MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis city council member Andrea Jenkins led a community town hall meeting Thursday evening to address homeless encampments across the city. The meeting was not open to the public but some community members invited by the city were in attendance.
Several weeks ago, Jenkins formed a community think tank comprised of city staff and neighbors who met over the course of three meetings.
Thursday's town hall follows a string of violence at homeless encampments, including a deadly shooting in which two people were killed on Sunday, Oct. 27.
"I would imagine it's terrifying, and sometimes what people say is they feel safer in these encampments than they do in shelters," Jenkins said ahead of Thursday's meeting. "But I I don't hear any people being shot in shelters and lots of people being shot in encampments."
Jenkins said she wants to give people an opportunity to express their concerns and offer solutions.
"We want to hear some of the thoughts that people feel like can help us resolve some of these issues that are impacting our neighbors and our communities and most importantly, the unhoused individuals that are out here on the street suffering," Jenkins said.
Jenkins admitted that within the think tank meetings, differences of opinions emerged. Their conversations revolved around three main topics: housing options, safe spaces and supportive services.
Council Member Jason Chavez said council members are exploring two new ordinances, based off of successes in other cities including Duluth and Denver.
According to Chavez, a Safe Parking Ordinance would provide a safe location for people to park and sleep in their vehicles overnight. A Safe Outdoor Space ordinance creates a location designated as a safe outdoor shelter site designated by the city. To utilize the space, people would have to complete a screening process.
In South Minneapolis, an encampment stretches across several blocks. Angelique Beaumaster, who is currently unhoused, said the solution begins with people who are in the encampments feeling heard by elected officials.
"Sit down like they did once before and talk to people who are actually out here," Beaumaster said. "Talk to people who are out here, who want a solution, who want help."
In September, Minneapolis city council members passed the Encampment Removal Reporting Ordinance. The measure requires the city to submit two quarterly reports regarding its response to encampment removals and evictions.
