RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- The issue of homelessness and affordable housing in Rapid City continues to be deeply controversial, especially as the cold of a South Dakota winter looms in the distance.

Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender, appearing on the Rapid City Morning News, reiterated his philosophy of individual, rather than governmental support for people experiencing homelessness.

Allender said he believes local government should not use taxpayer dollars for housing or feeding homeless people.

Allender said he believes Rapid City is doing more than ever in its history to support homeless people.

Residents can now legally “dress” the Presidential statues downtown in winter attire as a donation, though the practice has unofficially been underway in Rapid City for weeks now.