Shelter options in Bismarck

Bismarck has two main shelters that provide emergency overnight housing. The Bismarck Rescue Mission operates a men's shelter and accepts walk-ins most nights, though bed availability varies by season. The New Horizons Shelter serves women and families and requires a phone call to arrange entry rather than accepting walk-ins.

Both shelters provide a bed and basic services like meals and bathrooms. Neither charges a nightly fee. The choice between them depends on who needs shelter — men go to Rescue Mission, women and families to New Horizons. Outside these two, options are limited in Bismarck proper, though nearby communities and county services may have additional resources.

Getting into a shelter is usually faster than other housing programs because there is no process process — you show up or call and explain your situation. This speed comes with a trade-off: shelter is temporary, typically 30 to 90 days, and is meant to be a starting point toward more stable housing rather than a long-term solution.

Key Takeaways

  • Bismarck Rescue Mission serves men and accepts walk-ins; New Horizons Shelter serves women and families and requires a phone call first.
  • Both shelters are free and provide a bed, meals, and basic facilities with no formal process or may be able to access check at entry.
  • Shelter stays are temporary — usually 30 to 90 days — and staff can connect you with longer-term housing resources while you stay.
  • If both Bismarck shelters are full, Burleigh County Social Services can direct you to overflow options or services in nearby areas.

Bismarck Rescue Mission for men

The Bismarck Rescue Mission is located at 1000 East Front Avenue and operates a shelter for men. You can walk in most evenings without calling ahead, though showing up early increases the chance of getting a bed on busy nights. The shelter provides a cot, blankets, and access to bathrooms and showers.

Meals are included — breakfast and dinner are served on-site. The shelter also has a chapel and offers substance abuse recovery programs, though these are optional. If you are struggling with addiction, staff can discuss treatment options, but staying at the shelter does not require you to participate in any program.

The Rescue Mission does not charge for shelter. They accept donations and operate on community support. If you have questions about current bed availability or specific policies, you can call ahead at their main number, though walk-ins are the standard way people enter.

New Horizons Shelter for women and families

New Horizons Shelter is located at 1225 East Divide Avenue and serves women and families with children. Unlike Rescue Mission, you must call to arrange entry rather than walking in. This allows staff to assess your situation and may support they have space before you arrive.

The shelter provides a bed, meals, and a safe environment for families. Children are welcome and stay with their parents. The shelter also offers case management, meaning staff work with you to identify next steps — whether that is transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or connecting with other services.

New Horizons is free. Call ahead to explain your situation and ask about current availability. Staff can tell you when ready whether they have space or can refer you to another resource if they are full.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a photo ID if you have one, though lack of ID will not prevent you from entering. Bring any medications you take regularly — the shelter cannot provide medications, but you can keep yours with you. Bring a change of clothes if you have one, though the shelter has washing machines.

Expect basic rules: no weapons, no alcohol or drugs on the premises, and a curfew (usually around 9 or 10 p.m.). Shelters are shared spaces with other residents. You will have a bed and locker for personal items, but privacy is limited. Most shelters ask that you stay during the day only if you are sick or have a specific reason — the expectation is that you use daytime hours to look for work or housing.

Staff are not there to judge your situation. They have seen homelessness from many angles and understand that people end up in shelters for different reasons — job loss, eviction, family crisis, or lack of affordable housing. Your job is to be honest about what you need so they can point you toward the right next step.

When both shelters are full

Bismarck shelters occasionally reach capacity, especially in winter. If both are full, call Burleigh County Social Services at their main line — they maintain a list of overflow options and can direct you to emergency housing in the area. Some nights they may have cots available at a warming center or can refer you to a shelter in a nearby community.

If you are turned away, ask for a referral rather than leaving without information. Staff know the landscape and can tell you where else to try that night. Winter is the hardest season for shelter capacity, so if you are homeless in December through February, calling ahead to multiple places increases your chances of finding a bed.

Moving from shelter to next steps

While you are in shelter, staff can connect you with housing programs, job training, mental health services, or substance abuse treatment. Bismarck has transitional housing programs that accept people coming directly from shelter — these are typically 6 to 12 months and include case management to help you move toward permanent housing.

The state of North Dakota also runs a permanent supportive housing program for people with disabilities or chronic homelessness. If you have a disability or have been homeless for a long time, ask shelter staff whether you might be a fit. These programs combine housing with ongoing support services.

Do not wait until your shelter stay is ending to ask about next steps. Talk to staff within your first few days so they have time to connect you with resources and begin paperwork if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Bismarck resident to use the shelter?

No. Both shelters serve anyone who needs emergency housing, regardless of where you are from. You do not need to prove residency or have a local address. If you are passing through or recently arrived, you can still enter.

What if I have a pet?

Most shelters cannot accommodate pets inside. Ask staff about pet-friendly options or whether they know of local resources that might help. Some communities have pet foster programs specifically for homeless people, though availability in Bismarck varies.

Can I stay at the shelter during the day?

Typically no — shelters operate on a night-only basis and ask residents to leave in the morning. However, if you are sick, injured, or have a documented reason, staff may allow you to stay. Ask when you arrive. Day centers or libraries can provide a warm place to spend daytime hours.

What if I have children but no custody papers?

Call New Horizons and explain your situation. They work with families in complex circumstances and can discuss what documentation they need. Do not avoid calling out of fear — staff are focused on getting children into safe housing, not on legal judgment.

Is there a shelter specifically for LGBTQ people?

Bismarck's main shelters serve all people. If you have concerns about safety or acceptance, call ahead and speak with a staff member about your needs. They can discuss what to expect and whether accommodations are possible. If you do not feel safe at a particular shelter, ask for a referral to another option.