Minneapolis declares public health emergency as homelessness rises

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously declared homelessness a “public health emergency” on Thursday, a somewhat toothless move that does little, if anything, to address the recent spike in the number of unsheltered residents.

The “declaration,” signed by 13 council members, does not free up emergency funds nor offer immediate ways to deal with the city’s homelessness crisis. Instead, it’s intended to give council members a bit of leverage in their push to get Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey to delay the cleanup of a large encampment scheduled for next week.

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“Be it Further Resolved that the Minneapolis City Council, by declaring unsheltered homelessness a public health emergency, is committed to exploring all policies, actions, partnerships, and investments to urgently and meaningfully address this emergency alongside the Mayor of Minneapolis, and City of Minneapolis workers and leaders,” the resolution reads.

The declaration comes on the heels of supporters of the encampment showing up at a public hearing on the city’s budget to oppose the Dec. 14 clearing.

Democratic Councilman Jeremiah Ellison, who has pushed for the delay, said the encampment, referred to as Camp Nenookaasi, is home to more than 180 people. It was established by Native American women in September after the city cleared out another encampment called the Wall of Forgotten Natives.

“They’ll be out on the street; they’ll be wandering the street,” Ellison said. “What folks are asking for is a little bit of time, and they’re asking that we give them a little bit of dignity in return.”

Councilwoman Robin Wonsely, also a Democrat, added that the still-scheduled eviction is too soon and could backfire.

“What we do know will happen is more encampments will spring up across the city,” she said. “Additional time is needed to be able to make sure, not only does everyone at that camp receive the housing and dignified housing they deserve but all of the wraparound services needed.”

Councilman Jamal Osman, who represents Ward 6, echoed the sentiment, adding that there could be some unintended consequences if the city clears the camp.

“We haven’t had a lot of incidents,” he said of the camp Thursday but added, “There will be more safety concerns if these 180 people go to the surrounding streets.”

But not everyone wants the city to wait.

Ryan Salmon, interim chairman of the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors, has demanded the city close up shop immediately.

“Not only are crimes being committed regularly, but they are also being hidden from police with threats of and physical acts of violence to those who would normally report,” Salmon said.

Residents in the area have also complained about crime tied to the camp and have asked the city to shut it down.

The discussion on the removal comes as Minnesotans brace for harsh winter weather and Hennepin County, which encompasses Minneapolis, deals with a 24% increase in its homeless population from 2022. So far, the county has tried to tackle the issue through a shelter hotline and “monitoring” teams.

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The council has requested the eviction be delayed until Feb. 16.

Calls to the mayor’s office and City Hall for comment were not returned.