Grand Forks Housing Authority expands services for homeless with 16 bed facility

The Grand Forks Housing Authority has reported significant progress in its efforts to provide emergency shelter services, addressing a critical need in the community. During a recent City Committee of the Whole meeting, officials highlighted the successful operation of a 16-bed facility that opened last October, which has already served 134 unique individuals, many of whom were unable to access other local resources.

The facility, which operates in collaboration with the Grand Forks Police Department and Altru Health System, has been crucial in providing shelter during extreme weather conditions. On particularly cold nights, the shelter has accommodated as many as 21 individuals, demonstrating the urgent demand for such services in the area. The average length of stay at the facility is 28 days, and staff are actively involved in case management, assisting residents with health insurance applications, employment, and other essential services.

Funding for the shelter has come from a partnership between the city, county, and various state and federal grants, including the Federal Emergency Solutions Grant and the North Dakota Homeless Grant. This financial support is vital, as it allows the facility to continue its operations and expand its services to meet the growing needs of the community.

Officials emphasized that the majority of individuals utilizing the shelter are from Grand Forks or the surrounding areas, countering concerns that the facility might attract individuals from outside the region. The Housing Authority is committed to demonstrating the positive impact of the shelter and is working on gathering more data to showcase its benefits.

As the community continues to navigate housing challenges, the Grand Forks Housing Authority remains focused on providing essential support and resources to those in need, ensuring that vulnerable residents have a safe place to stay. The ongoing collaboration with local partners is expected to enhance the effectiveness of these services and address homelessness in the area more comprehensively.