Activists demand Minneapolis councilmembers sign moratorium on homeless encampment clearings
MINNEAPOLIS -- Activists pushing for a pause on homeless encampment evictions in Minneapolis were met with opposition Wednesday.
"It's clear that we have a problem here," said activist Paul Meringdol, who is also experiencing homelessness. "A problem that's been sided-stepped and overlooked."
Outside of the Minneapolis City Council meeting, Communities United Against Police Brutality activists and some experiencing homelessness, gathered to share a resolution to put a moratorium on camp evictions in the city. They say evictions are causing health issues linked to fatigue, stress and trauma. They also say it makes it harder to help those unhoused in the city.
"Just stop the evictions while we are figuring out how to do this in a way that supports people. That gets some permanent housing, in a way that makes them safe and healthy individuals," said activist Melanie Groves.
The group brought the resolution to the council as it convened - and councilwoman LaTrisha Vetaw stayed back to hear their plea.
"I want to help," Vetaw said. "I want to help the people that want help."
RELATED: Activists camp outside Minneapolis City Hall to protest encampment evictions
Despite a passionate ask and multiple attempts, Vetaw did not sign the resolution. She said the homelessness issue isn't that simple of a fix and encouraged the group to look for answers at Hennepin County.
"You all are misplacing the energy," Vetaw said. "The county has the pocket strings for housing. We have a very small budget here as a city."
City reports show since March 2020, Minneapolis and Hennepin County have invested more than $200 million in the homeless response system. The money has helped improve shelter conditions, increase city funding for outreach teams and add staffing to the Hennepin County Streets to Housing Team.
"We have attorneys here," Vetaw said. "We can't just make up rules on our own. That's why I'm really asking you all if you want to work on this, reach out to council individually."
Tuesday night, following a tense encounter between protestors and police, homeless encampments were still set up outside Minneapolis City Hall Wednesday.
According to a spokesperson with the city, everyone in the group outside of city hall Wednesday were offered shelter at Avivo Village. At least 11 people took advantage of the offer.
