New Life Center Executive Director: "I've not seen the demand we're seeing this year"

(Fargo, ND) -- An alarming trend is occurring in Fargo when it comes to the need for overnight shelter for homeless people. 

"I have not seen the demand we're seeing this year. I've not seen that like what we're seeing today. I've not seen that in the past," said Rob Swiers, Executive Director of New Life Center.  

Swiers says they've recently added 24 new beds at the overnight shelter for men, increasing their capacity to 144 beds. He says all but a few of those beds are now filled each night. The non-profit also provides clothing and food to anyone in need, including women and children. 

Swiers says he's especially concerned about people who don't have a place to stay when temperatures drop below zero.

"Folks who are sleeping in places not meant for habitation in this weather, could have and do have deadly results," said Swiers.

New Life Center is currently offering "Holiday Hero Packs" which can be purchased to provide meals, safe shelter, clothing, and other services to people in need.

More information on the shelter can be found at FargoNLC.org. 

Swiers appeared on "Bonnie and Friends" on WDAY 970 AM.