Grand Forks Housing Authority briefs council on 'The Nest,' a 16‑bed low‑barrier shelter serving 134 people

The Grand Forks Housing Authority on Monday provided a detailed update to the Grand Forks Committee of the Whole on the Nest, a low‑barrier emergency shelter that opened Oct. 2, 2024, and currently operates with 16 beds.

The presentation outlined use, partners and funding as city officials pressed for data about residency, length of stay and related services.

The Nest opened in October with 12 beds and was expanded to a 16‑bed facility after renovations. Katie Jo Armbrust, Director of Program Development and Advocacy for the Grand Forks Housing Authority, said the shelter has served 134 unique individuals and that the average length of stay is 28 days. "We have had, at least 16 people, if not more, the overwhelming majority of the nights that we have been open," Armbrust said. She added that on very cold nights the facility has housed as many as 21 people.

Armbrust described the Nest as a "low‑barrier" shelter — meaning people may access services "as they are" so long as they are safe for themselves and others — and said the housing…