The encampment, with about 200-plus tents on the park grounds, is a recent undertaking by the city's Parks and Recreation Board with public health support from the Minnesota Department of Health. Known as the Minneapolis Sanctuary Movement, it had its roots in an experiment to provide shelter during the pandemic at a south Minneapolis Sheraton Hotel.
With the protests and nearby buildings burning following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police, the management company of the Sheraton closed down the vastly overrun hotel and its evacuated temporary residents fled and sought refuge at nearby Powderhorn Park. The Park Board brought in portable toilets, trash cans and showers while tents and supplies were donated mostly by neighborhood residents.We arrived with our offerings to be greeted by volunteers at the donation center, a tent near the street. They were grateful and eager to help us unload our boxes and bags. We learned from them that there are actually two separate encampments in different parts of the park.
Residents of the encampment and volunteers, many from the neighborhood and others, work around the clock providing food, basic medical care, supplies, security and clean-up. A food station is open 24/7. Volunteers have daily morning meetings in a nearby tent to discuss what's going right or wrong, what needs improvement.
There are rules.There are those who are compliant. And there are those who are not. While we were there a heated argument between two men ensued. We were told that volunteer staff are trained to deescalate, and offenders are redirected. Often residents are on medication but not diligent in taking it. But they are almost never evicted from the camp.
Most camp residents were enjoying the beautiful summer day, strolling the grounds or visiting on lawn chairs outside their tent. Some were at the food tent as it was lunchtime when we were there.
The encampment effort is not without controversy. Some feel the Parks Board should not be "in the housing business," and there are neighborhood residents who are fearful and worried about noise, drugs, unsightly debris in the park, and so on. To that end, clean-up crews have three shifts throughout the day to ensure the park is clean and orderly. We can report first-hand that it was when we were there.Many in this wonderfully diverse old Minneapolis neighborhood are supportive and help with food, even providing laundry services. Some are part of an activist group of people lobbying city officials to develop a more permanent solution to provide housing and shelter to this woefully overlooked population. It is imperative that we end the talking and develop some long term solutions. And soon.
Our Powderhorn Park homeless encampment self-designated ambassador took many photos for me and as we left, I took a picture of him, with permission, as he waved and said, "God bless you and have a good day."
We will, Jim. And the impressions you showed us won't soon leave us.
Local Minnesotans who wish to volunteer or donate can learn more at https://nechama.org/updates/twin-cities-response-to-date/
