St. Paul City Council approves plan to address unsheltered homelessness with 60-day strategic investment period

St. Paul City Council has approved a resolution outlining a new approach to address the needs of unsheltered residents. The plan includes a 60-day strategic investment period before any future encampment clearances, emphasizing outreach and housing solutions. This comes after the city cleared a camp in Pig’s Eye Regional Park, prompting a significant increase in the population of an encampment near Shepard Road.

The resolution does not impose a moratorium on encampment sweeps, but it encourages a more intentional approach to clearing, prioritizing safety. Council member Hwa Jeong Kim shared a personal connection to the issue, noting her brother-in-law had been living outside and was last seen at the closed encampment. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan, stating, “Everyone can agree what we’re doing now isn’t working for anyone.”

The plan calls for heightened outreach efforts, including a housing navigation tent, before any future clearances. It also proposes the creation of both temporary and permanent shelters, aiming to remove barriers that prevent individuals from accessing traditional emergency shelters. The resolution is not legally binding and does not specify projected costs, but it marks the first alternative plan since the August closure.

Council member Molly Coleman highlighted the commitment to “be a part of this work as long as it takes,” stressing the importance of securing funding through partnerships with the county and state. Mayor Kaohly Her noted the administration is evaluating the feasibility and affordability of the proposals, acknowledging the trade-offs involved in every spending decision.

The city’s previous clearance of the Pig’s Eye Park encampment cost nearly half a million dollars, prompting the approval of $1 million in funding. This new resolution reflects a shift toward a more strategic and compassionate response to homelessness, aligning with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable. Micah 6:8 reminds us that justice, mercy, and humble service are essential.

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