Bismarck-Mandan Plan to End Long Term Homelessness Completes Goal to Shelter Homeless During Extreme Weather

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Cities of Bismarck and Mandan, along with the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People, Inc., announce the completion of Goal Number Seven of the 10-Year Plan to End Long Term Homelessness: Creation of the Community Crisis Response Plan to Provide Shelter During Extreme Weather Situations.

The completion of this goal is particularly timely and fitting as Monday, Dec. 21, marks National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day—a day set aside each year to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price in the struggle to end homelessness.

Work on Goal Number Seven began in July of this year with the intention of having in place a crisis response plan during the extreme weather conditions that often occur in December, when temperatures and wind chill in North Dakota can reach such degrees that would be detrimental to life. Goal Number Seven provides a Single Point of Entry through the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House to provide shelter during extreme weather conditions for homeless adults age 18 and over, as well as families or individuals with minor dependents. The creation and implementation of this plan offers an alternative to the dangers of extreme weather for long term homeless persons and all people experiencing homelessness, through a collaborative community response.

“I am very pleased with the continued progress and momentum of the Bismarck-Mandan Plan to End Homelessness and the completion of Goal Number Seven”, said Mayor John Warford. “This is such an appropriate and timely goal to achieve: providing shelter during the cold winter season. Thank you to all who assisted with making this plan a reality.”

On any given night across the region approximately 276 people can be found to be experiencing homelessness. However, those numbers are considered to be underestimated due to the notable hidden homeless population that often goes uncounted. People do their best to live private in abandoned houses, parked cars, “doubled up” or even “sofa surfing”. The most vulnerable, the elderly, the mentally ill, the abused (women and men) do their best to blend in or hide themselves for protection. For more information contact Tina Grumbo at 701-222-2108, or Dan Donlin at 701-223-1212 or visit www.missourivalleyhomeless.org.