New Life Center rushing to put finishing touches for new winter overflow shelter

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — When temperatures drop, the New Life Center gets busy with a growing number of homeless men who need a warm place to sleep. Next week, they plan to open their new overflow shelter called Operation Hope.

“We’ve had individuals having to stay in our intake room just because of the growing need. And so, to be able to provide an additional bed for individuals that are experiencing homelessness in our communities is critical. Especially during these cold, extreme cold temperatures,” said Andrea Feigum, Advancement Director at New Life Center.

New Life Center currently has room for 132 homeless men. The expansion will accommodate an additional 32 people. It will include a self-service laundry, a seating area, showers, bathrooms, and a storage area for bags.

“It is such a blessing. To be able to help someone directly and impact their life. Being able to provide these lifesaving services is critical, especially with these extreme cold temperatures. It becomes a life issue,” said Feigum.

While there have been some delays, the construction crew is working frantically to finish setting up. There’s also an urgent need for extra help.

“We are looking for volunteers and extra hands to help us clean, set up, and organize this space so that we can open by next week,” said Feigum.

The shelter is looking for 108 volunteers. So far, only about 26 people have signed up to help.

Currently, there’s enough funding to keep the shelter open until April, but they hope to eventually remain open year-round.

New Life Center estimates they will have the warming center up and running by next Thursday.