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Thank you for subscribing to this e-newsletter for updates on the Bethesda Hospital site that will support those experiencing homelessness. We will regularly share timely updates on our website (ramseycounty.us/Bethesda) and through this e-newsletter.
Join us for an upcoming virtual town hall
On Monday, Nov. 9 at 5-6:30 p.m., join us for a virtual town hall to discuss housing stability, including the recent lease of Bethesda Hospital as a shelter facility for those experiencing homelessness. You can join the conversation via Zoom or phone.
You can also view our Oct. 29 virtual town hall, which included discussions of housing stability in Ramsey County and the Bethesda Hospital site.
Additional ways to provide feedback
If you aren’t able to join us on Monday, we encourage you to reach out to us with your immediate feedback and questions.
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Expanded housing stability programs
In preparation for the winter ahead, Ramsey County is expanding housing programs and outreach services for unsheltered families, extending hours for day services at the Safe Space shelter, and funding more beds at the Voices of East African Women family shelter.
Expanded services for unsheltered families
Through an Emergency Solutions Grant, Ramsey County is expanding its resources and outreach services for unsheltered families. The county is investing $500,000 into the Rapid Rehousing program, which provides short-term rental assistance and additional services to adults, youth and families experiencing homelessness. An additional $250,000 will augment the program’s outreach capacity to the rising number of families experiencing unsheltered homelessness, where teams will connect families with children to the region’s homeless response network for families.
Other expanded services
Hours will be extended for day services at Ramsey County’s Safe Space shelter in downtown Saint Paul. Earlier in 2020, we funded 25 more beds at the Voices of East African Women family shelter on Selby Ave., up to 75 new slots for long-term housing providers and up to 165 slots for assisted living providers through the state’s Housing Support program.
Housing stability through landlord assistance
A new resource is available for landlords who need additional financial support while working to keep tenants in stable housing. The Landlord Assistance Program is available for eligible landlords with properties in Ramsey County to apply for up to $20,000 in reimbursement per rental unit for tenants’ missed rent payments and/or unpaid fees due to hardships caused by COVID-19 from March 1, 2020, through December 30, 2020. Learn more here.
This program complements an existing program that provides assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities or car repairs to Ramsey County residents who have lost of income due to COVID-19. Learn more here.
New day shelter proposed for West 7th St. neighborhood
The City of Saint Paul is proposing to use a property in the West 7th St. neighborhood as a day shelter to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The project would create additional indoor space that would allow unsheltered individuals to escape weather conditions, access bathrooms, and connect one-on-one with essential social services on site. If the project moves forward, Ramsey County could provide funding through April 2022 with federal funds through the Ramsey Investment and Support Efforts (RISE) and other housing resources.
The city is hosting a virtual town hall on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 5-6:30 p.m. to discuss the project and gather feedback from the community. Register for the town hall.
Ramsey County and its partners have leveraged CARES funding to provide emergency shelter, temporary housing in hotels and respite care facilities for those experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more here.
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