New Life Center Opens Winter Warming Shelter in Fargo

Nonprofit sees growing need for homeless services, especially for those with mental health and mobility issues.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:23pm

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New Life Center, a nonprofit organization in Fargo, North Dakota, has opened its winter warming shelter with 32 beds. However, the executive director, Rob Swiers, says the need for homeless services in the Fargo-Moorhead area is beyond their current capacity. The shelter is facing challenges in accommodating older men with mobility issues, incontinence, and medical equipment needs. Swiers also notes that the biggest issue they've seen is helping those with mental health struggles.

Why it matters

The opening of the New Life Center's winter warming shelter highlights the ongoing need for homeless services in the Fargo-Moorhead community. As the demand for shelter and support continues to grow, the nonprofit is facing logistical challenges in providing adequate accommodations for those with specialized needs, underscoring the complexity of addressing homelessness in the region.

The details

The warming shelter, located across the street from the nonprofit's main building, is a retrofitted former warehouse with 32 beds. New Life Center now has a total of 184 beds for men. Executive Director Rob Swiers said they are seeing an increase in older men needing assistance, including those with mobility issues, incontinence, and medical equipment like CPAP machines. Swiers explained that these logistical challenges need to be considered to truly help someone move from the streets to an apartment or assisted living.

  • The winter warming shelter opened on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • New Life Center has been operating for 15 years, during which time Swiers says the biggest issue they've seen is helping those with mental health struggles.

The players

New Life Center

A nonprofit organization in Fargo, North Dakota, that provides shelter and services for homeless individuals.

Rob Swiers

The executive director of New Life Center, who has been with the organization for 15 years and has seen the growing need for homeless services, especially for those with mental health and mobility issues.

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What they’re saying

“If we can help someone get off the street, get stable and get whatever they need, especially from a mental health standpoint, they're able to heal and make some reconnections and move on.”

— Rob Swiers, Executive Director, New Life Center

What’s next

New Life Center is looking for volunteers and clothing donations and is taking part in Giving Hearts Day to help support its efforts to provide shelter and services for the homeless in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

The takeaway

The opening of New Life Center's winter warming shelter underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in the Fargo-Moorhead region, particularly in accommodating the specialized needs of older individuals and those struggling with mental health issues. As the demand for shelter and support continues to grow, the nonprofit is working to expand its capacity and find innovative solutions to better serve this vulnerable population.