Homeless Assistance in North Dakota

Homeless Assistance in North Dakota

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to North Dakota residents.

674+
People experiencing homelessness
50+
Assistance programs statewide
$12M+
Federal housing funds
53 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in North Dakota within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for North Dakota residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across North Dakota. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in North Dakota. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for North Dakota veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible North Dakota residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in North Dakota. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. North Dakota receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local North Dakota Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple North Dakota locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through North Dakota community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income North Dakota residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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North Dakota State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by North Dakota for residents experiencing homelessness.

North Dakota ESG Program

Emergency Solutions Grant funding for homeless shelter operations, street outreach, and housing stability services across North Dakota communities.

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TANF – North Dakota (TECA)

Training, Employment and Community Activity program provides cash assistance and job training for ND families in need. Apply through any county social services office.

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North Dakota Medicaid

Health coverage for eligible low-income North Dakotans. ND Medicaid expansion covers adults under 65 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

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North Dakota Housing Programs

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income North Dakota residents.

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North Dakota Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through North Dakota’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income North Dakota households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major North Dakota cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Fargo

Fargo CoC — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Fargo area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Bismarck

Bismarck Warming Center — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Bismarck area.

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Grand Forks

Grand Forks CoC — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Grand Forks area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in North Dakota.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in North Dakota near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in North Dakota. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. North Dakota benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. North Dakota has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • North Dakota Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for North Dakota veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in North Dakota.
Apply at North Dakota’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.