Bismarck, N.D. – Governor Kelly Armstrong issued an executive order creating the North Dakota Interagency Council on Homelessness to coordinate efforts among state agencies and service providers and develop strategies to prevent and end homelessness in the state.

“While North Dakota already has a strong network of support services, we still have individuals falling through the cracks,” Armstrong said. “The Interagency Council on Homelessness will provide a forum to gather information and community input, identify areas for improvement, and recommend strategies to eliminate homelessness and address its underlying causes.”

The 12-person council will be chaired by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Brandon Dettlaff, with Jonathan Holth, Commissioner of Recovery & Reentry, serving as vice-chair. Other members include four Cabinet leaders and six governor-appointed individuals:

  • Brad Hawk, Executive Director, North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission

  • Colby Braun, Director, North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

  • Chris Schilken, Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Commerce

  • Pat Traynor, Interim Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

  • Chandler Esslinger, chair, North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People

  • Shawnel Willer, NDHFA Continuum of Care coordinator

  • Bryce Meyer, The Waters Sober Living Homes and executive pastor, Evangel Church, Bismarck

  • Curtis Regan, associate broker and real estate developer, Dakota Commercial, Grand Forks

  • Jason Tomanek, Bismarck City Administrator

  • Louise Dardis, educator and principal, West Fargo Public Schools; YWCA Cass Clay board member

The council will report annually on progress in preventing and ending homelessness and provide recommendations for executive and legislative action.

Governor Armstrong also proclaimed November 16-22 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in North Dakota.