Salvation Army Giving Rides Home - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Salvation Army Giving Rides Home

The appeal of well paying jobs have driven thousand's to Williston.
But what happens when you arrive and the job that was promised is no longer there?
Some are finding themselves unemployed and homeless.
Gary Brode went to Williston to find out how the Salvation Army is helping people get back on their feet.

The search for prosperity and a better life is a story citizens of Williston are certainly familiar with. People coming from all over the country to take advantage of the economic boom. However, the story of those coming to Williston to find no job and no place to stay is one that happens too. That's why the Salvation Army of Williston is giving those who need it, a ride home.

(Cpt. Joshua Stansbury, Administrator Pastor) "One of the things that we do is help people get back home. We have a small amount that will pay for an individual to help them get a ticket for the bus or train to go back to where ever they came from or go onto somewhere else."

The program has been around for years but it is getting utilized much more as of late. Over the last few years the Salvation Army has given around 20 rides home per month.  Along with rides home, the Salvation Army provides food, access to computers and somewhere warm for those seeking refuge for a few hours. However there is one common misconception...

(Cpt. Joshua Stansbury, Administrator Pastor) "There is no shelter in Williston... people have been given false information that there is a shelter. Just today we had an individual come in today and say okay where do I stay? I'm sorry but Salvation Army doesn't have a shelter and no other organization has a shelter in this community.

(Gary Brode, KX Reporter) "In order to make sure you don't end up on these doorsteps at the Salvation Army, Captain Stansbury cautions make sure you have a job before coming to Williston."

(Cpt. Joshua Stansbury, Administrator Pastor) "Triple check. Don't just initially take someone's word for it that you have a job, you're guaranteed a job, you're guaranteed a place." With an increase in population you may have been guaranteed a job a month ago but that position is filled.

Stansbury says he hopes some group can find a way to create a shelter for the homeless in Williston, to take better care of people who find themselves with no place to live in one of the fastest-growing places in the country.

The program is funded by several donations from citizens and businesses within the Williston community.