 November has been a month of compassion and collaboration as we continued our work to support our unsheltered neighbors. With winter approaching, we focused on providing vital mental health and substance abuse resources, recognizing that sustainable solutions require more than enforcement. Together with the Office of Neighborhood Safety with the city, Community Relations and Outreach with the county and numerous community-based organizations, we have been building pathways to dignity, stability, and well-being for all.
As we reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the importance of coming together—whether as families, friends, or communities. This season gives us the opportunity to pause and appreciate the bonds we share and to celebrate our commitment to helping one another. I am deeply grateful for each of you and for the work we are doing as a community to make Ramsey County a place where everyone can find support and hope.
Thank you for your continued engagement and dedication to our shared mission.
"Wishing you a harvest of blessings."
~Rena
County Board Workshops
Most weeks, our County Board meets to discuss specific policy issues and receive updates from County Departments and Service Teams in our Board Workshops.
Workshops and discussions are held on Tuesdays and are open to the public. These take place at the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse in Suite 220 (2nd floor). You can find the schedule for all upcoming board meetings, workshops, and discussions sessions below.
Look up all workshops and place here:
You can access video recordings of the meetings as well as the materials shared by clicking here.
You can watch upcoming workshops live by clicking here.
  Over the last two months Hamline Midway coalition held 2 meetings bringing forward concerns of residents in the area around University & Snelling. The first town hall drew a crowd of about 350 people and a bevy of media outlets to hear what state and local elected officials were doing about the most pressing problems of the neighborhood, which has one the highest share of opioid overdoses in St. Paul outside of downtown.
Held in Hamline University’s Bush Ballroom, the town hall was as an opportunity to hear from Sen. Sandy Pappas, Rep. Leigh Finke, Rep. Samakab Hussein, St. Paul Council President Mitra Jalali and myself about how we are helping residents.
 The second town hall was at the Hancock Recreation Center. Frustrated folks in St. Paul's Hamline-Midway neighborhood came out in huge numbers. Neighbors believe the problem property is Kimball Court Apartments, a supportive housing complex for individuals who've experienced homelessness ran by Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. Beacon staff say they've improved lighting, installed no trespassing signs and they are working to add interior and exterior security cameras.
Community wanted to hear from local leaders about what is being done to ensure safety after community members say Kimball Court has become a space for open air drug use. Police, city leaders and Beacon staff say they are doing what they can to ensure the area is safe and secure.
I emphasized the many meetings I have attended with other jurisdictions and asked that residents take a broader view of the opioid crisis and advocate for more state dollars for public health in the upcoming legislative session.
Ramsey County will continue efforts to find solutions that community can support and resources to assist those individuals in need.
"To the residents of Midway -Hamline area, I want you to know I heard your concerns loud and clear. My office is committed to continue to work with Hamline-Midway coalition and neighbors to ensure Ramsey County continues to work in partnership with the City of St. Paul, Community based organizations, Kimball Court and all interested parties to ensure we are creating safe streets and support for residents." ...Rena
Ramsey County provides a large range of services.
 I had the honor of serving as a panelist during Village Arms town hall on the African Family Preservation Act. Joining me were Commissioner Angela Conley and Representative Esther Agbaje. We engaged in a heartfelt and insightful discussion. I emphasized the importance of this landmark legislation in protecting African families and keeping them united. The gathering provided an invaluable opportunity for community members to share their experiences and voice their hopes for the future.
I deeply appreciated the collaborative spirit and the collective wisdom shared during the panel. Events like this underscore the power of community-driven solutions and the critical role of legislation in addressing systemic challenges.
African American Family Preservation Act and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act establishes a social services agency and court requirements for African Americans and other disproportionately represented children in the child protection system. The legislation seeks to promote family stability by establishing minimum standards to prevent the arbitrary removal of children from their families and improve permanency outcomes, including family reunification. The law would be implemented in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties first, to gather valuable feedback before expanding it statewide.
 I was invited to celebrate the achievements of the young adults from the Ramsey County Young Adult Career Academy (YACA). This event is not only a celebration of their journey but also an appreciation of the department staff's dedication and hard work. I had the pleasure of hosting the young adults at my office and was impressed by their commitment to be successful.
YACA has been instrumental in providing young adults with the opportunity to explore public sector careers through rotations in multiple county departments. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Workforce Solutions and the Human Resources Pathway Program, impacting departments such as Parks and Recreation, Public Works, County Commissioners and County Managers Office, Human Resources, and the Emergency Communications Center.
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Ramsey County says farewell to one of it's own, dedicating a Proclamation honoring the life of...
Christopher Ellis Crutchfield, a beloved community advocate and tireless champion for racial equity and social justice, passed away suddenly in Saint Paul on November 4, 2024, at the age of 54. Chris dedicated his life to serving others. The son of Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield and Dr. Susan E. Crutchfield, Chris belonged to a prominent family that significantly impacted the Black community in Minnesota for 70 years.
Chris graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morehouse College, in Atlanta, with a B.A. in Political Science and African-American Studies in 1992; and received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1999. As a Bush Fellow with the Bush Foundation in 2001, he did research and oral histories on the Underground Railroad, slavery, and their impacts on families.
Chris was committed to outdoor cultural educational experiences for youth and the community. The Underground Railroad reenactment experiences he led in Minnesota and elsewhere for two decades were chronicled in the New Yorker magazine in 2020.
In 2006, Chris became the Deputy Director of Community Relations for Ramsey County Community Corrections, where he provided strong leadership in juvenile justice reform, racial equity, legislative affairs, community partnerships and groundbreaking initiatives. In 2023, he was appointed to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission by Governor Tim Walz.
In early 2023, Chris became CEO of Ujamaa Place, whose work brought him great joy. Ujamaa Place's mission of empowering young Black men to transform their lives and redefine success through self-worth and community involvement was core to his beliefs.
For over 10 years, Chris taught legal topics at St. Cloud State University and Inver Hills Community College. He held many roles with non-profits, including as a member of the Board of Directors of Osprey Wilds and as an attorney for community land trust organizations.
Chris was an avid fisherman who cherished memories of fishing trips with family and friends. He shared his love of fishing with many community members, taking many out fishing for their first time. The walleye of the Great Beyond better watch out!
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris was a dedicated husband to Thu-Mai and the proud father of five. He treasured time with his loved ones, whether through outdoor activities or traveling. Weekends often found Chris at his beloved cabin in northern Minnesota.
Ramsey County sends their condolences to Dr. Charles Crutchfield, Susan Crutchfield, his wife and children during this time of loss. Recognizing that his legacy will live on.
 The unsheltered roundtable at Ecolab headquarters brought together business leaders, government officials, community-based organizations, and community members to address the ongoing challenges of homelessness. Participants highlighted the successes achieved so far in providing resources and support to the unsheltered, while also acknowledging the continued obstacles that remain.
The discussion underscored the collective commitment to finding sustainable solutions that move unsheltered individuals toward stability and security. This collaborative effort is a testament to the shared dedication of all involved to create lasting change and improve the lives of those most vulnerable in the community.
Subject: MHC OPEN GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), by virtue of funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature, is accepting applications on a rolling basis to individuals and organizations for the following grant opportunity:
- $450,000 Community Identity & Heritage - Festival grants for individuals and humanities organizations, to create programming and educational opportunities, specifically for community events, music and jazz festivals, cultural festivals for art installations, and other performances and activities that support festivals and events.
Applicants may request up to $50,000. Funding is available through June 30, 2025, or all funds have been spent, whichever occurs first.
Please visit MHC’s website for more information or learn how to sign up for an upcoming informational session regarding this grant opportunity!
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Last week, after months of searching, Model Cities announced Central Baptist Church in Saint Paul will be the new location for the Safe Space Shelter for women.
https://ramseynet.us/content/new-county-supported-safe-space-shelter-location-open-saint-paul
Bridge to Benefits
Ramsey County provides a large range of services.
Service Centers
Ramsey County has several Service Center locations and five community partner sites that provide Navigator services. A Navigator is a county staff member that helps residents access a wide range of services and programs including financial assistance services, social services, employment assistance, and voter registration.
For more information about the service centers, click here: Service Centers | Ramsey County
To submit a Service Center Navigator Referral Form for yourself or for another person, click here: Service Center Navigators Referral Form | Ramsey County
Upcoming Funding Opportunities
Did you know that we have a site solely dedicated to helping Ramsey County residents in business? Ramsey County Community & Economic Development has a useful Incentives Dashboard that serves as a one-stop spot for grants and funding opportunities across Saint Paul and other Ramsey County cities.
My office has directed several constituents to our Open to Business program, which provides technical assistance and other forms of support to small business owners and entrepreneurs for FREE. At no cost, you can receive help in business plan development, financing projections, city and state licenses, loan packaging, and more! These services are provided in partnership with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, which also offers capital loan services for qualifying businesses.
Sign up to contract with Ramsey County!
The county acquires goods and services through a cost-effective, competitive and fair process accessible to all businesses. The county seeks vendors who share its commitment to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusiveness. Vendors interested in providing goods and/or services to the county and its residents must first register to use DemandStar, an internet purchasing network. DemandStar offers immediate and automatic notification of purchasing opportunities with the county, solicitation documents and results, and prior solicitation information. Subscribing to DemandStar is free.
Bids and RFPs are provided online via DemandStar. View what procurement opportunities are available by visiting our Ramsey County Procurement site.
Questions or comments about doing business with Ramsey County? Contractors, business owners and community members can email or call the Purchasing and Contracting Service Desk and connect directly with our staff.
· Phone: 651-266-PACT (7228) from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
· Email: pachelp@co.ramsey.mn.us
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 Are you or someone you know experiencing homelessness or need emergency shelter? Call 651-266-1050 to receive help finding shelter resources.
Mental Health & Crisis
In a crisis? Get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ramsey County’s mobile crisis team provides stabilization services, de-escalation, crisis intervention, mental health assessments and initial crisis plans.
Walk-in crisis services are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Mental Health Urgent Care.
Under 18 years old? Call the Children's Mental Health Crisis Line: 651-266-7878.
Over 18 years old? Call the Adult Mental Health Crisis Line: 651-266-7900.
Tobacco, Alcohol & Substance Abuse
 Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States, yet more deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined. (ref) Substance abuse—involving drugs, alcohol, or both—is associated with a range of destructive social conditions, including family disruptions, financial problems, lost productivity, failure in school, domestic violence, child abuse, and crime.
Available in PDF format:
All Tobacco, Alcohol and Substance Abuse fact sheets
Contact Us
Public Health
651-266-2400
Contact form
Department information
Identifying green energy goals
The Energy Advisory Committee (EAC), chaired by JDA Commissioner and Arden Hills City Councilmember Tena Monson, is currently defining goals to support the energy vision set by the JDA last year, which outlines a climate-forward development creating sustainable benefits for the community.
LHB and Ever-Green Energy serve as consultants to the project team. They’re currently working with the committee to review greenhouse gas emission analyses and potential site certification programs.
Adopting actionable green energy goals also reflects the Climate Equity Action Plan adopted by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners in April of this year.
 Thanksgiving is a day to express gratitude for blessings and to spend time with family and friends. Here are some thoughts about Thanksgiving:
Gratitude is a virtue
The Roman philosopher Cicero said, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others". Gratitude can help protect against stress and depression.
Gratitude comes from humility
Gratitude can only come about through humility, which is the ability to see beyond oneself to the needs of others.
"Blessings to All" |
