ST. PAUL, Minn. — Following two fires at homeless encampments in Minneapolis, dozens more people living in an encampment across the river will be displaced.
The city of St. Paul served eviction orders on tents in a big encampment in St. Paul.
A city spokesperson said the eviction is not a response to the recent encampment fires but for health and safety concerns, adding that the encampment closure date was coordinated with local outreach and support organizations to ensure they were aware and prepared to provide support.
“The encampment near Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary has been subject to more than 400 calls for police and more than 50 calls for fire and/or medical services, including several multi-tent fires, and as such, was determined by the city to be a danger to health and safety,” a spokesperson for the city said.
Issac Lee, Director of Emergency Services for Union Gospel Mission says the closure of this camp has been on the horizon and it has been all hands on deck to connect people with shelter.