The Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks is at full capacity, and may need to start a waiting list if the number of homeless seeking shelter continues to rise, according to Executive Director Dave Sena.
The shelter had nine new residents check in Monday for a total of 125. Six of the residents are sleeping on mattresses in an overflow area.
There are still two of the 22 beds for women available, according to Sena, and the Mission is looking into potentially double bunking some residents in the rooms or dormitories to ease the space crunch.
Sena said North Dakota's economic prosperity may be responsible for the influx of newcomers to the Mission.
Economic beacon
ADVERTISEMENT
"Anecdotally, it's people moving in looking for jobs," he said. "During harvest, we'll have people from Texas or migrant workers. This isn't that. It's people who are relocating and looking for a job and want to live here permanently."
He said directors at other shelters have told him economic struggles elsewhere in the nation have led to an increase in homelessness that rivals the level seen during the Great Depression. That has motivated people to chase jobs, not unlike the migration west during the 1930s, he said.
"North Dakota is on the national map," he said. "People hear jobs and low unemployment and they're moving."
He said he has had to turn away referrals from out-of-state agencies.
"Unless they have a job out here, I'd say think twice about coming out here," he said.
Second shelter?
Starting a waiting list is something Sena wants to avoid, but admits he has little control over the number of people who seek shelter at the Mission.
Adding beds at a new facility is an option that is being discussed, but it wouldn't be available right away.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We're working with other agencies about a separate facility," he said. "We're in the initial stages of that. If people want to be part of that discussion, they can get a hold of me. There is some talk of expansion, but it's going to be a rigorous plan, not just to open more beds."
If the shelter runs at maximum capacity for a longer stretch, he said, it could put a strain on both staff and resources.
The Mission has had to undertake two major projects: replacing its commercial washer and dryer and adding more freezer space, he said. Each project would cost $20,000, he estimated, but with more linen to wash and more meals being cooked, both were necessary.
"We're going to try as much as possible to work with the people we have here and get them out as soon as possible and get them out when they're able," he said. "We're not trying to attract more people. We don't have enough money for all of the things people want us to do. We'll help you, but you have to be able to get on your own two feet."
Reach Bieri at (701) 780-1118; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1118; or send email to cbieri@gfherald.com .
