Nonprofit housing developer celebrates new home of its own in Fargo

FARGO — After a quarter of a century helping North and South Dakotans and Minnesotans access stable housing, one Fargo nonprofit is moving into a new home of its own.

This new building was built with the support of a village of people, according to Dan Madler, CEO at Beyond Shelter Inc., and it will empower the nonprofit to keep creating communities for those most in need.

“We now have a home,” Madler said. “It’s exciting. It’s the place where all of the hard work and magic will happen.”

Beyond Shelter is a Fargo-based nonprofit that develops affordable housing. More than 80 people gathered Thursday, June 5, to celebrate

Beyond Shelter’s

25th anniversary.

In turn, the nonprofit marked this milestone by throwing open the doors to its new office in Fargo at 1393 25th Ave. S.

“What a gorgeous new building,” said LuAnn White, a local realtor and an ambassador for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. “It’s absolutely fabulous … What a wonderful way to celebrate 25 years.”

The nonprofit has built many housing units over the years, said Christopher Miller, developer at Beyond Shelter, helping everyone from single mothers to people coming out of homelessness, specifically the senior population.

“The work we do is stressful and challenging,” Miller said. “The support you give us is everything.”

While North Dakota’s congressional delegation is currently in session, U.S. Rep Julie Fedorchak and Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer each sent a message to be read during Thursday’s ribbon-cutting event.

“Beyond Shelter serves as a lifeline for so many in our communities,” Fedorchak’s message read. “It gives more than a physical home, but support and hope for the future.”

Having Beyond Shelter’s headquarters in Fargo is a boon for the entire region, according to Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney.

Like the rest of the nation, he said, the city of Fargo is facing severe housing shortages.

“Today we celebrate both their legacy and their future,” Mahoney said. “Beyond Shelter does not just build buildings, you build homes. You build community.”

Reporter working the night shift 👻. I cover Fargo city government, Cass County government and underserved populations in the area.