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What is the City's Response to Encampments?

The Coordinated Transition Plan for Homeless Encampments is a commitment to safety, stability, and dignity. Addressing unsheltered homelessness requires a coordinated approach that recognizes the complexity of homelessness, the needs of people experiencing homelessness, and the responsibility to maintain safe and accessible public spaces for everyone.

Every person’s circumstances are different. Some individuals may be ready to accept services immediately, while others may need continued engagement and support before they are ready to transition. The City’s approach is centered on meeting people where they are, building trust, removing barriers, and connecting individuals with available resources.

Guiding Principles

Safety

City departments conduct ongoing assessments of encampment conditions. Recent reports have found significant public health and safety concerns that include fires, sexual assaults, two overdose-related deaths, and other emergencies that put occupants and surrounding communities at risk. 

  • Reduce dangerous conditions that put people at risk
  • Connect individuals with safer alternatives and supportive services
  • Protect neighbors, businesses, public spaces, and first responders
  • Ensure transition activities are planned and conducted safely

Stability

Homelessness is complex and involves housing instability, behavioral health needs, medical needs, financial barriers, lack of documentation, and other challenges. Response requires individualized support and coordination across multiple systems. Transition outreach teams will be on-site nearly every day before, during, and after each closure.

  • Connect individuals with shelter, housing resources, treatment, and supportive services
  • Help individuals navigate barriers that prevent access to services
  • Coordinate with Ramsey County, service providers, and community partners
  • Support individuals before, during, and after transitions

Dignity

Transitioning from an encampment can be disruptive and difficult. Staff and partners are committed to approaching each interaction with empathy, patience, and understanding. The City’s responsibility is to balance compassion for individuals with the responsibility to protect public health and safety.

  • Engage individuals respectfully throughout the process
  • Provide clear information and opportunities to connect with services
  • Recognize individual needs, challenges, and readiness for change
  • Minimize unnecessary disruption while addressing unsafe conditions

Coordinated Transition Process

1

Planning and Coordination

Before any transition begins, the City works closely with Ramsey County, service providers, and community partners to prepare a coordinated response that supports both residents and surrounding neighborhoods. This planning includes identifying available shelter, housing, treatment, and supportive service resources; coordinating roles and responsibilities across City departments and partner agencies; establishing clear communication plans and operational procedures; and ensuring staff, equipment, and other resources are in place to carry out a safe, organized, and compassionate transition.

2

Outreach and Engagement

  • We engage with individuals staying at encampments several weeks before transition begins. Outreach teams from the City and Ramsey County help individuals navigate available services. This support includes gaining necessary documentation, and transportation support when available.
  • Outreach staff meet one-on-one with individuals during this phase. We provide connection to shelter, housing, treatment, and supportive services. We also identify individuals who may need added health or accessibility support.
3

Coordinated Transition and Site Restoration

  • We will transition individuals out of the encampment following the outreach period. This work will involve on-site collaboration between City departments and partner agencies.  
  • Outreach teams will continue supporting individuals as they leave the encampment. This includes addressing any immediate health and safety needs.
  • We will begin removing hazardous structures and materials when the encampment is vacant. City crews will restore public areas so the entire community can use the space.
4

Continued Support and Monitoring

  • We will continue to work with individuals who are in need of support. Outreach teams will continue to connect people to available shelter, housing, and treatment.
  • We will monitor former encampment locations to maintain public health and safety. We will respond to emerging concerns and address new activity.

Frequently Asked Questions