DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) _ Seven churches in the North Dakota oil patch city of Dickinson are banding together to help the homeless.
The Dickinson Churches United for the Homeless group has received a permit from the city to temporarily create a place for 15 men to sleep on cold winter nights.
The churches will operate as shelters in February and March. The two-month trial will give the church group time to work out any kinks before coming to the City Commission with a permanent plan.
Some residents have questioned whether a shelter will exacerbate the problem of job-seekers coming to Dickinson without housing. Commissioner Klayton Oltmanns says news outlets around the world already are touting the demand for jobs in the oil patch.