Support Those Experiencing Homelessness in Parks
We reaffirm the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)'s statement regarding homelessness in parks:
All members of the community are welcome to use public parks and open spaces.
Parks and other public spaces are key spaces for functional communities.
Everybody is welcome to use parks for recreation, relaxation, rest and leisure.
Those experiencing homelessness are part of our community.
Public parks and open spaces can be a more comfortable space for those experiencing homelessness.
We will see less unsheltered homelessness as our community works to resolve homelessness.
For the complete list of statements and more information about homelessness in public parks, visit NRPA’s article here.
Homelessness Resources and Support Opportunities
Those experiencing homelessness may use public parks as a place of comfort and shelter. We recognize that fully addressing the causes of homelessness within the park is best done through partnerships among multiple sectors. One way you can help is by supporting some of these partners.
Saint Paul Outreach Programs and Shelters:
Higher Ground Saint Paul Shelter: An overnight emergency shelter for single men and women run by Catholic Charities. Contact at 651-647-2330.
InvolveMN: Minnesota-based non-profit where community, business, and government partner to help those struggling with being unsheltered in Minneapolis and St. Paul area streets. We provide organized outreach, targeted resource allocation, and supportive mentoring to those in greatest need. Contact at 651-325-1126.
Listening House of Saint Paul: A daytime drop-in community and resource referral center providing hospitality, practical assistance, and guidance to men and women experiencing homelessness, loneliness, and deep poverty. Contact at 651-227-5911.
ModelCities: To provide social and economic prosperity by providing access to opportunities that stabilize and develop families and communities. Contact at 651-215-2262.
Serve Saint Paul: Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Neighbors Helping Neighbors supports a community of service in Saint Paul by connecting neighbors, community organizations, and businesses who could use a helping hand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact at 651-266-6306.
Minneapolis/Hennepin County Outreach Programs and Shelters:
Agate Housing and Services: A Minnesota nonprofit that includes street outreach, temporary and permanent housing, free public meals, free public housing, representative payee services, and birth certificate and ID support. Contact at 612-874-0311.
Hennepin County Emergency Programs: Short-term aid programs for residents in a financial crisis that poses a direct threat to their physical health or safety. Contact at 612-348-9410; after-hours call 651-291-0211.
People Serving People: An emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness in Minnesota and a dedicated leader in homelessness prevention. Contact at 612-332-4500.
Simpson Housing Services: To house, support, and empower people impacted by homelessness. Contact at 612-248-2350.
Second Harvest Heartland: A hunger-relief organization based in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Contact the Brooklyn Park location at 651-209-7980, for the Saint Paul location call 651-484-5117.
Start Today Hennepin: A Housing First, Housing Support Program to provide a secure foundation for individual growth and prosperity through permanent housing. Contact at 612-843-4230.