Fargo's main shelter options and how they work

Fargo has two primary shelter facilities that accept people experiencing homelessness: the Fargo Day Center and New Life Center. The Day Center operates during daytime hours and provides meals, showers, and a safe place to spend the day. New Life Center offers overnight beds and is run by a faith-based organization. Both accept walk-ins, though New Life Center sometimes reaches capacity during winter months.

Getting into either shelter does not require paperwork or a referral from another agency. You can show up and ask for a bed or a day space. Staff will ask basic questions about your situation but will not turn you away based on your answers. If one shelter is full, staff can direct you to the other or to emergency overflow options that open when temperatures drop.

The shelters do have rules — no weapons, no active substance use on premises, and respect for other residents. Violations can result in a temporary ban, but this is not permanent and staff work with people to get them back in when circumstances change.

Key Takeaways

  • Fargo Day Center and New Life Center are the two main shelters; both accept walk-ins without advance notice or paperwork.
  • The Day Center operates during daytime hours with meals and showers, while New Life Center provides overnight beds.
  • Winter overflow shelters open when temperatures fall below freezing, adding temporary capacity.
  • You can call 211 or visit the Fargo Police Department's Community Services office to find current bed availability before heading to a shelter.
  • Shelters have basic conduct rules but do not deny entry based on background, income, or prior shelter stays.

What to bring and what to expect on your first night

Bring a photo ID if you have one, though it is not required to get a bed. Bring any medications you take regularly — the shelter cannot store large quantities, but staff can help you manage doses. Bring only what fits in a backpack or small bag; most shelters have limited storage space and do not allow large suitcases in sleeping areas.

On your first night, check-in usually happens in the early evening. Staff will ask your name, whether you have any medical conditions they should know about, and whether you have been to the shelter before. This takes about 10 minutes. You will be assigned a bed, shown where bathrooms and showers are, and given information about meal times and morning checkout. Dinner is usually served shortly after check-in.

Most shelters require you to leave during the day — typically between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. — so staff can clean and prepare for the next night. The Day Center stays open during these hours, so you have a place to go. Some shelters allow you to store a small bag in a locker during the day.

Finding a bed when shelters are full

During winter, Fargo activates emergency overflow beds when the temperature is forecast to drop below freezing. These are usually in church basements or community centers and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff at the main shelters will direct you to overflow locations if beds are full.

If you arrive at a shelter and it is full, call 211 when ready — this is a free phone line that connects you to local resources. The person who answers can tell you which other shelters have space and can sometimes arrange transportation. If it is after hours and 211 is not available, the Fargo Police Department's non-emergency line (701-235-4667) can direct you to emergency shelter.

Capacity fills fastest on the coldest nights. If you know a severe cold snap is coming, try to get to a shelter earlier in the day rather than waiting until evening.

Services available beyond a bed

Both main shelters provide meals — usually breakfast, lunch, and dinner. New Life Center includes a light breakfast before morning checkout. The Day Center serves lunch and sometimes dinner depending on funding and volunteer availability. Neither shelter charges for meals.

Showers are available at both facilities, usually in the evening or early morning. Laundry service is sometimes available but may have limits on how often you can use it. Ask staff when you check in.

Neither shelter provides case management or housing search services directly, but staff can connect you with organizations that do. Catholic Charities and the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority both work with people experiencing homelessness to find permanent housing. These organizations can help you understand what housing options exist and what documents you might need to move into an apartment.

Rules and what happens if you break them

Shelters prohibit weapons, drugs, and alcohol on the premises. Fighting or threatening other residents will result in removal. Most shelters also have a "no harassment" policy that includes not asking other residents for money or belongings.

If you violate a rule, staff will usually give you a warning the first time. A second violation in the same stay may result in a ban for a few days or a week. These bans are not permanent — you can return after the ban period ends. If you are banned, ask staff when you will be allowed back and what you need to do differently.

If you have a mental health crisis or are in medical distress, tell a staff member when ready. Shelters are trained to call emergency services if needed and will not ban you for a health emergency.

Getting connected to longer-term housing

Shelters are meant to be temporary — a safe place to sleep while you figure out your next step. To move toward permanent housing, you need to connect with a housing program. The most direct route is to ask shelter staff for a referral to a case manager. They can assess your situation and tell you what housing programs might work for you.

Fargo has several housing programs, including rapid rehousing (which helps you move into an apartment quickly with rental information) and permanent supportive housing (which combines affordable housing with ongoing support services). may be able to access and availability vary, but case managers can explain which programs fit your circumstances.

Having a shelter stay on your record does not disqualify you from housing programs. In fact, being currently homeless often moves you higher on the priority list for information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay at the shelter if I have a pet?

Most Fargo shelters do not allow pets in sleeping areas, but some have made exceptions for service animals. Call ahead or ask staff when you arrive. If you have a pet, ask about pet-friendly shelters or temporary foster programs in the area — some animal rescues work with homeless individuals to care for pets while they are in shelter.

What if I have a mental health condition or take psychiatric medication?

Tell staff when you check in. Shelters cannot provide psychiatric care, but they can help you manage your medication schedule and can connect you with mental health services in Fargo. If you are in crisis, tell staff when ready and they will call emergency services.

Do I need to be a Fargo resident to use the shelter?

No. Fargo shelters serve anyone experiencing homelessness regardless of where they are from. You do not need to prove residency or have a local address.

What happens to my belongings during the day when I have to leave?

Most shelters provide locker or bag storage during daytime hours. The Day Center also allows you to spend the day there, so you can keep your belongings with you. Ask staff about storage options when you check in.

Can I shower every day?

Shower frequency depends on the shelter's resources and staffing. Most allow daily showers, but some limit showers to a few times per week. Ask staff about their policy when you arrive.