St. Paul announces plans to clear out encampments beginning in early August

The city of St. Paul announced it plans to close multiple encampments beginning next month due to health and safety concerns.

Closures will begin on Aug. 5, when the encampment at Pig’s Eye Park will be cleared out. Afterward, additional encampments will close on a rolling basis, according to the city.

Assistant Mayor and leader of St. Paul’s Unsheltered Response, Cedrick Baker, says the sites they are closing are “not safe, healthy, or humane” for those living in the encampments.

“None of us would want our loved ones living in those conditions. This is a difficult decision, but leaving people in crisis without intervention is not compassion,” Baker explained in a statement. “ We are choosing action that protects people experiencing homelessness and the broader community.”

According to the city, the closures follow a comprehensive assessment of conditions in the encampments, which found significant public health and safety concerns.

The city of St. Paul said reports documented serious incidents including sexual assaults, thefts, two overdose-related deaths, fires and dangers to those in the encampment and residents outside of it.

“No matter how we address this issue, which is one of the most significant challenges facing communities across our country, there will be disruption,” St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her said. “My sincere intent is that the plan we are announcing today will minimize that impact while helping connect individuals to a safer, more stable life.”

The city said that, with its announcement of the closures and the timing of their implementation, those who rely on the encampment will have time to find other accommodations before winter.

“Closing the encampments is the first step towards a stronger, healthier community. Supporting people experiencing homelessness requires a holistic, multifaceted approach that includes housing, health care, and other critical services. We are working with the state, county, and nonprofit partners to build long-term, regional solutions that help achieve lasting stability,” said Baker.

City, county and community partners are reportedly coordinating efforts to help residents with the transition to safer, more stable housing.

Over the next four weeks, the city says it and others will be on-site nearly every day until the closure, helping individuals locate housing options, complete coordinated entry applications, replace key documents and access transportation, among many other services.
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