Downtown Engagement Center
Fargo’s Downtown Engagement Center (DEC) opened in May 2022, in response to the Downtown InFocus Plan recommendations from 2018. Creation of what is known today as the DEC was identified as a priority at that time due to the number persons experiencing homelessness. The DEC was originally part of the Planning Department of the City of Fargo and later moved into the services of Fargo Cass Public Health, where it appropriately resides today. This history and context are important to correct a common misunderstanding of the DEC: the DEC is not a program that began because of COVID. The vision, inception and framework for its creation began years before COVID.
In addition to services provided directly through Fargo Cass Public Health, the DEC operates through a strong network of community partnerships. Approximately 30 community organizations contribute to service delivery.
Services available through the DEC include, but are not limited to:
- Housing problem-solving, housing search, and stabilization support to help individuals identify pathways out of homelessness and secure stable housing
- Critical medical care and connections to ongoing primary healthcare services, including chronic disease management and preventative care
- Resource navigation, benefits access, and application assistance, including support with health insurance enrollment, SNAP, WIC, and other essential public benefit programs
- Services that address mental health and substance use challenges are often provided by the Southeast Behavioral Health Clinic. Peer support and care coordination are provided by a multitude of agencies.
- Mental health, substance use, peer support, and care coordination services that connect individuals to treatment, recovery support, and ongoing assistance
- Culturally responsive programming, community connection, and supportive services designed to reflect the diverse traditions, values, and lived experiences of those served
- Specialized services for veterans, youth, individuals living with brain injuries, and others with unique or complex support needs
Community partners providing services at the DEC include co-located providers such as Family Health Care Center’s Homeless Health Services Clinic and Presentation Partners in Housing’s Housing Navigation Program, as well as organizations that provide outreach and specialized support, including Southeast Behavioral Health Clinic, Deep Roots, Sweet Medicine, Arkos Health, Community Options, Better Together, Youthworks, Fraser Ltd./Stepping Stones, Native, Inc., Healing Circle, VA Homeless Outreach, SENDCAA, Solerra, Great Plains Food Bank, and North Dakota Legal Services.
How does it work?
Guests of the DEC complete an intake process upon arrival, identifying the type of resource or assistance they may need.
In addition to case management and medical and social services, the DEC also provides guests with an opportunity to address the basic needs of taking a shower, washing/drying clothes and securing storage of personal belongings.
Staff also assist guests in securing the necessary documents such as identification, birth certificates and Social Security Cards, for both housing and employment purposes.
How is it funded?
The DEC is funded through a combination of state aid dollars and support from the City of Fargo's general fund. Beginning with the 2025 budget, dedicated efforts have been made to identify alternate sources of funding to reduce costs paid for by the general fund.
Isn't the DEC moving?
Yes, services provided through the DEC will soon be relocated to the new Resource and Recovery Center. Please visit that page on our website for additional information and details.