Fargodome becomes a place of refuge for those in need

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - Concerning trends continue in North Dakota. 13 percent more people are homeless than last year. The latest report on homelessness in North Dakota shows 33 percent of the homeless population is families with children. That's ten more families than last year. 40-percent are working, but still can't afford housing.

In Minnesota, homelessness is also rising, including first time homeless and families with children. In Clay County, 129 homeless are sheltered, and more than 100 are living on the streets or with friends.

Today there was a place of refuge for those down on their luck. The Fargodome turned into a place for services and answers for the homeless.

“I love it!”

Some free tender loving care for people falling on hard times; without homes, many without jobs.

Deborah: “A haircut is so uplifting. When you're trying to find work, it's really nice to really feel like you look your best.”

As volunteers from M.J. Capelli spray and snip, Wayne Forsythe tries to cut through the confusion of being homeless for the first time, like so many others.

Wayne: “We're not all bums. Some people look down on us, some people are okay with it and try and help you out.”

Wearing the coat he was just given, he's experiencing another kind of TLC, total learning central where he's hunting for information on homeless services, as well as a tent and sleeping bag.

Wayne Forsythe: “It's like Christmas, looking in each other's bags. It's like go over here get this, go over there.”

Wayne's on a waiting list for an apartment and doing day labor. Part of his day's work is finding the essentials.

Wayne: “Meals, a place to sleep, that's basically it.”

He spends today grateful, while wishing free dental care, blood pressure screenings and hair cuts could go to someone else, but just like the delighted Deborah, thankful he can get them all in one place.

Wayne: “All these people trying to help us out, bless them.”

This joint effort with the Veteran's Affair's Stand Down event and Project Homeless connect is a bi-annual event.

Tags: reporter stories, kelsey soby, fargo, homeless, charity, business