Bismarck’s Homeless – Safety Number One Concern For Everyone

I'm from California, but I've lived in North Dakota for over ten years...

...I can honestly say that it has taken that long to get used to the drastic weather changes we all face. When the temps fall every winter, my first thoughts are on the homeless out here. I find it personally impossible to imagine what it must be like in those conditions - problems arise quickly when safety becomes an issue for the general public and the homeless. In October there will be a chance for everyone to become involved.

"This ordinance intends to balance compassion with public safety...

A delicate situation when people come across a homeless person or persons who are having an extremely difficult time coping. They are not allowed to sleep on public property - people who work downtown have said many times they don't feel safe. This past Tuesday the Bismarck City Commission announced its plans for a meeting - according to bismarcknd.gov

"On Tuesday, the Bismarck City Commission called for a public hearing in October regarding a prohibitive camping ordinance to address encampments in the right of way. The ordinance is designed to protect the safety of unhoused individuals and the wider community while ensuring that public spaces remain accessible to all.

"This ordinance intends to balance compassion with public safety. Being homeless is not a crime,” said Bismarck Police Chief Dave Draovitch. “In law enforcement, we must address safety concerns for both those who are unhoused and the broader community. This ordinance provides us with a tool to hold individuals accountable and to address complaints we’ve received from the public."

The proposed ordinance prohibits encampments with fires, tents and furniture that cannot be easily transported by an individual. “This gives the Police Department the tools to give notice for the property to be removed and a process for that removal after 24 hours that we do not have presently,” explained City Attorney Jannelle Combs in a memo to the City Commission. “This protects the unhoused and reduces liability for the City.”

October 8

The public hearing on the ordinance will be held on October 8 at the next regular City Commission meeting. This public hearing allows the community to provide feedback on the proposed ordinance. Following the hearing, the City Commission is expected to vote on whether to adopt the ordinance.

Will this help keep everyone safe?