Homeless Population Allowed To Seek Refuge At Minneapolis Parks

MINNEAPOLIS — People experiencing homelessness will now be able to stay at Minneapolis parks with the support of city officials. Last week, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners passed Resolution 2020-253, which allows people to seek refuge on city parkland.

The resolution works in conjunction with Gov. Tim Walz's executive order that — with some exceptions — prevents the removal of homeless people from public sites.

According to the board, the Minneapolis park system has recently seen an influx of people occupying nearly 200 tents in different parts of Powderhorn Park as the coronavirus and economic crises continue.

"Homelessness in Minnesota is a crisis," said Park Board President Jono Cowgill in a statement.

"We realize that this is not a permanent solution, so we are asking the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and State of Minnesota to step up and find a sustainable, dignified housing solution for folks who are experiencing homelessness right now. In the meantime, we are not going to push people out of public spaces when they have nowhere else to go."

MPRB says it's working with Minneapolis Health Department experts to monitor and assess the public health conditions of encampments sites.

Read the full resolution passed here.