Helpline Center (211 South Dakota)
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in South Dakota. You can also call 605 339 4357.
Official page: helplinecenter.org/services/211-helpline
Find Help Near You in South Dakota
Private help lines for South Dakota, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in South Dakota who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local Department of Social Services office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Human Relations at 605 367 8745 can answer fair housing questions. South Dakota Housing Development Authority at 605 773 3181 also offers information on affordable rental homes and programs. Ask what is open now.
Official page: siouxfalls.gov/government/departments/human-relations, sdhda.org
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. East River Legal Services at 605 336 9230 and Dakota Plains Legal Services at 605 342 7171 offer civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify.
Official page: ujs.sd.gov/self-help/get-legal-help, dpls.org/contact-us
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. The South Dakota Energy Assistance Program helps households who qualify pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energy_weatherization_assistance.aspx
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The South Dakota Division of Human Rights takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: dlr.sd.gov/human_rights/default.aspx
What does SDHDA offer renters?
The South Dakota Housing Development Authority provides housing resources across the state. Its renter pages offer tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies for a program? Check the official page below.
Official page: sdhda.org
How do I find my local Department of Social Services office?
Dial 211, or use the office finder on the DSS website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in South Dakota
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
South Dakota Department of Social Services
Local offices serve all counties across the state. They handle SNAP and other help, and can point you to local services. The Economic Assistance line is 877 999 5612.
Official page: dss.sd.gov/economicassistance
South Dakota Energy Assistance Program
Help paying home heating bills for households who qualify, through community action agencies and the Department of Social Services.
Official page: dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energy_weatherization_assistance.aspx
East River Legal Services
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify in Sioux Falls and eastern South Dakota, including housing and eviction problems. You can also call 800 952 3015.
Official page: ujs.sd.gov/self-help/get-legal-help
Dakota Plains Legal Services
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify in Rapid City and western South Dakota, with offices across the region.
Official page: dpls.org/contact-us
South Dakota Division of Human Rights
The state office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints. Its website explains how to file.
Official page: dlr.sd.gov/human_rights/default.aspx
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA)
Information for renters and homeowners in South Dakota, including affordable rental homes and homebuyer programs.
Official page: sdhda.org
South Dakota community action agencies
Local community action agencies across South Dakota help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and Head Start. Find your local agency through the DSS website.
Official page: dss.sd.gov
Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Sioux Falls.
Official page: siouxfallshousing.org/contact-us
City of Sioux Falls Human Relations
City office in Sioux Falls that works on fair housing, discrimination complaints and community relations.
Official page: siouxfalls.gov/government/departments/human-relations
Pennington County Human Services
County help with rent, utilities, medical costs and other basic needs for Pennington County residents who qualify. Call to set up an appointment.
Official page: pennco.org/services/human_services/contact_us.php
Western South Dakota Community Action
Help and community referrals for people in Rapid City and western South Dakota.
Official page: dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energy_weatherization_assistance.aspx
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Aberdeen
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Aberdeen. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local Department of Social Services office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and call legal aid if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
More help in South Dakota
Find Help in South Dakota: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Medicaid and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in South Dakota: Sioux Falls, Rapid City and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in South Dakota: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in South DakotaFree Job Help and Job Training in South Dakota: Job Service, SDWORKS and WorkshopsHealth and Mental Health Help in South Dakota: Medicaid, Clinics and 988Domestic Violence Safety and Housing Help in South DakotaVeterans Help in South Dakota: Housing, Health Care and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in South Dakota: Shelter, Outreach and Job CorpsGetting an ID and Documents Back in South Dakota: State ID, Birth Certificate and Social Security CardFree and Low Cost Phone and Internet Help in South DakotaFree Legal and Tenant Help in South Dakota: Legal Aid, Eviction Steps and DepositsHow to Make Blessing Bags in South Dakota: Safe Food, Water and Cold Weather Tips
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.