Three locations have been chosen as possible new site for Engagement Center

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Nearly five years after opening, a motion to move the Downtown Engagement Center has been approved. The move comes after concerns from several commissioners and business owners in the downtown area.

“It is an insult to blanket statement that this is a homeless problem. The problem is drug use and mental illness,” said Michelle Turnberg, Fargo City Commissioner.

“There are certain places in downtown Fargo you don’t go during the day. But crime is down. Then on top of it, you have the downtown engagement center, which, in my opinion, encourages crime.”

Currently, the center is located at 222 Fourth St N, a half a block away from City Hall. Three potential sites have been identified: the old Fargo Brewing Company at 610 N. University, a vacant property at 720 14th St., and another empty building at 2001 First Ave. N., a few blocks east of the Fargo Police Department.

“What we’re trying to do is provide an entry point to a more extensive array of social services and social supports. And we’re willing to do whatever we need to do to get there,” said Jan Eliassen, Director of Harm Reduction Programs for Fargo Cass Public Health.

The DEC provides various services, including mental health counseling, a place to do laundry or take a shower. Not all services are provided on a daily basis, and Eliassen hopes that with a new location, that could change.

“What do the guests want? That’s how we find out what it is that we’re missing, what we’re doing well, or what they’d like to see happen. We just talk to the folks that we serve and ask them. They’re the experts in their own lives. They’re the experts in homelessness and they know what’s missing and what’s not,” said Eliassen.

The City Commission will meet on September 29th to continue discussions on the location.