ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The homeless encampment outside Mayor Tishaura Jones' office window is longer there. St. Louis City Officials said everyone was moved out at 7:30 Tuesday night. A metal barricade has been set up around City Hall's grassy area to make sure the homeless don't return. Barriers are also up around Poelker Park--commonly known as Firemen's Park.
“The City took action to save lives and protect people. Full stop," said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones in a statement released Tuesday. "My administration navigated this complex situation to connect dozens of unhoused residents to shelter and resources while addressing a growing public safety hazard. This is a testament to the collective work of City employees as well as the major investments the City has made to improve access to shelter and double our number of tiny homes."
“Homelessness and housing instability cannot be fixed overnight but," Jones said, "St. Louis is breaking from past practices by ensuring we have places for people to go where they can get support and on a path to permanent housing. While this process is never perfect, and the work is never finished, those housed today will sleep more safely tonight.
City Officials say they were able to place the majority of encampment residents in shelter or transitional housing. The City previously citied crime and drug use as a reason for removing the encampment.
“I am especially grateful to all the City employees who came together to resolve this issue, from the outreach workers who made dozens of trips to the site, to the Forestry and Park workers cleaning and repairing the grounds, to SLMPD officers who secured the location," said Mayor Jones. "I am also thankful to Alderman Aldridge for working with my administration to de-escalate tensions and coordinate outreach on-site today."