Homelessness is not a distant or invisible crisis. It is a daily reality here in St. Paul. On a single night in 2024, more than 1,600 people in Ramsey County did not have a stable place to call home. Of those, nearly 600 were unsheltered, sleeping in cars, tents or on sidewalks. The toll on individuals, families and our entire community is devastating. We must do better.
Homelessness is a shared challenge — and addressing it is a shared opportunity. Businesses have always had both a responsibility and personal stake in caring for their communities. Stable housing leads to increased safety and a stronger local economy. When our neighbors thrive, so do local businesses.
Yes, homelessness is a complex issue rooted in deep systemic inequities, complex funding systems and a range of social and economic barriers. But complexity is not an excuse for inaction. And a bold first step should be ensuring every St. Paul resident has access to a bed when they need it…