Fargo Cass Public Health begins winter warming operation at new Resource and Recovery Center to help residents facing homelessness

Fargo, North Dakota – Fargo Cass Public Health has opened its 2026-2027 Winter Warming Operation at the city’s new Resource and Recovery Center, providing a safe and warm place for adults experiencing homelessness as colder temperatures create additional risks across the region.

The seasonal operation officially began Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Resource and Recovery Center (RRC), located at 2001 1st Ave. N. in Fargo.

The facility is now offering overnight warming services seven days a week, operating from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. each night.

City officials expect the operation to accommodate up to 75 individuals, depending on staffing availability and necessary supplies.

This year’s program also includes an important improvement over the previous location. The larger building allows the city to provide sleeping mats for individuals who need somewhere to rest overnight.

A total of 60 sleeping mats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all mats are occupied, additional visitors can use chairs and other seating arrangements.

The operation is intended to provide temporary protection from dangerous winter conditions when other shelters in the Fargo area have reached capacity.

New facility offers expanded space and additional support services

Fargo’s Winter Warming Operation is part of the city’s effort to reduce cold-weather injuries and other health problems among people experiencing homelessness.

The program is designed for individuals who have no other safe overnight shelter option.

Adults ages 18 and older may qualify for the service, although staff will first attempt to connect them with available shelter beds elsewhere in the community.

Those who cannot be placed in another shelter may then be considered for Winter Warming.

The operation is staffed by existing Resource and Recovery Center employees, along with up to four temporary workers hired specifically to support the seasonal program.

Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee emphasized the importance of using the city’s new facility to assist residents facing difficult living conditions.

“Every day, Resource and Recovery Center staff and partner agencies apply evidence-based practices to help people experiencing homelessness in our metro area. Opening the center’s doors to provide a warm place to stay during extreme cold is another way the new facility is meeting the needs of our community,” Mayor Josh Boschee stated.

The Resource and Recovery Center began operating on June 15, 2026, replacing services previously provided at the former Downtown Engagement Center.

The newer location offers more space for community organizations and service providers to work with people who need assistance.

Available resources include support related to housing, mental and behavioral health, medical needs and treatment services.

During the winter operation, staff will continue working with guests to identify their needs and connect them with appropriate community programs.

These efforts include referrals for housing assistance, medical care, behavioral health services and other resources that may help individuals improve their circumstances.

However, city officials have made clear that Winter Warming cannot meet every need of the local homeless population because available space, staffing and resources remain limited.

Previous winter operation recorded thousands of visits

The opening of the new warming location follows another busy winter season for Fargo’s emergency overnight services.

During the 2025-2026 season, the Winter Warming Operation was housed at the former Downtown Engagement Center at 222 4th St. N.

Throughout that season, the program recorded 8,872 total encounters with individuals seeking assistance.

An average of 62 people received services each night, demonstrating the continuing need for temporary shelter during the winter months.

The operation also served 639 unique individuals over the course of the season.

Those figures show that many people relied on the service more than once when overnight shelter was unavailable elsewhere.

With the operation now based at the larger Resource and Recovery Center, the city has increased its planned capacity to as many as 75 individuals and introduced sleeping mats for overnight guests.

The additional space is expected to help staff provide a more comfortable setting while continuing to connect visitors with longer-term support.

Adults without available shelter can seek overnight assistance

The Winter Warming Operation is intended specifically for adults who have no other place to stay overnight.

During intake, employees will check whether suitable shelter beds are available through other providers in the community.

If another shelter option cannot be arranged, the individual may be considered for a place at the warming facility, subject to available capacity and resources.

The program does not replace traditional shelters or provide permanent housing. Instead, it offers temporary overnight protection during the colder months while helping guests access additional services.

Fargo Cass Public Health’s 2026-2027 Winter Warming Operation is currently open every night from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. at 2001 1st Ave. N.

With winter conditions approaching, the city is continuing its efforts to protect vulnerable residents from exposure to extreme cold while offering connections to housing, health care and other community resources.