Homelessness Task Force Meets to Discuss How to Deal with Issue

(KNSI) — Around 15 people representing eight organizations serving the unhoused took part in a homelessness task force meeting recently to figure out how to deal with the issue.

They included nonprofits such as Catholic Charities, Place of Hope, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and others who shared their knowledge.

The same task force met two years ago.

Afterward, St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis talked exclusively with KNSI News and stated the group reached two key conclusions. First, he said everyone agreed “this has to be led by those service providers.” He added, “I don’t believe that a city has that role.” Secondly, “it has to be a regional approach, and a regional approach is not just one city. A regional approach is not St. Cloud. And how is that led?”

He suggested forming a working group to look at a regional solution. The proposal would be to appoint three people from St. Cloud and have Benton, Sherburne and Stearns County each appoint three members. St. Cloud is unique in that it sits in three counties, and homeless encampments have been found in all three over the years.

Area cities would be invited to join the group. The appointees could be community members or experts assisting people experiencing homelessness. “It’s not going to be government leading in this case. So they’ll be leading the efforts to the solutions. We as a city can help facilitate, but I believe if we go down the path of social service, we’re not going to be able to fund public safety, we’re not going to be able to fund roads,” said Kleis.

He believes a solution is never temporary housing or a shelter but permanent housing. Kleis would also like to see more resources from the state to assist with mental health services and drug addiction resources.

The homeless issues have come to a head over the last couple of years after residents complained about residents at Lincoln Center homeless shelter in east St. Cloud. The issues ranged from loitering and trespassing at area businesses and homes to drug use, prostitution, theft and assaults.

The center was forced to close in May after multiple code violations.

In recent months, two homeless encampments have been cleared by the city. Some residents were allowed to live in a hybrid tent city in the Lincoln Center parking lot and use the showers and bathrooms inside. The encampment has permission to exist until November 1st. Mayor Kleis told KNSI News the deadline will not be extended. But right now, he is more concerned with the weather, and they are doing everything they can to help those at the encampment before freezing temperatures set in.

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