Jerrand Assibey, Minot

I am writing to express deep concern over Minot’s ongoing failure to address a critical public safety crisis — the complete lack of a shelter for homeless and temporarily displaced residents. It is deeply troubling that an oil-rich city like Minot has not taken the necessary steps to provide such a fundamental resource, leaving vulnerable individuals exposed to dangerous conditions.

The urgency of this issue became even more apparent when I, too, found myself homeless due to a domestic dispute. Despite my limited resources, I have taken the initiative to launch The Hartford Project, an effort to address this dire need. However, the reality is that charitable organizations and churches, while well-intentioned, simply do not have the capacity to meet the overwhelming demand. Tonight, I am writing this email from a McDonald’s, with no idea where I will sleep. This is not just my struggle — it is the reality for many others in our community.

Minot’s frigid winters make this situation even more perilous. Without a shelter, those experiencing homelessness are at severe risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and death. Moreover, this issue affects the entire city — overburdening emergency services, increasing crime rates, and straining public health resources. Families in crisis, victims of domestic violence, and those facing sudden financial hardship are left without safe options, further compounding the instability in our community.

The question remains: Why has Minot, despite its economic strength, neglected such a vital public service? Other cities with similar financial resources have taken action, yet Minot remains stagnant. If local leadership continues to ignore this crisis, my next step will be to reach out to CNN, The New York Times, or another national media outlet to shed light on why one of the coldest cities in America lacks a shelter for its most vulnerable residents. The citizens of Minot deserve to know why this issue remains unaddressed.

I urge city leaders, business owners, and community members to take immediate action before more lives are lost to negligence. The time for excuses is over.