha County Human Services: Emergency basics and referrals at 1‑605‑367‑4217 via Minnehaha County HS. Ask about documentation needed and whether they can refer directly to furniture partners. (minnehahacounty.gov)
  • Pennington County Health & Human Services: Appointments at 1‑605‑394‑2156 (Care Campus); liens are standard on relief—ask before you sign; details in the 211 listing for Pennington County HS. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
  • Brown County Welfare (Aberdeen area): Clear statement that a lien is filed for assistance; call 1‑605‑626‑7125 via Brown County Welfare. Use county aid for utilities/rent, not furniture, when possible. (brown.sd.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 which nearby county programs will help non‑residents and whether a church can sponsor your request. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Tables You Can Use

Major Furniture and Household Sources

Region Program Phone How to Get It
Sioux Falls area Furniture Mission 1‑605‑977‑6800 Partner referral; appointment; curbside delivery or pickup
Rapid City/Black Hills Love INC – Connection Center 1‑605‑718‑5683 Intake; service hours; coordinated delivery
Statewide (beds for kids) Sleep in Heavenly Peace 1‑844‑432‑2337 Online application; volunteer delivery
Sioux Falls SVDP – Sioux Falls Online Voucher to thrift; no mattresses
Black Hills Salvation Army – Black Hills 1‑605‑342‑0982 Vouchers at Social Services; shop at Family Store

Government Programs That Free Cash

Program Apply Timeline Tip
LIHEAP (DSS) Online/mail Within 60 days Use crisis line for shutoffs
TANF (DSS) Local office Varies Ask about up‑front diversion and work supports
WIC (DOH) Phone/online Fast appointments New income limits July 1, 2025

Utility Contacts

City Office Phone Page
Sioux Falls Utilities & Billing 1‑605‑367‑8131 Utilities & Billing
Rapid City Utility Billing 1‑605‑394‑4125 Utility Billing info
Statewide PUC Consumer Affairs 1‑800‑332‑1782 PUC Consumer Info

Tribal Contacts (Examples)

Tribe Program Phone Notes
Oglala Sioux Tribe LIHEAP/CSBG 1‑605‑867‑5169 Pine Ridge area; ask for current intake hours
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe WIC 1‑701‑854‑7263 Appointments required
Oglala Lakota Housing Housing assistance 1‑605‑867‑5161 Move‑in coordination

Low‑Cost Backups (ReStores)

City ReStore Phone Hours link
Sioux Falls HFH ReStore 1‑605‑330‑1950 Tue–Sat (see site)
Rapid City Black Hills ReStore 1‑605‑791‑1880 See site
Spearfish Black Hills ReStore – Spearfish 1‑605‑717‑1882 See site

Real‑World Examples

Eligibility Rules and What Agencies Look For

Agencies confirm you’re setting up or stabilizing housing, that you’re within service boundaries, and that you’re not requesting the same benefit too often. Furniture Mission limits service to once every two years; Love INC requires an intake and often service hours; SVDP runs weekly request windows and may verify address. LIHEAP reviews the last 3 months income and pays your vendor if approved. (helplinecenter.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for written criteria and the next open date; request a letter verifying need from your child’s school or medical provider to attach to your application; for utilities, tell your utility you applied for LIHEAP and request a short hold. (dss.sd.gov)

Tips to Speed Things Up

  • Get referred today: Call your child’s school, a shelter, or pastor to submit the Furniture Mission referral before noon; then set aside a two‑hour pickup window this week if you can borrow a vehicle. (helplinecenter.org)
  • Ask for a warm transfer: When you call 2‑1‑1, ask the specialist to stay on the line while they call Love INC or SVDP so you don’t start over. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
  • Double‑dip the right way: It’s fine to use SHP for kids’ beds and a separate voucher for household goods; just disclose what you already received to SVDP or Salvation Army. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a trusted friend to be your “documents buddy” and scan or snap pictures of IDs and lease; send those to the agency before your call so they can pre‑screen you. Check LIHEAP status at 1‑800‑233‑8503. (dss.sd.gov)

FAQs (South Dakota‑Specific)

  1. Do I need a referral for Furniture Mission, or can I walk in?
    Answer: Furniture Mission requires a referral from a partner (agency, church, school, hospital); ask 2‑1‑1 to connect you to a referrer or call your child’s school counselor. Details at Furniture Mission. (helplinecenter.org)
  2. How long will LIHEAP take, and will it stop my shutoff?
    Answer: DSS states applications are processed within 60 days; crisis cases may move faster. Call your utility to request a payment plan while LIHEAP is pending, and call 1‑800‑233‑8503 for status. See DSS – Energy Assistance. (dss.sd.gov)
  3. Can a church help deliver furniture into my apartment?
    Answer: Yes—ask 2‑1‑1 for church delivery teams in your area, or request help through Love INC, which coordinates volunteers. (loveinconline.com)
  4. My kids need beds only. Who helps quickest?
    Answer: Apply to Sleep in Heavenly Peace for each child 3–17; chapters across SD deliver as donations allow; Sioux Falls chapter is active with local builds. (shpbeds.org)
  5. Does St. Vincent de Paul help with furniture?
    Answer: In Sioux Falls, SVDP can issue vouchers for household goods and furniture (no mattresses) when request windows are open. See SVDP – Get Help and the 211 listing. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
  6. Is there help for disabled moms who need adapted items (like bed rails)?
    Answer: Call Dakota at Home at 1‑833‑663‑9673 and ask about assistive devices and home modifications; for financing, check DakotaLink AT Loan Fund. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
  7. Where do I complain if a utility won’t work with me?
    Answer: Contact PUC Consumer Affairs at 1‑800‑332‑1782; they mediate disputes and can help with payment options. (puc.sd.gov)
  8. Are there veteran‑specific furniture or housing resources?
    Answer: Ask VA Sioux Falls – Homeless Care for HUD‑VASH; they coordinate housing and essential furnishings with partners. (va.gov)
  9. Do county offices give free furniture?
    Answer: Usually no—county aid focuses on rent, utilities, and burial and may place liens; see the Brown County example on Welfare. Use furniture banks/charities for goods. (brown.sd.us)
  10. Can I get help in Spanish or with an interpreter?
    Answer: Yes—WIC and DSS offer interpreter services; SNAP/EBT has Spanish IVR at 1‑800‑604‑5099, and 7‑1‑1 TRS connects TTY users statewide. See DSS EBT and FCC TRS 711. (dss.sd.gov)

Spanish Summary (Resumen en español)

Esta guía ofrece opciones rápidas para conseguir muebles y artículos del hogar sin costo en Dakota del Sur. Pida una referencia para Furniture Mission de Sioux Falls (1‑605‑977‑6800), haga la admisión con Love INC de Black Hills (1‑605‑718‑5683) en Rapid City, y solicite camas para niños con Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Para servicios públicos, llame a Utilidades de Sioux Falls o Facturación de Rapid City y solicite LIHEAP (1‑800‑233‑8503). Para ayuda integral, marque 2‑1‑1 y pida opciones con entrega. Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA; confirme detalles con las páginas oficiales enlazadas. (helplinecenter.org)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified: September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Program rules, funding, delivery areas, and wait times change without notice. Always confirm current availability with each agency. If you’re in danger or without safe shelter tonight, call 9‑1‑1, contact Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety if fleeing violence, or dial 988 for crisis support; for housing navigation, use HUD – South Dakota and the statewide Coordinated Entry. (chssd.org)

What to do if this guide still didn’t solve it

Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for a “rapid callback list” of furniture programs by county with days and times items move; request a warm transfer to the provider with the soonest pickup slot; if all else fails, ask a church to sponsor one cart at Habitat ReStore and request volunteers to deliver. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Good luck—focus on the first three steps at the top, keep your phone handy for callback, and don’t be shy about asking for a warm transfer.

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