Overview
- The city began clearing Pig's Eye Park on Wednesday, Aug. 5, as the first step in a rolling plan to close large homeless encampments one at a time.
- Officials say the move responds to more than 850 service calls that included fires, sexual assaults, thefts and overdoses and that those incidents endangered residents and nearby neighborhoods.
- St. Paul committed $1 million to Ramsey County to open more shelter beds and said it is coordinating other indoor options like hotel vouchers and faith spaces, though full placement details were not confirmed by the mayor's office at publication.
- Council President Rebecca Noecker said she supports the closure only if everyone at the camp has an indoor option, and the City Council heard more than 200 public comments, most opposing the sweep.
- Volunteers, advocates and an interfaith coalition urged a pause so officials can build long-term housing pathways, warning the closure may fracture care networks and push people to other camps or back onto the street.