St. Paul council members are pressing city and county officials for details on shelter plans as the city prepares to close its three largest homeless encampments. The closures, set to begin on August 5, will displace around 200 residents.

Concerns Over Shelter Availability

Council President Rebecca Noecker asked Assistant Mayor Cedrick Baker and Ramsey County Manager Ling Becker for a clearer picture of the city and county plans to house all the displaced camp residents. Baker clarified that the city and county are working to ensure that all residents will have access to immediate shelter.

The city has committed to connecting individuals with shelter, housing resources, treatment, and supportive services. However, many organizers who work within the encampments question whether this will be enough. According to city data, the Pig’s Eye encampment has 124 residents, the L’Orient encampment has 35, and an encampment off Shephard Road and Randolph Avenue has 44.

Community Response

Advocates and county outreach workers have been meeting with residents to discuss housing and provide support. Ivan Nelson, head of the nonprofit African American Survivor Services, emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration with the residents. He noted that the closures would fragment those who found community at the encampment, dispersing them to other places.

Some residents, like Isaac and his partner Samantha, have arranged housing starting in August. However, they plan to help their neighbors move and offer support through the transition. Another resident, Leigha Walker, has been struggling to find housing that would allow her to bring her pets with her.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.