[ad_1]
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KMSP) – Minneapolis City Council has approved a new temporary site for its homeless encampment at a meeting on Wednesday.
The camp and its emergency navigation center will now be relocated to 2109 Cedar Avenue, a site currently held by the Red Lake Nation.
In a statement, the city of Minneapolis said the goal was to open the navigation center this fall. Hennepin County, its non-profit partners and the community said it would take the lead in developing and implementing services at the navigation center with the support of the city.
Minneapolis also said that a longer-term solution is underway. A new transitional housing program focused on Amerindians facing chronic homelessness is part of the solution. The council will learn more about this October 24th.
City Council unanimously approved the proposal on Wednesday following a Minneapolis Housing and Development Committee discussion. Earlier this week, the council voted in favor of postponing the decision because of the community's reaction.
Approved unanimously: Minneapolis City Council approves the 2109 Cedar Ave site, currently owned by Red Lake Nation, as a new temporary site for the homeless camp. pic.twitter.com/vKT5L3QAAh
– Leah Beno (@ LeahBenoFox9) September 26, 2018
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey met with leaders of 11 tribal countries in Minnesota and Governor Mark Dayton after last week's meeting, which explains how the new site has become an option. The 11 tribes supported the 2109 Central Avenue site, according to Frey's office.
Frey issued a statement regarding the approval of his council on Wednesday:
Thank you to tribal leadership for stepping up efforts, especially the Red Lake Nation, for providing an important option for the temporary navigation center. Today's Council vote is a positive step forward and reaffirms that the site at 2109 Cedar Avenue South is culturally appropriate and equipped to ensure the safety and health of the people who currently live on Hiawatha Avenue.
As City staff focus on site preparation as quickly as possible, I will continue to work with my colleagues in the City Hall, neighboring jurisdictions and the Aboriginal community to continue the outreach activities essential to a smooth transition to 2109. Our work will continue To be done in partnership with the Aboriginal community and will be guided by several overarching goals: to protect the health and safety of all, provide supportive social services and, ultimately, find permanent housing options for our homeless communities.
[ad_2]
Source link
