The Brief
- St. Paul will begin closing homeless encampments, starting with Pig’s Eye Park on Aug. 5.
- City officials say they are investing $1 million to expand shelter beds and case management, but some community groups oppose the clearings still.
- It’s estimated that roughly 200 people are living in the camps slated for closure.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – St. Paul is set to begin clearing homeless encampments next week, launching a coordinated effort with Ramsey County and local service providers to address health and safety concerns.
St. Paul closing encampments
What we know:
City officials say that the first in a series of potential encampment closures will take place at Pig’s Eye Park on Aug. 5, with additional sites closing “on a rolling basis,” according to a press release. The decision comes after a comprehensive review by multiple city departments, citing concerns about the health, safety, and dignity of people staying at the camps, officials have said.
St. Paul Police and Fire Departments have reported more than 800 calls for service to camps since July of last year, according to a presentation to the city council. The city estimates about 200 people currently live in the encampments that are set to be cleared.…