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Ramsey County and Model Cities seeking new partner for Safe Space Shelter

(Saint Paul, MN – Monday, May 20) - After months of searching, locating and planning for a new site appropriate for emergency shelter services, today Ramsey County and Model Cities were informed that Luther Seminary has decided to rescind their offer to lease part of their campus to Safe Space Shelter. Consequently, the community town hall scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21, has been canceled. 

Discussions began with Luther Seminary, as part of the phased closure of the Ramsey County Government Center East which is set to conclude in the end of 2024. 

Safe Space Shelter is a referral-based shelter operating year-round 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. This devastating decision comes at a time where the county and the Twin Cities community is experiencing an emergency shelter crisis. The need for dignified, safe shelter continues to grow and Ramsey County is committed to finding solutions recognizing that anyone at any time could find themselves in need of support. 

We were looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the services provided by Safe Space Shelter, how they are similar/different from the previous shelter operated in this same location during the COVID-19 pandemic and answering all concerned community members questions. Unfortunately, the decision was made to not move forward without this opportunity.  

Ramsey County and Model Cities will now be seeking an alternative location immediately and encourage the community and partners with ideas about appropriate sites with dignified space to serve people in crisis to reach out to Commissioner Trista Martinson’s office or the Housing Stability department with their ideas in light of this emergency situation. We will provide updates and additional information as we work to secure a new location for Safe Space Shelter in the coming months. 

Please see Frequently Asked Questions for an idea of the space and shelter we are looking to provide.