Achieving Safe & Affordable Housing In ND
Empowering Communities through Safe, Affordable Housing in North Dakota
Article by Laney Jones
As you wander through the neighborhoods of North Dakota, have you ever paused to notice the varying conditions of homes, particularly those housing our lower-income families? Imagine if your only option was one of those homes. Would it meet your criteria for a safe, nurturing environment for your family? Unfortunately, too many North Dakotans face this harsh reality daily, struggling to find a secure shelter for their loved ones. Beyond the visible struggles, an often-unseen crisis looms - homelessness, silently affecting countless individuals, including children, across our state. A reported 610 people were experiencing homelessness in North Dakota in 2022, and an estimated 13.6% of them were unsheltered. Housing North Dakota, alongside our committed partners, is at the forefront of addressing this critical issue, aiming to ensure access to safe and affordable housing for every resident of North Dakota.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
Unveiling Housing North Dakota: A Unified Force for Change
At the heart of North Dakota’s quest for safe and affordable housing lies Housing North Dakota, a collaborative powerhouse comprising key organizations united by a singular mission. This alliance includes:
North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People: Advocates for the homeless, offering a beacon of hope.
Fargo-Moorhead Coalition to End Homelessness: Regional champions in the fight against homelessness.
Youthworks: Dedicated to supporting at-risk youth.
YWCA Cass Clay: Focused on empowering women and children towards a better future.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families: Ensuring veterans have the support and housing they deserve.
Community Action Partnership of North Dakota: A statewide effort to uplift communities through action and advocacy.
During the 67th Legislative Assembly, this collective made significant strides in raising awareness about critical policies and funding measures integral to their vision. Their advocacy highlights the need for policies that not only make housing more accessible but also fund effective solutions aimed at eradicating homelessness. At the core of their policy agenda are initiatives designed to:
Boost Access to Attainable Housing: Making homes affordable and within reach for all.
Strengthen Tenants’ Rights and Protections: Safeguarding the interests of renters across the state.
Enhance Services to Tackle Homelessness: Offering a comprehensive approach to address the homelessness crisis.
Defining the Pillars of Change: Housing North Dakota’s Policy Values
Photo by: Aboodi Aesakaran
Championing the Cause with the North Dakota Homeless Grant (NDHG): A linchpin in our battle against homelessness, the NDHG is dedicated to augmenting federal Emergency Solutions Grants, providing vital homeless prevention services and shelter. This funding is pivotal, addressing homelessness at its core and offering a lifeline to those in dire need.
Upholding Fair Housing as a Fundamental Right: At the core of its mission is the belief that safe, affordable housing is a non-negotiable right for every individual. Fair Housing policies are the bedrock of their efforts to ensure that every North Dakotan in need finds a place to call home, aligning with its unwavering commitment to eradicate homelessness.
Leveraging the Housing Incentive Fund (HIF) for Sustainable Solutions: Initiated in 2011, the HIF stands as a testament to North Dakota's forward-thinking approach, providing gap financing to foster the creation of affordable multifamily housing. Administered by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, HIF serves as a critical tool, ensuring that rental homes remain affordable for at least 15 years, spanning both urban and rural communities.
This visionary program evolved into a versatile funding mechanism, enabling the construction and rehabilitation of multifamily housing statewide, addressing both workforce and housing needs, especially in North Dakota’s western regions.
A Unified Front Against Homelessness: Housing North Dakota holds a firm belief that with the right resources, the specter of long-term homelessness can be eradicated. The cost of homelessness extends far beyond the financial, impacting community welfare, health, and safety. It’s a societal challenge that calls for a comprehensive response, one that we are committed to leading. Our alliance leverages policy and funding with the goal of securing a home for every North Dakotan, a testament to our belief in the dignity and right to shelter for all.
Addressing Housing Challenges in North Dakota: A Comprehensive Overview
Photo by: Ahmed Akacha
The Plight of Homeless Children: A concerning reality in North Dakota is the prevalence of homelessness among school-aged children. During the 2019-2020 academic year, a staggering 2,572 children were identified as homeless, living in conditions ranging from emergency shelters and vehicles to unsuitable temporary arrangements. This figure underscores the urgency of addressing housing insecurity among our youngest residents.
The Crisis of Housing Shortages: For those classified as Extremely Low Income (ELI) renters, earning 30 percent or less of the area’s median income, North Dakota faces a critical shortfall. Approximately 12,980 affordable and accessible rental units are needed to meet the demand, with about two-thirds of ELI renters disproportionately affected by housing costs. This shortage highlights a significant barrier to achieving housing stability for the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Economic Benefits of Providing Stable Housing: Investing in housing not only transforms lives but also yields substantial economic benefits. Over a three-year period, providing stable housing for 20 formerly chronically homeless households resulted in savings exceeding $1 million for the community. These findings advocate for the cost-effectiveness of addressing homelessness through proactive housing initiatives.
Domestic Violence and Housing Insecurity: The intersection of domestic violence and homelessness is particularly acute for women and their families. National statistics reveal that one in four homeless women is forced into homelessness due to domestic violence. Additionally, 60 percent of homeless women are victims of domestic violence, with low-income women being the most affected. The challenges of securing safe and affordable housing are exacerbated by urgent circumstances, financial instability, and the difficulty in securing child support, highlighting the need for targeted support and solutions.
Empowering Lives Through Housing
Photo by: Daria Obymaha
Access to safe and affordable housing is a hidden crisis: countless individuals and families in North Dakota lack a safe and stable place to live. The invisibility of their struggles does not diminish the reality or our ability to effect change. Echoing Matthew Desmond's words, "Housing is absolutely essential to human flourishing. Without stable shelter, it all falls apart." Our commitment to expanding access to safe and affordable housing is more than a mission—it is a pledge to nurture community well-being, providing women, children, and families with not just shelter, but a sanctuary they can call home.
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Resources
Housing North Dakota Housing North Dakota (housingnd.org)
National Alliance to End Homelessness (NLIHC): Their report, "THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR: HOUSING FIRST WORKS," cites a systematic review of 26 studies. This review found Housing First programs decreased homelessness by 88% and improved housing stability by 41% compared to Treatment First programs. While not directly addressing cost savings, it implies reduced reliance on emergency services for housed individuals [NLIHC, Housing First Evidence].