|
Dear neighbor,
I wanted to share this update with observations on the state of unsheltered homelessness in Minneapolis. The City’s current approach does not work. Over the past few days, our community has seen the City’s failure to have a plan to address unsheltered homelessness.
Unhoused residents experienced a mass shooting. Instead of immediately responding with care, mental health, housing, and support, they were met with “collective punishment” and no plan to permanently house them.
They are human beings who deserve housing, safety, and a plan from Mayor Frey. Instead of “sweeping the problem away”, our community deserves actual solutions. It’s important to show compassion and recognize the humanity of our community members who just lost everything and are now experiencing trauma.
On Tuesday, September 16, the encampment at 27th and E. Lake St. was dismantled and residents had nowhere to go. Including the ashes of a woman's daughter which were disposed of. In response, the community came together, fed people, and established a temporary hub next to 3038 Minnehaha Ave. for 45 people. At 10:00 p.m. that night, there were only three shelter beds available for adults according to Hennepin County. I want to thank Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Moon Palace Books, Twin Cities DSA, and other community advocates for helping our unsheltered residents while all levels of government completely failed them.
On Wednesday, September 17, I met unhoused individuals, who have been on waiting lists for housing and who are tired of being displaced, at the temporary hub. These residents told me they were not offered shelter by the city. I share this because, when you hear the City say that people reject shelter, it needs to be questioned. Who was offered shelter? Was it adequate? Would it separate families? Was there enough for everyone? People are worthy of love, care, support, and housing.
To make things worse, alternative shelter options meant to keep residents together fell through yesterday. The community once again launched a temporary hub next to 3038 Minnehaha Ave. This is work that should be led by the government, and the community should not be burdened by a lack of a plan from the City.
On Thursday, September 18, there was still no place for unhoused residents to go. I am thankful that the City is now planning to open a Neighborhood Assistance Center meant to assist unhoused residents with a variety of needs. This resource will not be available in the evening or overnight, however, meaning that, once again, there is not enough space for everyone at night. Including the adult shelter line just telling an individual that they don’t have space for her and her daughter tonight.
In addition to the longer-term, structural solutions being worked on by my office, an immediate and temporary solution that needs to happen RIGHT NOW is the establishment of a city-run Navigation Center. Another immediate and temporary solution that needs to happen RIGHT NOW is consistent deployment of the Mobile Medical Unit to the area surrounding the encampment. I have made this request to City staff and still have not received satisfactory answers as to why these immediate actions are not being taken.
As I wrote in my previous update, evictions and fences are not strategies. They are not solutions. They ignore the humanity and needs of unhoused residents. Trying the same short-term tactics over and over and expecting different results shows just how unprepared City leadership is when it comes to addressing the serious problems facing so many people across Minneapolis. We can, and should, expect more for our community.
Jason Chavez |
