Fargo’s winter warming operation at capacity in first week

FARGO (KFGO) – Fargo’s winter warming plan has been operating for one week and public health officials say they have been at, or near, capacity every night.

The winter warming operation at the Downtown Engagement Center (DEC) opened on Nov. 24. Holly Scott with Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) says they have averaged about 50 guests per night.

Scott says operations have been going smoothly and people are appreciative for a safe, warm place to stay.

Winter warming is for people 18 and older experiencing homelessness when area shelters are full. The DEC is open at 222 4th Street North from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The City of Fargo and FCPH are in the process of relocating DEC services to a new space at 2001 1st Avenue North in Fargo. Upon completion of initial renovations at that location, winter warming will transition to that space. The date for the transition has not yet been determined.

Throughout the 2024-2025 operation, there were 8,553 total encounters with an average of 44 individuals served each night. There were 668 unique individuals served.