Nearby shelters like Catholic Charities' Dorothy Day Place and Union Gospel Mission are stepping up to help fill the gap after homeless encampment closures in St. Paul.
Tents popped up outside the Dorothy Day facility, where Catholic Charities of the Twin Cities is offering voluntary services without requiring formal identification, setting it apart from some other standard shelters in the area, says Chief Program Officer Keith Kozerski.
"Someone's out leaving one of these encampments, and that they're unsure, they come in and try things, and start with a meal," he says. "Start with something that feels safe to them."
The organization has added 49 beds to accommodate displaced people and is evaluating how to handle ongoing rolling closures of other local encampments in the coming months.
Kozerski say they have experienced a surge in first-time intakes this week.
"We've seen more people than would be typical for any given day, and our job is to figure out what they need and how we meet that need more so than where did they come from," Kozerski explains.
He says staff are conducting regular perimeter checks near their facility to connect displaced people with services, and hot meals, and they're communicating with other local shelters to plan out how to keep up with the demand for beds.
But, the relocation of dozens from the Pig's Eye encampment on St. Paul's eastside left many figuring out their next move. Many ended up at other homeless encampments in the city which are also scheduled for closure before the winter.
"We can't stay here, they'll arrest us tomorrow," says Sal. I think the other camp, and then they'll close that in a month and then we'll find something else."
Others say a shelter situation simply won't work for them.
"I would, but the only problem is my dog," Kalia explains. "None of them will accept the dog, you know? I'm not getting rid of my dog. Just like my kid."
There were also many volunteers helping residents sort their belongings, answer questions, and listen, including Noah Joyce Anderson with Veterans For Peace.
"I think it's less about telling them anything and more about listening, right? That's what the city didn't do, that's what the mayor didn't do," Anderson adds. "And so, if someone's not ready to go, OK, we're going to try to nudge that conversation along to what are you ready for? Can we help you pack?"
He says it's been a difficult day for everyone, including the volunteers.
