North Dakota Senate approves $10M for homelessness and housing stabilization funding

The North Dakota Legislature's House Appropriations - Government Operations Division meeting on April 11, 2025, focused on key funding initiatives aimed at addressing housing and homelessness in the state. The discussions highlighted several significant programs, including the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) and the North Dakota Homeless Grant.

The HIF program is set to continue its operations for both multifamily and single-family housing developments, with discussions indicating a potential increase in funding. A new initiative, the rent stabilization program, was introduced, with a proposed budget of $13.5 million. This program aims to provide essential support for housing stability, reflecting the committee's commitment to addressing housing challenges in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Homeless Grant, which has been allocated $10 million, is also a focal point of the budget discussions. This funding is intended for emergency response, emergency shelter, and shelter services. The Senate has approved this amount, aligning with recommendations from Governor Doug Burgum and Governor Armstrong.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the State Home Infrastructure Program, which has a proposed budget of $50 million for housing infrastructure. This funding is crucial for producing new housing units and is expected to work in conjunction with the HIF program.

The committee emphasized the importance of these initiatives in providing necessary resources for housing and homelessness services in North Dakota. As the budget discussions progress, the outcomes of these proposals will play a significant role in shaping the state's approach to housing stability and support for vulnerable populations.