The Minneapolis City Council has declared homelessness a public health emergency.
Amid the declaration several council members are requesting that Mayor Jacob Frey delay eviction of what's been called Camp Nenookaasi in the East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Councilmember Jeremiah Ellison says the indigenous-run encampment in south Minneapolis is home to more than 180 residents.
"They'll be out on the street, they'll be wandering the street," says Ellison. "What folks are asking for is a little bit of time and they're asking that we give them a little bit of dignity in return."
Councilmember Robin Wonsely says without a plan for addressing the needs of the homeless, the issue won't be solved by evictions.
"And what we do know will happen is more encampments will spring up across the city," she says.
Wonsely says the eviction scheduled for December 14 is too soon to properly address the issue.
"We want to be able to provide our housing providers, social service providers, especially in partnership with Hennepin County," says Wonsley. "Additional time needed to be able to make sure, not only does everyone at that camp receive the housing and dignified housing they deserve but all of the wraparound services needed."
The discussion on delaying the removal comes at a time when Hennepin County is doubling down its efforts to end homelessness and get help to people during these cold winter months.
The homeless population is up 24 percent from 2022, and as the county continues to combat the issue though resources like their shelter hotline and monitoring teams.
The council has requested the eviction be delayed until February 16.