Updated information from Ramsey County about supporting our residents experiencing homelessness through the harsh weather we anticipate this weekend and into next week.

OUR ONGOING RESPONSE AMID COVID

• In response to the enduring housing crisis that has been exacerbated by COVID, Saint Paul, Ramsey County and our partners have continued to actively collaborate to connect those experiencing unsheltered homelessness to support, services, resources, and shelter.
• Last spring and summer as existing shelter space frequently reached capacity due to COVID restrictions, the City and County actively worked to identify additional sheltering options to stand up this winter.
• In recent months, colder weather has led to increasingly dangerous situations for those living outdoors including a number of fires and explosions due to the use of propane and other unsafe heating situations, further necessitating the need to get individuals indoors.
• Through the efforts of Saint Paul, Ramsey County and our partners to connect individuals to support, services, resources, and shelter, we have seen a significant decrease in the number of people living outdoors from nearly 400 this summer, to roughly 100 today.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE DURING THE UPCOMING COLD WEATHER

• With the approaching extreme cold weather forecast over the next week, Saint Paul, Ramsey County and our partners have been proactively coordinating to ensure additional resources are available including additional overnight capacity at:
• • Freedom House: 20 additional beds for women
  • Higher Ground: additional 20-25 additional beds
  • Safe Space: 8 additional beds
  • Utilizing shelter resources within the system has allowed for additional capacity at Mary Hall
• In coordination with our partners, we also have transportation available through the Saint Paul Fire Department Basic Life Support (BLS) Unit, Ramsey County, and Metro Transit Police to transport individuals to shelter spaces.
• Our Saint Paul Police Department, and members of our COAST Unit which pairs officers with social workers, will also continue to connect with people in need to support and shelter amid the dangers of this cold weather.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• To help connect someone in need to shelter, contact St. Paul Police non-emergency at 651-291-1111 or Ramsey County at 651-266-7818.  Referrals can be made by emailing [email protected]
• Members of the public can contact the City’s Information Line if they see concerning conditions that threaten the health or safety of individuals experiencing homelessness, or nearby residents. Call 651-266-8989 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Additional information about the City’s ongoing response to support individuals experiencing homelessness to support, services, resources, and shelter can be found at stpaul.gov/unsheltered-response
• Additional information on the network of shelter resources available for those experiencing homelessness in Ramsey County and Saint Paul is available at ramseycounty.us/HousingStability