Introduction
North Dakota faces significant challenges in addressing homelessness and providing affordable housing. Recent data indicates a steady increase in homelessness, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems. This article explores the state’s public housing initiatives, homelessness services, and available resources for residents in need.
State Programs and Initiatives
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA)
The NDHFA plays a pivotal role in managing housing programs and grants aimed at reducing homelessness. In 2024, the agency received a $3.4 million competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support nonprofit providers, public housing authorities, and government agencies dedicated to offering housing and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. (ndhfa.org)
North Dakota Homeless Grant (NDHG)
The NDHG is a state program designed to provide financial assistance to facilities and programs within North Dakota to identify sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, as well as those at risk of homelessness, and provide the services necessary to help those persons quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness. (nlihc.org)
North Dakota Interagency Council on Homelessness
Established in November 2025, this council coordinates efforts among state agencies and homelessness service providers to develop strategies and best practices for preventing and ending homelessness in North Dakota. Chaired by NDHFA Executive Director Brandon Dettlaff, the council aims to enhance collaboration and resource allocation. (nd.gov)
Local Services and Resources
Emergency Shelters
North Dakota offers several emergency shelters to assist individuals and families facing homelessness. Notable shelters include:
- Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons
- Bismarck Emergency Homeless Shelter
- Minot Homeless Coalition
- In 2023, 6,208 individuals received services for homelessness in North Dakota, a 35% increase from 2020.
- Children aged 0 to 17 represented 25% of those receiving services in 2023, up from 17% in 2020.
- 29% of individuals receiving services had a mental health disorder, and 15% had a chronic health condition.
- The NDHFA received a $3.4 million competitive grant from HUD in 2024 to support homelessness services.
- The NDHS program began ramping down in March 2025 due to the expiration of federal funding.
- North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 2024 https://www.ndhfa.org/index.php/2024/02/20/hud-grant-awarded-to-nd-homeless-continuum-of-care/
- North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 2025 https://www.ndhfa.org/index.php/2025/07/14/agency-awards-funds-to-support-homelessness-initiatives-in-north-dakota/
- North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 2025 https://www.ndhfa.org/index.php/homeless-programs/
- North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 2025 https://www.ndhfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHNA2024_Final.pdf
- North Dakota Health and Human Services, 2025 https://www.hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/rent-help/nd-rent-help-faqs
- North Dakota Housing
- Homelessness Services
- Affordable Housing
- State Programs
- Public Housing
- Housing Assistance
- NDHFA
- North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 2024 https://www.ndhfa.org/index.php/2024/02/20/hud-grant-awarded-to-nd-homeless-continuum-of-care/
- North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 2025 https://www.ndhfa.org/index.php/2025/07/14/agency-awards-funds-to-support-homelessness-initiatives-in-north-dakota/
- North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 2025 https://www.ndhfa.org/index.php/homeless-programs/
- North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 2025 https://www.ndhfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHNA2024_Final.pdf
- North Dakota Health and Human Services, 2025 https://www.hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/rent-help/nd-rent-help-faqs
– Address: 1001 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
– Phone: (701) 235-7335
– Website: fmhomeless.org
– Address: 1120 S 12th St, Bismarck, ND 58504
– Phone: (701) 255-6560
– Website: bismarckhomelessshelter.org
– Address: 315 1st St SE, Minot, ND 58701
– Phone: (701) 852-6300
– Website: minothomeless.org
Supportive Services
Organizations such as the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota (CAPND) collaborate with NDHFA to expand homeless services statewide. Through programs like the HOME-ARP Supportive Services Program and the NDHG, CAPND delivers critical housing support and stability services to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. (dpcaa.org)
Demographics and Population Data
In 2023, 6,208 individuals received services for homelessness in North Dakota, marking a 35% increase from 4,606 in 2020. Children aged 0 to 17 represented 25% of those receiving services, up from 17% in 2020. Additionally, 29% of individuals receiving services had a mental health disorder, and 15% had a chronic health condition. (ndhfa.org)
Challenges and Future Outlook
The expiration of federal funding for pandemic-era rental assistance programs in September 2025 has led to a reduction in available support. Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun ramping down the North Dakota Housing Stabilization (NDHS) program, which previously provided re-housing services for households experiencing homelessness. As of March 2025, new applications from households experiencing homelessness are no longer being accepted. (hhs.nd.gov)
Conclusion
North Dakota continues to face challenges in addressing homelessness and providing affordable housing. While state programs and local services offer essential support, the increasing demand underscores the need for sustained investment and innovative solutions to ensure housing stability for all residents.
Key Facts
Sources
Tags
Subcategory
State Programs
Readability Level
8th Grade