Fargo's new emergency shelter opened the middle of March. The shelter is an important first step in making sure that all citizens of our community have a place to find shelter when there is no other place available. The shelter will accept persons even if they have been drinking. It will not allow alcohol on the premises and those who come in drunk will be placed into a detox, lock-down part of the building.
The shelter is part of Fargo's "Going Home, a Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness," which has become a model for other cities in North Dakota and around the area. Seven of the largest North Dakota cities have adopted plans based on Fargo's shelter. The next step is developing transitional housing for homeless. The plan is based on the "housing first" model which has been successful in New York and several other cities across the nation.
Another part of the plan that has now been held last August and again this February is Project Homeless Connect. This event brings homeless people together with the organizations that provide services to the homeless. It is a one day event where homeless can connect in an immediate way with services. There is an intake process, guidance through the system by community volunteers, a lunch is served, an exit process provides tracking and follow-up. The two events have had participation by more than 500 homeless and imminently homeless persons.
Howard Barlow, NRS, Fargo
No comments:
Post a Comment