City of Fargo brings in outside help to address homelessness issue

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Homelessness has been a long standing issue for the community here in Fargo, as numerous people face the cold, an unstable housing situation and other problems. The city of Fargo is partnering with James Mathy, to see what can be done to help with this issue.

Mathy has done this before as the Milwaukee County Housing Administrator and wrote a book on a plan to end chronic homelessness.

“I think people have to remember these are our people,” said Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney. “Oftentimes they want to say that we don’t have to take care of these people in our community, but they are part of our community. I think the community struggles sometimes because it’s a problem that’s growing across the nation.”

Mathy’s system helped lower unsheltered homelessness in a five-year span by 92% in Milwaukee County in Wisconsin. And now brings his expertise to Fargo.

“It is the community wide collaboration. So you have lots of different communities looking at things differently with homelessness,” said Mathy. “You really have to be aligned with all your government systems, business leaders, philanthropic groups really agreeing to a plan and funding that plan and doing everything together.”

In recent months, organizations like United Way and the Downtown Engagement Center and others have been working to help those in need. So has the homeless shelters, which have been dealing with full capacity for most of this winter.

“It’s a mother with two children, it’s a vet. It’s different people that have issues that they have with drugs or mental illness. And it’s just elements that you have to look at more thoroughly and what is our role in this community. What is our role as a city and our role to serve all people.” said Mayor Mahoney.

Mathy will be discussing the needed components to develop a solution tomorrow from 1-3 p.m. at Fargo City Hall and at Fargo Theatre at 7 p.m.