Journey On is helping to keep individuals out of these freezing tempatures
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO) — Journey On is a Rapid City-based organization that offers transportation and direct resources to help homeless people get back on their feet.
Davin Lamberson and his wife were recently living in their car.
It was hit by another vehicle and totaled, leaving the Lambertsons without transportation.
That's why they turned to Journey On.
'They make it able for my wife to get the care she needs for her leg, so that she does not lose her leg. Their rides after our car accident are better than anything, I mean they're absolutely vital,' Davin Lamberson said.
They usually get calls in advance for rides. However, when the weather gets cold, the transportation team also drives around to help people on the streets.
'We'll come in and we'll just get in the vans and work a couple hours. And we'll make sure that there's nobody on the street or cruise around until we make sure there is nobody else or we've talked to everybody that we have come into contact with. Make sure that they are either where they want to be or that they get to where they need to be for the night,' Journey On Operations Director Betsy Running Shield said.
Journey On works closely with other local organizations.
'We have a good relationship with the warming shelters also. The Wayotan Church is good about letting us know about their hours of service. The Cornerstone does reach us by email to let us know what's available, whether or not they're full. Even detox, the Care Campus and safebed, they are really good about communicating what's available,' Running Shield said.
Journey On is more than a warm ride. It provides resources to help people move forward.
'I'm telling your folks, I've been out in this weather, 10 minutes is all I can make it and I'm numb. My face is numb, my ears are numb, my feet are numb. These folks out here are trying,' Lamberson said.
This week Journey On drivers have been following and assisting the Mobile Medic to get people to warmer places.
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