Minneapolis is charting a course in battling homelessness, and the latest figures look promising – the city is not just seeing fewer encampment closures but also witnessing more of its homeless population transitioning to shelters, and there’s been a palpable decrease in associated costs. According to a recent report covered in a City of Minneapolis release, these recent strides are evidence of the City’s sustained push to ensure all residents have access to the basic necessity of safe and affordable housing, which is a fundamental stepping-stone toward community safety and equitable economic growth.
The report, which was presented at the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee meeting, reflects data spanning from December 19, 2024, to March 18, 2025, indicating progress with 13 encampment closures – four less than in the previous period, dropping closure costs to $63,000, a notable dip from the earlier $333,000 figure and also showing homeless response team visits jumped to an average of 7.5 per site, up from an average of 5 in the same period, at the same time the number of 911 and 311 calls related to encampments have decreased which speaks volumes about the positive direction the city is pivoting towards. Mayor Jacob Frey underscored the importance of these developments, affirming that “Encampments have never been the answer—safe, stable housing and a dignified place to sleep at night have been,” and acknowledging the crucial role of the Homeless Response Team, as he remarked in the City’s statement.
Council Member and Committee Chair Jamal Osman, further emphasized that these improvements are not just a win for the individuals directly affected but our entire community, signaling the associated reduction in emergency service calls and declining costs of managing encampments as evidence of this positive trend. The integrated approach of city departments, including the Minneapolis Police Department, Regulatory Services, and Public Works, has been augmented by partnerships with county and state entities, which broadens the effort to extend a network of support to those in need. Enrique Velazquez, Director of Regulatory Services for the City of Minneapolis, highlighted that while encampments are not suitable living spaces due to their health and safety risks, collaborating on a national stage is crucial – as quoted in the City’s release, “This is not just a Minneapolis issue. This is a nationwide issue, and we all must work together to get resources for our neighbors who need them.”…