MINNEAPOLIS — A homeless encampment near the Quarry shopping center in northeast Minneapolis was shut down on Friday.
The encampment was originally scheduled to close on Wednesday, but a city spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday that officials postponed its closure over a potential "violent confrontation" between advocates and city staff.
"When the site was secured this morning, there were six unsheltered individuals present. All individuals declined transportation to the Catholic Charities’ Opportunity Center for support, resources, and connection to shelter and housing opportunities," the statement says. "Two requested and received transportation from the City to alternate locations. The MPD had Chaplains on site to provide additional support to unsheltered individuals during this transition."
City officials say notices were posted announcing the closure of the encampment on Dec. 21 and 26, and resources were provided to those living in the encampment at the time. The residents reportedly declined "shelter and storage options" that were offered to them.
The city says they confirmed with local organization Rescue Now that no unhoused individuals or anyone in need of resources would be turned away Friday morning.
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