‘This is a solvable problem’: Tackling the homelessness issue in the metro area

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – For weeks we’ve heard from local homeless shelters about them being at full capacity while dealing with the cold temperatures. And the same goes for the Downtown Engagement Center in Fargo.

One resource they have added is a winter warming center. A place to give those relief from the cold temps and unrelenting winds.

“That need for shelter does increase during the winter months. But overall the trends in homelessness have been continually above and beyond the entire system’s capacity,” said Chandler Esslinger, the community liaison for Fargo Cass Public Health. “We anticipated that we would see about 30 to 40 people nightly coming to the winter warming center. What we have seen is that the need in the community continues to grow. As it has been growing throughout 2023.”

The warming center is a collaboration between the city of Fargo and the engagement center. The city is also using a taskforce to come up with solutions to tackle the homelessness issue. Working alongside with other cities like West Fargo and Moorhead to address it.

“That is one thing with our taskforce we’re working on, is how do we as leaders support the needs that we are seeing out in our community.” said Brenda Derrig, assistant city administrator for the city of Fargo.

The homelessness issue only continues to grow in the metro area. Chandler Esslinger with Public Health says data from housing and urban development shows that there has been a 12% in homelessness across the nation.

“This is a solvable problem. It is something that we can have meaningful impact on. I think it’s really important for us to recognize that we are not unique and we have to do something different.” said Esslinger.

The Downtown Engagement Center can be found at 222 4th St. N. in Fargo and the winter warming center is open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.