Dr. Nizar Wehbi State Health Officer | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Nizar Wehbi State Health Officer | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the gradual winding down of its pandemic emergency response program for renters experiencing housing instability. This move is in anticipation of the expiration of federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in September 2025.
The temporary funds, which have been available since May 2021, were used to support over 56,000 people across 51 counties in North Dakota. These resources were aimed at providing housing stability to those who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.
HHS has been receiving approximately 200 new applications weekly from households facing homelessness or eviction. To align expenditures with the funding end date, HHS will stop accepting applications from homeless households on March 15 and from those at risk of eviction on June 30.
"North Dakota intends to fully utilize the funds that are available to provide eviction prevention resources to its residents and state housing providers for as long as they are available," stated an HHS spokesperson. The anticipated conclusion for all pandemic-era rental assistance is set for September 15.
Governor Kelly Armstrong's housing agenda includes crisis services and resources for stabilization, with proposed allocations being considered by the state's Legislative Assembly. These proposals complement efforts addressing housing supply issues via programs run by the Bank of North Dakota (BND), Department of Commerce, and North Dakota Housing Finance Agency.
Since May 2021, the North Dakota Housing Stability program has collaborated with local partners to offer temporary rental assistance, eviction prevention, and re-housing aid to more than 56,283 individuals in over 28,466 households statewide. Of these beneficiaries, one-third were children aged 0-17. Over $187 million in federal funds have been invested through this initiative.
The temporary emergency housing assistance coordinated by HHS comprises three programs under its Housing Stability effort: re-housing assistance for homeless individuals, temporary rental aid to stabilize housing situations, and one-time payments to prevent imminent evictions.
For further inquiries regarding HHS Housing Assistance:
Email: Dhserb@nd.gov
Phone: (701) 328-1907
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