FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) — A debate over the efforts to end homelessness got a little heated at Fargo City Hall Monday night.
Commissioners disagreed about a sudden motion to extend the winter warming shelter by one month to continue to shelter around 50 people each night. It came the same night the Commission reminded the public that camping on public property and rights of way will end after Wednesday. The program is covered by a grant.
Two commissioners said the measure is just enabling those people while Mayor Tim Mahoney said if they aren’t sheltered overnight they’ll just be on the streets since they can’t camp anymore.
Chandler Esslinger of FM Coalition to End Homelessness said they have 22 housing units identified to help the homeless, but the goal is a total of 55 to 65 units and it’s going to take more time.
Commissioner John Strand said, “if it takes another month continue this program and not be putting people out into the street, (and) we can give them a place to sleep at night that’s warm, why wouldn’t we?”
Commissioner Michelle Turnberg responded, “I don’t even like the word homeless anymore because that’s not the problem. It’s the drug use and it seems like Fargo [is] more prioritizing safe, illegal drug use than we are getting rid of it and stopping it.”
Commissioner Dave Piepkorn said, “Time’s up. We’ve had enough. Citizens have had enough. It’s time to restore law and order.”
Commissioners voted 3-2 to extend the sheltering center for one month.
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