BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued an executive order on Nov. 14 establishing the North Dakota Interagency Council on Homelessness to coordinate relationships among state agencies and homelessness service providers and develop strategies and best practices for preventing and ending homelessness in North Dakota. He also proclaimed Nov. 16-22 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
“While North Dakota already has a strong network of support services and programs for those experiencing homelessness, we still have individuals falling through the cracks,” Armstrong said. “The Interagency Council on Homelessness will provide a forum for state agencies and service providers to gather information and community input, identify areas for improvement, and recommend strategies to wipe out homelessness and prevent its underlying causes.”
According to the press release issued from the governor’s office, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) Executive Director Brandon Dettlaff will chair the 12-person Council, and Commissioner of Recovery & Reentry Jonathan Holth will serve as vice-chair. The other members include four Cabinet leaders and six members appointed by the governor:
North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director Brad Hawk
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Director Colby Braun
North Dakota Department of Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Interim Commissioner Pat Traynor
North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People Chair Chandler Esslinger
NDHFA Continuum of Care Coordinator Shawnel Willer
Bryce Meyer, The Waters Sober Living Homes and executive pastor of operations at Evangel Church in Bismarck
Curtis Regan, associate broker and real estate developer at Dakota Commercial in Grand Forks
Bismarck City Administrator Jason Tomanek
Louise Dardis, longtime West Fargo Public Schools educator and principal, and board member of YWCA Cass Clay.
The panel will report annually on its progress in preventing and ending homelessness in North Dakota, including recommendations for executive and legislative action.
Armstrong issued a proclamation for the week of Nov. 16-22, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the State of North Dakota. “North Dakotans have a proud tradition of compassion and generosity, demonstrating a strong commitment to helping one another in times of need,” Armstrong concluded in the proclamation. “All North Dakotans are encouraged to develop an understanding of the issues surrounding hunger and homelessness and recognize that many people do not possess those basic needs, and deserve support from citizens and private and public nonprofit organizations.”
The proclamation can be viewed at https://shorturl.at/ZBbSR.
