Fargo set to move forward with housing solutions as homelessness remains key issue among city leaders

Brenda Derrig, Fargo’s Assistant City Administrator, Carissa Raaen, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, FCPH Harm Reduction Division and Chandler Esslinger, Community Liaison, FCPH Harm Reduction Division // WDAY RADIO STAFF

FARGO, ND — The City of Fargo is officially beginning to develop a housing first draft plan after a 4-1 approval vote at the City Commission meeting Monday night.

The vote allows public health and city officials to begin developing pilot plans and ordinances to tackle homelessness in Fargo. Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) previously stated there are an estimated 1,000 people on the street each night in the city. The new proposal aims to reduce the number significantly.

The speakers brought forward three different policy ideas for the city to consider.

1. Creating a draft ordinance that would ban camping on city lands with exceptions for resolutions.
2. Asking the commission what they would like to see in a proposed ordinance.
3. Asking the commission if they should continue making plans to create a Fargo Streets to House pilot project, similar to one created in Milwaukee County, WI, which made huge steps towards placing homeless residents into homes and places to live.

A resolution would be in place while the city works to create a housing first process for residents to pursue.

Chandler Esslinger, a FCPH Community Liaison, says their outreach teams have spoken with the homeless encampment near the Red River, who have stated they would be willing to work with the engagement center and towards placing them in permanent housing. This includes following rules established by the city, like keeping the camps safe, clean, and inclusive to other unhoused individuals.

Esslinger also outlined a goal to incorporate multiple apartment or housing units into a scattershot plan, which would allow the unhoused to chose their living location while they were attempting to find a permanent residence.

Commissioner Dave Piepkorn was the lone dissenting vote at the Monday, citing concerns related to changing the current camping rules, possible sanitation issues, and public safety.

“We have campgrounds […] every place else, you can’t camp there. Is that confusing? It seems confusing to you,” said Piepkorn at the meeting.

Fargo City Commissioners discuss homelessness ordinance proposals during the 06.24.2024 commission meeting // City of Fargo