Safe Space Shelter relocation FAQ

Why is the move happening?

The anticipated move of Safe Space Shelter is a part of a phased approach to close Ramsey County's Government Center East, which is set to conclude by the end of 2024.

When will the official move to new location happen?

The official move of Safe Space Shelter to Luther Seminary will happen Summer 2024. A date has not been finalized yet as there are several organizational and structural activities that need to take place prior to the shelter occupying the space. Ramsey County and Model Cities will continue to engage the surrounding community and neighbors as plans for the new site progress, including announcing the official date of move-in to the public.

Will the new space offer the same amenities/same number of beds?

Yes. Luther Seminary will offer the same amenities as the former Safe Space Shelter location. 64 overnight beds with showers and day-time lockers for personal items.

Will the new location be permanent or possibility of it being a temporary location?

It is expected that Safe Space Shelter will occupy the new location at Luther Seminary for the next three years.

How is this shelter being funded or paid for?

Safe Space Shelter is funded through Ramsey County, the state and other philanthropic and in-kind support.

How can I(resident) refer people to Safe Space emergency shelter?

Safe Space shelter reservations are being made by Ramsey County's Shelter Entry and Diversion team. People in need of emergency shelter, as well as community partners, are encouraged to contact the team for assistance using one of the following methods:

• Phone: 651-266-1050
• Email: [email protected]
• In-person: Saint Paul Opportunity Center, 422 Dorothy Day Place, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (Second floor)

What are hours of operation at Safe Space Shelter?

Safe Space currently operates each night, year-round from 10 p.m. – 9 a.m. Upon relocation, Model Cities will assess operational hours for Safe Space and make adjustments, as needed.

How does the referral process work for people to stay at Safe Space?

Safe Space shelter reservations are made by Ramsey County's Shelter Entry and Diversion team. People in need of emergency shelter, as  well as community partners, are encouraged to contact the team for assistance using one of the following methods:

• Phone: 651-266-1050
• Email: [email protected]
• In-person: Saint Paul Opportunity Center, 422 Dorothy Day Place, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (Second floor)

How late can people be referred to Safe Space?

Reservations for Safe Space begin as early at 9:30 a.m. Monday - Friday and 1:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations through the Shelter Entry team end at 9:30 p.m. each night; however, people may contact Saint Paul Police Department (non-emergency) to inquire about shelter availability at Safe Space for the night. Reservations for any remaining open beds are typically filled each night by 1 a.m. however, Model Cities will assess the need to adjust late reservation times, as needed.

Will people be allowed to leave after being admitted into Safe Space?

We ask that shelter guest not leave shelter once they arrive (unless for medical emergencies). If they choose to leave, they may be restricted for a period of time. This time may be longer if the guest repeatedly leaves shelter after seeking a referral.                 

Who do we contact during the day when the Shelter is closed? Will there a 24/hour phone line available?

Upon relocation, Model Cities will establish a phone number and/or email address that people can use to contact our team during times when the shelter is closed.

Who does Safe Space serve? Will sex offenders be allowed to stay at Safe Space Shelter?

Safe Space currently serves adult individuals, each night, year-round from 10 p.m. – 9 a.m. Eligibility requirements are minimal in order to reduce harm and encourage adult individuals who are homeless to seek resources available to them by eliminating obstacles, such as criminal history, substance abuse, income, age and other parameters. This approach aligns with Ramsey County’s strategic priority to ensure that county services, applications, and programs are inclusive, accessible, efficient, and provided with exemplary service. 

If a neighborhood needs to be notified when a sexual offender moves into it, how is it possible that a "low barrier" shelter is allowed to move in?

Safe Space Shelter does not exclude people based on their registration status. It is the offender’s responsibility to register a new primary address (if required), and the City may then provide notice to the community or certain individuals of that registration (per City policy). Under state law, however, staying in an overnight shelter does not constitute a change in primary address and does not trigger new registration or notification requirements. (Minn. Stat. 243.166, Subd. 1a(d).)

What assurances can the shelter staff provide about the safety of the neighborhood? Will there be security? How will this be policed?

As a part of their normal operation, Model Cities will provide security during hours of operation at Safe Space Shelter 10 p.m. – 9 a.m. There will be on-site security at the Luther Seminary campus starting at 8 p.m. until 9:30 a.m.

Additionally, the Saint Paul Police Department regularly patrols the neighborhood and are active partners in developing solutions to any challenges that arise. Neighbors should call 911 to report emergencies and the non-emergency line (651-291-1111) to report non-emergency issues in the neighborhood.

How can we assure shelter guests leave the neighborhood during non-operational hours of the shelter?

While there is no guarantee overnight shelter guests will leave the neighborhood the following morning, Ramsey County will provide optional transportation to individuals referred to the shelter during hours of operation to daytime shelter services. Individuals who opt-out of receiving transportation in the morning, will be advised that they cannot remain on campus in non-operational hours.

It is important to note that Safe Space is a referral-based shelter. Reservations are required for this shelter and must be made through Ramsey County’s Shelter Entry & Diversion team, a partnering agency or law enforcement. Individuals will not be able to just show up and receive services. This process helps alleviate the challenge of attracting a mass amount of people seeking emergency shelter.

Who will ensure that there isn’t drug paraphernalia and empty liquor bottles left on the sidewalks/streets or in the neighboring parks?

Model Cities staff and janitorial team will do a daily "sweep" of the shelter grounds immediately after the shelter closes to ensure trash and any debris are discarded each day to help maintain a clean and safe environment for the community.   

Where will people expected to go when the shelter closes in the morning? Isn't it better for shelters like this to be close to daytime services so people can get the help they need?

Ramsey County will provide optional transportation, in and out of the neighborhood, to individuals referred to the shelter during hours of operation. Men will be transported to Union Gospel Mission. Men and Women will also be transported to the Saint Paul Opportunity Center. Wrap-around services are available at these locations. Individuals are encouraged to connect with resources (e.g. day service programs, health care services, outreach workers etc.) to support ongoing needs around mental and physical health, housing and other basic needs.

If this is an emergency night shelter why are lockers provided during the day?

Shelter guests may bring belongings with them to Safe Space; however, no belongings may be left behind. During their stay, shelter guests must lock up belongings in lockers provided at Safe Space (with staff assistance). Items may only be left for longer periods in extenuating circumstances (e.g. guest is hospitalized and unable to take belongings upon exit). Model Cities will modify its locker program and policies at Safe Space, as needed.

What was the decision-making process to relocate Safe Space to Luther Seminary?

Ramsey County decided to vacate its Government East Building in 2019. All public facing services were relocated to Metro Square in 2021. County employees will be relocated later this year to Metro Square as renovations are being completed in a space that was recently vacated by State of Minnesota tenants. Ramsey County is expected to see reduced operating costs of over $2 million per year with the disposition of the Government East Building.

In January of this year, the Ramsey County board approved the sale of its Government East Building, which currently houses Safe Space Shelter. Through that process and conversations with Saint Paul city officials and other resource providers, several locations and buildings were researched to relocate Safe Space.

While considering all options (with respect to location, capacity, facilities and timeline to vacate current space, etc.) and our existing partnerships with local faith-based organizations, Luther Seminary agreed to support Safe Space by providing a location for the shelter operate on its campus. Ramsey County previously partnered with Luther Seminary, during the height of the pandemic, to stand up a temporary shelter that served up to 70 women and couples experiencing homelessness. 

Read Luther Seminary’s recent announcement about property leases and sales.

Detail the timeline and relocation plan from the beginning of this project to move services to the new location.

2019- The Ramsey County Board approved plans to vacate the Government East Building, where Safe Space currently operates.

2020- COVID-19 pandemic struck putting evacuation plans on hold. Safe Space continued normal operations.

2021- Ramsey County resident-facing services were vacated from Government East Building and moved to Metro Square. Safe Space continued normal operations.

2023- Renovations began at Metro Square to make space and accommodations for offices and departments.

Early 2024- The Ramsey County board approved the sale of Government East Building and through that process, several locations and buildings were researched to relocate Safe Space Shelter.

Mid-2024- Safe Space Shelter expected to successfully relocate to Luther Seminary.

End of 2024- Government East Building will be fully vacated and county offices moved to Metro Square.

Will you seek additional feedback from the community?

Ramsey County and Model Cities will be hosting a town hall information sharing session on May 21, inside the chapel at Luther Seminary. The purpose is to provide an update and answer questions from community. Ramsey County and Model Cities are currently planning additional community engagement opportunities as the shelter becomes operational in its new location at Luther Seminary. Updates will be posted to ramseycounty.us/HSD In the meantime, feedback from community is encouraged as we continue to assess operational needs to enhance services and ensure the safety and security of residents.

Community members may anonymously submit questions or comments online. Responses to questions or concerns will be posted to ramseycounty.us/HSD following the town hall and updated periodically following the event.

For any general inquiries about Safe Space Shelter, please email [email protected] . If you have other immediate questions or concerns, you may contact the following Model Cities staff:

• Shelter Manager - [email protected]
• Director of Community Development – [email protected]
• CEO – [email protected]

How do I volunteer with Safe Space?

Model Cities currently offers volunteer opportunities at Safe Space Shelter at least two Sundays per month. Volunteers can sign up for shifts on designated days only from 7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.  During these shifts, volunteers can learn more about Safe Space, sort donations, serve coffee and snacks to guests and help with laundry. Sign up for a volunteer shift today!