Housing Stability Update

Thank you for subscribing to this e-newsletter for updates on Ramsey County’s efforts to address housing stability to support those experiencing homelessness. We will regularly share timely updates on our website (ramseycounty.us/HousingStability) and through this e-newsletter.

Feb. 25: Zoning Committee public hearing on proposed family shelter

Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul has applied for a conditional use permit with the City of Saint Paul to use the Provincial House as a family shelter. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments on this application at a Zoning Committee hearing next Thursday, Feb. 25, at 3:30 p.m.

A link to the meeting will be posted on the City’s website next week. Access the meeting’s agenda here.

You can share your input on the proposed family shelter by emailing your comments to PED-ZoningCommitteeSecretary@ci.stpaul.mn.us by noon on Feb. 24, or by testifying during the meeting. (Previously submitted comments will be included in the public record for the upcoming public hearing.)

The Zoning Committee’s recommendation will go to the Planning Commission for a vote on Friday, March 5.

Pending approvals, the proposed family shelter could open in March.

Learn more about the proposed Provincial House shelter.

Residents and staff of county shelters receive COVID-19 vaccinations

To better mitigate community spread and keep people safe, Ramsey County is working hard to ensure that the residents and staff of shelters across the county have access to the COVID-19 vaccination following guidelines and priorities established by the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Ramsey County is hosting clinics at larger shelters and also providing transport to shelter residents when necessary to receive vaccinations. Concurrently, the Minnesota Department of Health is working with local clinics and providers to vaccinate residents of smaller shelter locations (those hosting between 5-20 individuals).  

Read more at ramseycounty.us/CovidVaccine.

Plenty of room and ready to help

For the past year, Ramsey County has prioritized ensuring enough shelter space is available for anyone experiencing homelessness. By investing in the expansion of shelter services, hotel programming, and the opening of several new short-term, temporary shelter facilities, this priority has been met – our many doors are open and ready to serve anyone in need of indoor shelter.  Learn more in this Minnesota Public Radio article.

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.