Posted 12:23 PM 2/8/2010
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota has the lowest unemployment
in the nation and a booming oil industry. But with its good fortune
has come an unexpected problem: homelessness, as desperate job
seekers flow into the state looking for work.
Officials say shelters are full statewide. Some homeless
newcomers are living in cars, while others are bunking with
acquaintances to avoid freezing.
Louis "Mac" McLeod is executive director of the Minot Area
Homeless Coalition. He says people come to North Dakota without
researching jobs or housing. They find out they aren't qualified
for the jobs available, or if they land work, they can't find
housing, which is scarce.
Michael Carbone of the North Dakota Coalition for Homeless
People says half of North Dakota's homeless are employed.
