The City of Fargo is in the process of finalizing a map that will designate areas where people can legally camp on public property temporarily. This initiative comes as the city prepares for a final vote on a public camping ban for public safety reasons. Homeless individuals living in tents along the Red River have expressed their desire to continue living where they want, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships. Some rely on local resources like the Downtown Engagement Center and the Gladys Ray Shelter for food, while others resort to unconventional methods like scavenging dumpsters for clothes and selling scrap metal to make a living. Drug use is also prevalent in these makeshift camps, as evidenced by the presence of needles on the ground. Despite the difficulties, some individuals, like David, are firm in their decision to live outside and resist conforming to societal norms. The finalized map has not been shared with the public yet, and the City Commission is scheduled to vote on the camping ban on September 2. Overall, the situation highlights the complexities of homelessness and the challenges faced by individuals who choose to live outside of traditional housing options.
Mike McGurran, a reporter and anchor at WDAY-TV since 2021, covered this story.
Source
Photo credit www.inforum.com
