downtown engagement center

Town hall meeting planned Tuesday to talk about relocating Downtown Engagement Center

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A town hall meeting will be held next Tuesday to talk about the possible relocation of the Downtown Engagement Center, or DEC. The meeting will be held in Fargo City Commission Chambers from 5 to 6:30 on September 23. It will also be streamed at TVFargo.com as well as on the city’s Facebook and YouTube accounts….

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…

Former Deputy Mayor of New York City Is Working With Fargo Mayor To Manage Homelessness

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo City Commissioners agreed to find a new location for the Downtown Engagement Center. Mayor Tim Mahoney has been working with the governor and the State Department of Human Services to secure $5 million from the state and $2.5 million from downtown business partners. The city would also provide $2.5 million. “We’ve come up with two…

Turnberg To Offer Plan To Address Homelessness in Fargo at Monday’s Commission Meeting

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) —  Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg is ready to present her plan to address homelessness called “Operation Safe Fargo”. Turnberg is proposing outlawing homeless camping on any city property and offering the person a bus ticket to their hometown or city of their choice. She wants to turn the Fargo Civic Center into an emergency shelter and…

Winter Warming Center To Be Located At Former Fargo Police Headquarters on 25th Street South

Commissioners Also Voted 3-2 Against Ending The Needle Exchange Program

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo is taking a proactive rather than reactive approach to prevent cold weather related injuries or deaths this winter. The Winter Warming Initiative was started in 2023 as a temporary plan to help the homeless during the winter months since most local shelters are at or over capacity. Last year, they helped nearly 700 people with…

City Commission and State Legislators Focus on Relocating Downtown Engagement Center and Funding for Transportation

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The Downtown Engagement Center has been a resource for many homeless and other persons in need. But the resources and space they have are sparse, so they are looking to expand elsewhere. “It has been desirable for the downtown business sector, but also from the people who are operating out of the engagement center. Understanding that…

‘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…