A rising number of people in Sioux Falls no longer have a place to call home. But the struggling economy isn't the only reason for the increase. One woman says she became homeless by choice.

Happy sounds of Sara's two kids playing hasn't always filled her home. About a year ago, she made a choice, to get herself and her children away from an abusive situation.

"It was scary. I left with a suitcase full of clothes and it took a lot to leave because I have no family here in Sioux falls and I just picked up and left and I didn't know where I was going to go," Sara said.

Twenty-nine-year-old Sara was finally away from her abusive husband. A man she tried to leave for three years. But just because she was out the door, didn't mean her fears were gone.

"Very scary, very scary and how I'm going do this and do it on my own with two kids under the age of five trying to make it work? "How am I going to keep them warm and have them sheltered without having them jump from place to place?" Sara said.

After some time staying with a friend, Sara caught a break. She found the St. Francis house. A place to stay for just dollars a day for up to six months. A longer length of time she knew her kids needed.

"They wouldn't leave my side because they were so afraid but now that we're more stable they're okay with me leaving and that everything will be alright," Sara said.

A stable home has gone a long way with her kids. In fact she says she sees them grow by the day. 

"They've changed. They want to be home. They say let's go home Mommy. Before it's like where's home? Where are we going?" Sara said.

Sara is seeing some changes in herself too. With a new part time job she's starting to save up and set some goals. 

"I hope in six months, hoping to be at a college and get a degree so I don't have to worry about how I'm going to provide for my children. And show you can make something of yourself no matter how hard your life is you can do something about it," Sara said.

A recent survey found more women are leaving abusive relationships, which is why homelessness in women and children are on the rise. For Sara, she's looking to give something back -- advice. 

"Once you're away from that situation it will all come together, it'll fall back into place, just be willing to be patient and strong. It takes a lot of courage. Don't be afraid there's a lot of people out there willing to help," Sara said.

And its help from your donations and people here at the St. Francis House that is giving the family a new start.

A recent homeless count by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority says numbers are up almost 16 percent across the state. Of those surveyed, 46% reported being homeless for the first time in three years.