City of Minneapolis Closes Tent Encampment

Nearly three dozen tents were thrown away this week during the city-led closure of the Cedar-Franklin encampment in Minneapolis.

Georgia Fort reports: 

Nearly three dozen tents were thrown away this past week during the city-led closure of the Cedar/Franklin encampment in Minneapolis. Approximately 20 staff from the city’s Public Works department arrived on scene just before 7am. Bulldozers and rakes were used to clear the area. 

Staff from the city of Minneapolis and Hennepin county set up a tent at the encampment the afternoon before the closure in order to screen people for welfare and housing assistance eligibility.

According to a staff member with the city of Minneapolis, 30 openings were identified at a nearby women’s shelter. Some people were being placed in hotels for up to 90 days or until they could find housing. 

The city of Minneapolis declined a request for an interview. A city representative did state that limited storage was offered to residents to store belongings for up to 14 days. On Tuesday, government employees either bulldozed or threw away the majority of what remained. 

Most residents of the encampment said they wanted to find more permanent housing, but others expressed concerns. Some feared their addiction would prevent them from being accepted, while some couples didn’t want to be separated into men and women only shelters.

Photo Credit: Louie Tran

Subscribe to hear Daily Updates in your podcast feed

• 
  Potter Found Guilty in Death of Daunte WrightDecember 24, 2021
  After three days of deliberation a jury found former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter guilty of two counts of manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright. Feven Gerezgiher reports
• 
  Potter Jury Continues DeliberationsDecember 23, 2021
  As jury deliberation continues in the Kim Potter trial, many are evaluating the state of racial justice in Minnesota. We talk to former Hennepin County Chief Public Defender Mary Moriarty. Chioma Uwagwu reports
• 
  Kim Potters’ TearsDecember 22, 2021
  Kim Potter’s crying in court is more than an expression of remorse; it’s part of a history of white women weaponizing their tears against people of color. Tiffany Bui reports.
• 
  Jury Deliberations Underway in Potter TrialDecember 21, 2021
  The state’s prosecution and the defense made their closing arguments Monday. Georgia Fort reports.