2025-2026 City of Fargo Winter Warming Operation
The 2025-2026 Winter Warming Operation began on Monday, November 24, at the site of the current Downtown Engagement Center (DEC), located at 222 4th Street North, Fargo. Winter Warming will operate on the main level of the DEC from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., with the capacity to accommodate 50 to 55 individuals per night.
Winter Warming is the City of Fargo’s proactive plan to assist individuals experiencing homelessness when area shelters have reached their capacity. It serves to protect some of the most vulnerable members of the community by preventing negative health impacts and cold weather-related injuries during the coldest months. Winter Warming is not intended to meet all the needs of unhoused individuals in our community as both resources and capacity are limited. Throughout the Winter Warming operation, staff will continue engagement activities with guests to assist with referrals to housing, medical, behavioral health and other needs.
The City of Fargo and FCPH are currently in the process of relocating DEC services to a new space at 2001 1st Avenue North in Fargo. Upon completion of initial renovations at that location, Winter Warming will transition to that space. The date for the transition has not yet been determined.
The 2024-2025 Winter Warming Operation took place at 1230 25th Street South, on the far west side of the main FCPH building. Throughout the 2024-2025 operation, there were 8,553 total encounters with an average of 44 individuals served each night. There were 668 unique individuals served.
Quick Facts:
• Individuals aged 18 and older who have no other overnight shelter option are eligible for Winter Warming.
• During the intake process at the DEC, staff will work to connect individuals needing access to a winter warming overnight option with appropriate and available shelter beds in the community.
• Individuals not able to be connected with an alternate available shelter space may be considered for Winter Warming.