St. Paul is set to close its three largest homeless encampments, beginning with the Pig’s Eye camp on August 5. City officials cite overdose deaths, fires, reported sexual assaults, and increased crime as reasons for the closures. However, advocates who work with the city’s homeless residents are sounding the alarm, arguing that the closures will put residents at greater risk.
Concerns Over Housing Availability
Advocates like Kat Hunter, co-founder of Rising Waters Mutual Aid, are skeptical of the city’s claims that it can find enough beds for all those who will be displaced. Hunter notes that the city’s coordinated entry system for housing takes months, if not years, and that shelter programs are already at capacity.
Justin Lewandowski, director of Open Hands Midway, echoes Hunter’s concerns about housing availability. Lewandowski was among the community partners who learned of the encampment closures a day before the city’s announcement and was unaware of the city’s plans.
Residents’ Fears and Uncertainty
Residents of the encampments, like Michael Russel and Tony Dillworth, are worried about their future. Russel, who has been living in the Kmart encampment for five years, hopes the city will help him get shelter and health support. Dillworth, who has been on the waiting list for housing for four years, has experienced disrespect and harassment from city officials and is distrustful of the city’s services.
Another resident, Justin Demico Ford, recently received confirmation that he will get housing with the help of two nonprofit organizations. However, he notes that he had to go through outside sources to get help, as the city never offered its services.
City Council Response
Several City Council members have spoken in support of the mayor’s plan to close the encampments. Council Member Cheniqua Johnson, who represents the ward where the Pig’s Eye Park encampment is located, said the encampment had become ‘unsafe and unsustainable.’ However, others, like Council Member Molly Coleman, have expressed concerns about the impact of the closures on residents and the need for a clear plan to ensure they have housing and support.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
