Downtown Engagement Center in FargoFARGO (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…
2001 1st Avenue North, FargoFARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo City Commissioners vote 3-2 to relocate the Downtown Engagement Center to 2001 1st Avenue North near Brewhalla. Commissioners Piepkorn and Turnberg voting against the move with Piepkorn stating the taxpayers will be on the hook. The city will pay $350,000 per year for base rent for two years for the over…
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — It was a full house at City Hall as many came to comment about the relocation of the Downtown Engagement Center. The current center, located nearly a half a block away from City Hall has served nearly ninety people per day. “You just got to have the courage to walk in there. And if you need…
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….
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…
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…
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney says the city will take a step back and play a more supportive role to end homelessness. FM Coalition to End Homelessness and United Way of Cass Clay presented a plan for the next 30, 60 and 90 days to reduce the number of people who are homeless. They will count on…
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…
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…
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…
