MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | St. Paul Plans Rolling Encampment Closures as City Adds Shelter and Support Funding

ST. PAUL, MN (August 1, 2026). St. Paul will begin a rolling series of homeless-encampment closures next week as city and Ramsey County officials attempt to move residents toward shelter and support services.

The first closure is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Pig’s Eye Park. Additional sites are expected to close on a rolling basis.

Approximately 200 people are believed to be living in the encampments covered by the city’s plan.

More Than 800 Emergency Calls

St. Paul officials said police officers and firefighters have responded to more than 800 calls connected to encampments since July 2025.

City departments cited health, safety and dignity concerns following a review of conditions at the sites.

St. Paul is investing $1 million to help Ramsey County increase shelter capacity and strengthen case-management services.

The plan includes 49 new emergency shelter beds at Catholic Charities and support for additional beds and services at other facilities.

Effort to Reduce Shelter Barriers

Officials said they are working to address some of the practical barriers that can prevent people from entering shelter.

Planned measures include extending check-in times to 10 p.m., providing temporary storage for personal belongings, helping residents replace identification documents and assisting people with unresolved warrants.

St. Paul’s Homeless Assistance Response Team, Community Alternative Response Emergency Services and Familiar Faces teams are expected to work directly with affected residents.

The city said outreach will continue after the camps close.

Advocates Warn About Displacement

The closures have drawn opposition from Stop the Sweeps, a community coalition that argues people should not be removed unless appropriate and acceptable housing options are available.

Opponents warn that clearing encampments without enough permanent housing may scatter residents into smaller, less visible locations without resolving their underlying needs.

City and county officials maintain that the coordinated approach is intended to connect residents with safer alternatives while responding to conditions at the encampments.

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