North Dakota Advocates Relieved as Federal Homeless Grants Renewed

Senator Hoeven's efforts secure critical funding for shelters and services across the state.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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North Dakota agencies that provide shelter and services for the homeless have received a major boost with the renewal of $3.3 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding, which was in jeopardy of expiring, will support over 1,600 beds at shelters across the state, including the YWCA in Fargo, Fraser Ltd. in Fargo, the Abused Adult Resource Center in Bismarck, the Grand Forks Housing Authority, and the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center in Dickinson. The renewal of these grants was credited to the advocacy efforts of Senator John Hoeven, who worked with HUD officials to ensure the funding would continue.

Why it matters

Homelessness remains a persistent challenge in North Dakota, especially in more urban areas like Fargo that attract people from rural parts of the state seeking services. These federal grants are a critical source of funding for shelters and service providers that offer housing, support, and resources to the homeless population, including vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and Native Americans. The renewal of this funding provides stability and allows these organizations to continue their important work in communities across North Dakota.

The details

The $3.3 million in HUD grants will support a range of homeless services and shelter beds across North Dakota. This includes 23 beds at the YWCA's Lantern Light facility in Fargo that serves low-income women, their children, and domestic violence survivors. The grants also fund programs at Fraser Ltd. in Fargo, the Abused Adult Resource Center in Bismarck, the Grand Forks Housing Authority, and the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center in Dickinson. Senator Hoeven worked closely with HUD Secretary Scott Turner and other officials to secure the renewal of these grants, which had been in jeopardy of expiring at different points in 2026.

  • The federal grants were set to expire at different points in 2026.
  • Senator Hoeven worked to renew the grants in early 2026.

The players

Erin Prochnow

CEO of the YWCA that serves Cass County.

Senator John Hoeven

Republican Senator from North Dakota who advocated for the renewal of the federal homeless grants.

Scott Turner

Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Sarah Selseth

Chief program officer for the YWCA.

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What they’re saying

“He really went to bat for women and children in danger of losing their housing.”

— Erin Prochnow, CEO of the YWCA that serves Cass County (North Dakota Monitor)

“We're squared away for this year, but we want to know we're going to continue these grants.”

— Senator John Hoeven (North Dakota Monitor)

“This population really presents us with some unique challenges, such as dementia-like symptoms, physical challenges and chronic health conditions that require daily care and support.”

— Sarah Selseth, Chief program officer for the YWCA (North Dakota Monitor)

What’s next

Senator Hoeven said he will continue working with HUD to provide more long-term certainty around the renewal of these critical grants in the future.

The takeaway

The renewal of these federal homeless grants underscores the vital role that shelters and service providers play in supporting vulnerable populations across North Dakota, particularly in more urban areas that attract people seeking assistance. It also highlights the importance of advocacy and collaboration between state and federal officials to ensure these essential programs can continue their work in communities in need.