New Life Center in Fargo. (KVRR)
FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) — With the coldest temperatures of the season approaching, the New Life Center is seeing a growing number of homeless men who need a warm place to sleep. They are preparing to open a new overflow shelter called Operation Hope.
“We’ve had individuals having to stay in our intake room just because of the growing need. And so, to be able to provide an additional bed for individuals that are experiencing homelessness in our communities is critical. Especially during these cold, extreme cold temperatures,” said Andrea Feigum, Advancement Director at New Life Center.
New Life Center currently has room for 132 homeless men. The expansion will accommodate an additional 32 people. It will include a self-service laundry, a seating area, showers, bathrooms, and a storage area for bags.
“It is such a blessing. To be able to help someone directly and impact their life. Being able to provide these lifesaving services is critical, especially with these extreme cold temperatures. It becomes a life issue,” said Feigum.
New Life Center building an overflow shelter.
Feigum says the construction crew is working to finish setting up, but there’s an urgent need for extra help.
“We are looking for volunteers and extra hands to help us clean, set up, and organize this space so that we can open by next week,” said Feigum.
The shelter is looking for 108 volunteers. As of Wednesday, about 26 people had signed up to help.
Feigum says they currently have enough funding to keep the shelter open until April, but they hope to eventually remain open year-round.
New Life Center estimates they will have the warming center up and running by next Thursday, Jan. 29.
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