St. Cloud Planning Commission to Look at a Measure to Change Maximum Length of Stay Rules at Temporary Shelters

(KNSI) – A measure in front of the St. Cloud Planning Commission could change the rules for how long residents are allowed to stay in temporary shelters.

A public hearing to discuss a possible change in the Land Development Code is coming up on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. inside City Hall. As it stands, residents at places like Anna Maries Alliance, the Salvation Army, Lincoln Center and Place of Hope can now stay a maximum of 45 or 90 days. Homeless Helping Homeless went before the Zoning Board of Appeals last month and said the rule should be changed because 45 days and even 90 days in some cases isn’t enough to connect those in need with a transition to permanent shelter or social services. The panel agreed, and if the rule is changed, residents would be allowed to stay a maximum of 120 or 180 days.

If the commission passes the move, it will be forwarded to the city council for approval.

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