The city of St. Paul announced that they intend to close all homeless encampments beginning with Pig's Eye Park in August, leaving the lives of the 100 people living there in limbo.
The residents at the encampment are angry: "Why aren't people with resources coming down here with forms and helping people fill out those forms, or if they have legal problems like getting that cleared up to help them elevate and get out of this place?"
They're scared: "Yes, for sure."
Their future uncertain: "I don't know where we're all going to go.
But there are people trying to help, including Ace.
"They need mental health services, whether they need therapy services, whether they need social, whether they need housing, whether they need detox, inpatient, outpatient, we are doing everything that we can," he says. "We are working day-in, day-out without pay, without real good recognition, and we're trying to work on these people."
St. Paul leaders cite growing concerns about health and safety, which is why the are going to begin closing the homeless encampments August 5. It'll begin in Pig's Eye Park, with more to come on a rolling basis, according to Mayor Kaohly Her's office.
This news caused quote a commotion among the 100 residents who now have to cope with a future even more in doubt.
"This has happened before and as far as we know they're coming in with bulldozers and bulldozing our stuff," a resident told WCCO Radio Thursday. "And people will go to jail, and lose their things, and have to go scatter and hide. And, I mean, we have the resources and they just gatekeep them all. We have real resources. We have hotels, like people can really get in on lists, and wait lists, and stuff like that. And they're not. I don't understand."
Her's office announced in a memo Wednesday that municipal and county teams will spend the next four weeks on-site to connect displaced people with shelter, housing applications, and critical support services.
“I commend the thoughtfulness and compassion our team has brought to centering the human impact of closures since this internal task force launched at the beginning of the year,” said Mayor Kaohly Her. “No matter how we address this issue, which is one of the most significant challenges facing communities across our country, there will be disruption. My sincere intent is that the plan we are announcing today will minimize that impact while helping connect individuals to a safer, more stable life.”
One group that is offering their support is Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.
"Our doors are open," said UGMTC CEO Pam Stegora Axberg. "We recently expanded our emergency shelter so that we can welcome more men than ever before. Every available bed represents an opportunity—not just for a safe night's sleep, but for a meal, compassionate care, mental health support, recovery services, education, employment assistance and the relationships that help people move toward lasting stability."
In a statement Thursday, they said they plan to continue to work closely with city officials helping connect individuals with shelter, meals, clothing, supportive services, mental health resources and long-term support and pathways to stability.
"Trust is built long before someone says yes to help," said UGMTC Director of Chaplains and Outreach Sammy Watkins. "We've spent years showing up consistently, listening to people, learning their stories and letting them know they matter. When changes like this happen, those relationships become incredibly important because people know who we are. Our team will continue to be present alongside HART, helping individuals understand their options and walking with them toward safety and hope."
