Bismarck Mayor Michael Schmitz reinforced the community's need for a low-barrier shelter on Tuesday, proposing that the City of Bismarck secure a specific location for such a facility. The announcement, made during a news conference, detailed a path forward to serve Bismarck’s homeless population, particularly those facing significant challenges.
According to Mayor Schmitz, while the City of Bismarck would likely own the facility itself, it would not be directly involved in its day-to-day operations. Instead, the City plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to community non-profit organizations. The selected non-profit would then be responsible for staffing the shelter, as well as managing its programming and various activities.
Mayor Schmitz articulated that his proposal aims to offer a broader spectrum of options to support people experiencing homelessness. He acknowledged and commended the existing community organizations for their current efforts, stating that Bismarck already provides some "excellent options." However, he pointed to a critical gap in services, emphasizing that the community is "severely lacking" in solutions tailored for individuals grappling with significant health and addiction issues.
The establishment of a low-barrier shelter would provide a permanent location where Bismarck’s unhoused population could seek shelter, especially crucial during periods of inclement weather. Beyond immediate shelter, Mayor Schmitz explained the facility would serve as an initial touchpoint, connecting individuals to a comprehensive array of community resources. These services would include behavioral health crisis stabilization, medical detox, and withdrawal management.
Furthermore, the proposed shelter would facilitate connections to vital treatment and recovery services. It would also offer peer support and case management, help with housing navigation, and provide access to other essential community resources. This integrated approach, as presented by Mayor Schmitz, aims to support individuals through various stages of need.
In an effort to gather wider community input, Mayor Schmitz also highlighted the availability of an online form. Members of the community are encouraged to use this form, found on the City of Bismarck website, to share additional solutions and ideas concerning homelessness in the area. A full copy of the Mayor's comments from the news conference is also accessible online for public review.
