I think there are some folks who aren’t presenting that may need to be muted. There’s audio interference coming through.

it is the first of 2 community sessions

Im thankful that Ramsey County and St. Paul is providing this opportunity for parents and children who are homeless in our community

Hello Randi!

I completely agree, Andre.

So very important that this private/public work is taking place. Interfaith Action/ Sr. of St Carondelet/Ramsey County/City of St Paul deserve our deep appreciation.

Have there been any problems in the neighborhood because of the temporary Project Home programs in local churches?

Karen: Good question! We’ve had zero problems at Mount Zion during my 5 years volunteering at our temple on Summit Avenue.

I am not aware of any neighborhood problems at we have had at FAUMC.

we will have a dedicated space tonight for Q&A

I’ve volunteered on and off at Mount Zion for 20 years and am unaware of any issues.

There should have been an acknowledgement of who's land we are on, at the beginning of the meeting. Miigwich

I have volunteered with Project Home over the years and never heard about any serious problems. I was wondering if there any I did not know about.

I would STRONGLY urge Ramsey Co and the other partners to be much more proactive in reaching out to neighbors to explain this project. I live a half block away and received no notification from the County about this project or Town Hall - it was also not visible on key communications channels like Next Door Neighbor. If you want neighbors to embrace this project, they need to feel involved and understand what will be taking place where they live and pay significant taxes. People tend to fill an information vacuum and I think to ensure long term success for this project, it's critical everyone who lives nearby receives abundant information and understand what is planned for the Provincial house. Thanks.

Our congregation in Mendota Heights last year hosted Project Home for 31 days. It was a blessing and there were no problems--only blessings

I don't recall problems.

Is there any type of screening for the families who would be living at St. Joseph of Carondelet? For example, criminal background check, sexual offenders, etc?

@Riley, your question will be answered during tonight's presentation

I have volunteered at many of the sites, filling in when volunteers weren't sufficient. I have had no issues and the Project Home staff are extremely responsive to any questions that have come up. I always leave having gained more than I have given because of the children and the parents and PH staff. The leadership, planning and communication channels have worked very well. The families are indeed well-screened and are oriented to the rules. The rules are clear and specific.

have we considered the recent crime increase and the effect of this on the current proposal?

We have had no problems at Cretin-Derham hall where we host for the month of July

To Teresa Morrow: what is the best communication mechanism for contacting neighbors in Mac Groveland and Highland?

Teresa, how did you learn about this Town Hall? The Sisters did visit some area businesses and some residences. Of course, we would always like to do more.

For Ramsey County on Housing—I do hear a different definition of affordable (I resonate with Ramsey Co) from gov’t and what developers consider is affordable (market value rather than this 40%). And did any of the new Tenant Rights from City of St Paul—is that starting to support?

The new tenant rights don’t kick in until March 1, 2021

I have organized hosting at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for 5 Years in the month of March, we never had any complaints from our community or neighbors.

TRUTH!!!

I live three blocks from the building and learned about this meeting from three different channels.

I found out on Twitter, a local reporter tweeted about it. this is the first of a long series of meeting on this. encourage people to attend the next info session on January 5th.

June, thank you for pointing out that the land on which the Provincial House and the neighborhood is located is land on which Dakota people lived for thousands of year.

Affordability is when you spend no more that 30% of your income on your housing expenses. AMI (area median Income) is how many of our housing goals are created as we've identified the greatest need for individuals who earn 30% AMI.

I subscribed to getting email updates from Ramsey County at https://www.ramseycounty.us/covid-19-info/county-services-initiatives/investment-support-efforts-cares-funding/help-those-experiencing-homelessness/housing-stability-ramsey-county

So how does one reconcile the Affordability definition of developers and that of County and City definitions. And yes, it should be 30%

what are the city and county doing to mandate that developers have a certain % of affordable housing in all new developments and how is this being monitored?

At Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, we have never had a problem from a resident family in Project Home, over 15 years or more. We have to protect the families from the community.

Is there a background check for those who are given shelter, through MTC? I heard someone was arrested (then released) because they were flagged on a background check. Thank you

What does that mean—“Not meant for human habitation?” Can someone clarify at some point?

Thank you for that presentation.

Alex, for example—sleeping in their car.

Ive worked with homeless families in Ramsey County for several years and this is needed and has been needed for a couple decades

Thank you Tenecia: Helpful overview.

We have been hosting Fairmount Avenue UMC for the past three years and partnered with other congregations for decades. I live in the parsonage attached to the church, my kids play with the residents when they are here. We share a front yard. I have spent many overnights with project home as a volunteer. It has only ever been a good experience for me, my family, my neighbors (who are also on board,) and our church community.

Ok. Great. I wasn’t sure if that meant outside (in tents) or sleeping at their place of work or they were sleeping in abandoned buildings or in apartments that weren’t heated. I wasn’t quite sure.

Very informative presentation. Thank you.

is anything going on? I do not see video.

Im loving this video and shares the real experience

Alex, it also includes those things.

Tenicia, thank you so much. I do have to say I had a homeless family, and called 211. They never offered hotel rooms, and said there waiting list was 4-6 weeks long. This family was riding on the bus, and weren't eligible for MTC help, because they got off bus to go to the bathroom and change babies diaper.

Ok. Great. Thank you for clarifying. I appreciate it!

Uplifting and a reminder how so many are just one crisis away from being in need!

Thank you for the great work you do for families!!!

thanks for addressing racial inequities

As a volunteer I recognize so many people in the video. My eyes are teary as I see and hear the families and staff. You have captured my experiences with Project Homes so well in this brief video. Thank you Sara and staff.

Thank you LInda! We miss you and all our volunteers!

June: I have volunteered at 8-10 different congregations—and help coordinate the stay at Mount Zion. Interfaith Action can answer your important followup questions about background checks. I can say from my own observation that occasionally, a guest isn’t a great match for Project Home. And Interfaith Action—including some of the leadership in that video—takes a very active and involved role in steering them elsewhere.

What supplies do you need for these families because I have a network of people who want to help

Will one of the staff address the timeline for this project and what hearings at the city will be required? Thanks.

Is it possible to get a copy of the presentation after the meeting?

Could we get more information about transportation, meals and schooling for the guests?

“This is the fast I desire…to share your bread with the hungry, and to take the poor into your home; when you see the naked , to clothe him, and not to ignore your own kin.” Isaiah 58:6-7

As a pre-covid volunteer for many years at Project Home I can say that the program is very well organized.

Not meant for human habitation means any place that a person is not meant to live, basically anywhere that isn't a home or hotel this often includes outside, cars, public transportation, storage units, hospital waiting rooms etc..

Those aspects are very well organized and are family-centered and based on healthy eating, activity and rest. Volunteers are oriented carefully and supplies are integrated in a careful, planned way. Schooling is through the public schools and children are disrupted as little as possible for optimum school relationships. Additionally public school tutors are available in selected evenings at the shelter. This is a very well organized and well established process

Thanks, Tenecia!

What excites you about this housing opportunity with Project Home at the Provincial House?

I submitted questions via e-mail this morning. Will those be reviewed and answered? Thank you.

Can you discuss the timeline for the project?

I am excited about expanding Project Home to have space for more families. I love volunteering with Project Home families.

Post COVID, the families at Provincial House will be able to stay there until they obtain housing while the families staying at the other shelter spots (like the Churches) will still have to move every 30 days? How decide who stays where?

That families will have a safe place to provide stability for all. Without stability, those children will have difficulty in the future.

Expanding family shelter in Ramsey County is what is exciting. I've been working in homelessness and housing for close to 20 years and this is long over due.

How about getting to the questions community want answered

Just the last 30 seconds was cut off, June.

Thank you June for your wise and important comments.

Im excited about that we are creating shelter spaces for families, for children, for a chance where parents and children can get connection to resources they need

Mark, we will answer those questions but there so many we will not get to them tonight.

Will there be an opportunity to provide feedback after the Town Hall, possibly via email?

Thanks Muffie!!! so much love for you

How have the Carondelet Village residents been involved in this process thus far? If at all?

June - thank you for sharing that historical perspective with all of us - it is important to have that sensitivity when approaching this project.

Yes, you can share comments here: https://www.ramseycounty.us/covid-19-info/county-services-initiatives/investment-support-efforts-cares-funding/help-those-experiencing-homelessness/housing-stability-ramsey-county/bethesda-hospital-site/contact-ramsey-county

I agree wholeheartedly, Muffie.

Exciting to have an opportunity for more families to have shelter. It is encouraging to see various shelters opening in different neighborhoods. The need is so great, and there is such a great need for safe and affordable housing for people with low wealth.

There is no direct link to increased crime. These families are not criminals and the program is well enough structured that there should be no fear. Long range providing support like this to families may reduce crime but that can probably would be difficult to prove since crime has multiple causes.

I think its important to address all the community questions as the Zoning meeting takes place before the next outreach meeting. If the Zoning meeting was delayed then it seems reasonable to wait until the next meeting.

A women and couples shelter has opened recently at Stub hall at Luther Seminary in St. Anthony Park.

I saw in a response from sherder@csjstpaul.org that questions already submitted won't be answered tonight as there were so many. What is the plan to provide answers to those questions? I guess I misunderstood the purpose of this Town Hall if we haven't made time to respond to questions from the neighborhood?? Is that the intent of the Jan townhall, to serve as the Q&A session? Thanks.

As of Friday, the Luther Seminary had 9 single women and their first couple. The staff there told me they are excited about welcoming more couples.

The Luther Shelter just opened December 15.

Muffie, I walk past the intersection of Randolph and Fairview and all around the neighborhood almost every day. I also support this initiative 150%. I have also volunteered with Project Home at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church for well over 10 years. Guests are, as Linda Lindeke as so beautifully articulated, very respectful of one another, of the volunteers, and of the neighborhood at our church. Finally, I must say that Interfaith Action St. Paul has taken an incredibly powerful stand for addressing issues of poverty in our city. The mission says it, but the staff and volunteers embody that mission every day. Sara Liegl has been dedicated to Project Home for years. Her expertise and heart for the guest are second to none!

Jill--Well Said!!

Hi Teresa Morrow - all questions that are not able to be provided tonight will be available on our Housing Stability webpage. We will create an FAQ site here: https://www.ramseycounty.us/covid-19-info/county-services-initiatives/investment-support-efforts-cares-funding/help-those-experiencing-homelessness/housing-stability-ramsey-county

Thanks for the FAQ info!

Thank you for the reminder about indigenous historical view. I do think a transparency would be something to listen to and to consider.

Miigwich, Maggie❣🦸‍♀️

St Paul Public Schools Project REACH and Fostering Connections also works with homeless service system and public schools to support youth and their families while they are in shelter or precariously housed: https://www.spps.org/projectreach

interfaithaction.org

This is a very generous neighborhood. Is there plan about how neighbors can help? Donations? Creating meals together? Helping with child care? Assisting with laundry?

June and everyone, If you encounter families that are in need of shelter, they can access shelter through United Way First Call for Help 24 hours a day at 651-291-0211 or directly through the Ramsey County Emergency Shelter Team at 651-266-7818 Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30. Please note that First Call for Help only takes basic information from callers and sends it over to the shelter team to reach out to the family, so callers won't get much information until they speak with Ramsey County staff.

Here's the web link for the organization: https://interfaithaction.org/

Additional comments can be shared via this link: https://www.ramseycounty.us/covid-19-info/county-services-initiatives/investment-support-efforts-cares-funding/help-those-experiencing-homelessness/housing-stability-ramsey-county/bethesda-hospital-site/contact-ramsey-county

thank you, Sara. We can work together.

Thank you June!

Thanks Tom!!!!

Thank you, Tenicia💯💝

Thank you for the opportunity to support our families and children in need in our neighborhood! We welcome you knowing the supports are being put in place!

Thanks so much, Tom!

very happy to see this work happing just next door.

Will copies of tonight's presentation be available?

Riley - they did say earlier they are taping it and will put it up on the county housing website

I live 2 blocks away and feel it is a very good plan for the area and the homeless population.

Yard signs are a great idea! Can St Anthony Park have those in support of the Luther Shelter as well?

I love the idea of yard signs for support.

I would put out a yard sign.

On behalf of the Highland Business Association, I’m here to strongly affirm that we stand ready to coordinate any support/services between the business community and the new families we’ll be welcoming to Highland Park as part of this project. Well said Tom and others. Let me know how we can help. jfarnsworth@highlandba.com

I also live just 2 blocks from Provincial House & am supportive.

Wow! Go Highland 😇💯

That's great to hear, James!

I have volunteered with Project Home with my church, St. Matthew’s Episcopal, for over 20 years. It has been a very worthwhile, uplifting experience for me, and getting to know the guests and to hear their stories has been a gift.

Thank you everyone for all of the support!!!

I live in the neighborhood as well and am very supportive! Thank you Ramsey County, Interfaith Action, and Sisters of St. Joseph

@Sara L—Can you put up a link so those who want to support can sign up for email update and newsletter.

Thanks for your support James! We live 3 blocks north on Juliet and also support the project. Have volunteered with Project Home at Gloria Dei.

I also love the idea of yard signs. And thank you James for indicating how HBA will welcome this initiative. Just noted Bruce Nerland’s comment. Bruce was board chair of Interfaith Action when they initiated Opportunity St. Paul, a program that is DEDICATED to addressing issues of poverty in our city. And Andre, thank you for sharing your story!!

I can’t stay for the duration of the meeting, but wanted to share that we live on Palace Av and Kenneth Ave one block from Saint Kate’s. we strongly support hosting project home in our neighborhood and grateful for Carondolet for their generosity

Miigwich Andre❤💕🤗

Thank you Andre - powerful

Andre, thank you SO much for sharing the power of serving CHILDREN, who are our present and our future.

Here's a link for additional comments and to stay connected. https://www.ramseycounty.us/covid-19-info/county-services-initiatives/investment-support-efforts-cares-funding/help-those-experiencing-homelessness/housing-stability-ramsey-county/bethesda-hospital-site/contact-ramsey-county

I am excited that the possibility of more capacity for our families experiencing homelessness; I’m excited that this would provide so many families with a host location that does not have to roll over each month; I am excited that a facility so apt for hosting families could be available. It has been an honor of our family to welcome families to our faith community each August. My young children and my wife and I delight to spend many dinners with families (and I overnights with them) throughout August. We were sad not to be able to help host this August—but were so happy to hear the hotel step up to host—precisely because it provides the same strengths that the SJC site will provide our guest families.

I live on Bayard Ave., bordering St.Catherine's. My husband and I support this thoughtful and much needed plan 100 % . Thank you to the Sisters of St.Joseph , Ramsey County & City of St.Paul staff involved for your partnership. Post Covid we will be anxious to become involved directly in this program.

Thank you Andre. I agree completely that we need to think about the children. I am supportive of this proposal as well as a St. Paul Resident. This is very important and a very practical way to help these families with children especially at this very difficult time.

Very well said, Andre! Thank you.

Pastor Javen Swanson here from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, also a member of the Interfaith Action board. I need to go, but wanted to say that we’ve been hosting Project Home for decades. This is an incredible operation and it is in very good hands. Several others from GDLC at this meeting can speak to our positive experience with Project Home. Thank you all for supporting this proposal.

We’ve volunteered with Project Home through our church and it’s a wonderful program and will make wonderful neighbors

You are a strong advocate Andre.

Thank you, Andre C.

So proud of the comments I'm reading. So OPPOSITE of NIMBY.... This is putting our faith in action.

Messiah Episcopal has been a Project Home site for 17 years and it has been a wonderful program with wonderful families. I have been the co-coordinator for the past five years. The Project Home model works to genuinely support families as they move to stability.

Thank you for your powerful advocacy, Andre.

I think some information on timeline and next steps for the project (zoning process at the City of Saint Paul, etc.) would be very helpful. Someone mentioned earlier in the chat that a zoning meeting was taking place before the next town hall. Thank you!

the members of the public who have spoken make me proud to be a St Paul resident and St Kate’s grad.

Thanks for your comments, Andre. Is there an age limit for Project Home. Esp in this time when families are clinging tog in different ways it will be important to make sure young adults are able to stay with in shelter with parents/sibs as needed.

I live a few blocks from CSJ and feel very excited to welcome new neighbors! What a wonderful way to match community resources and community needs!

In 2019 I spoke with the Chair of the St Paul School District during the 2019 School District Elections regarding the number of homeless children identified in the School District. I was told it was over 1,400. An article in the Pioneer Press identified the number at 2,000. We cannot expect that any child can succeed in such an unstable situation. Also, in this time of COVID, children are dropping off the grid because the distance learning has been a huge barrier and the family has given up. We cannot expect children to succeed in such circumstances. We have to have solutions to provide stability to these children and these families. This is a well thought out solution to part of the problem and should be embraced.

I would say that this project has a powerful effect on reducing crime. We build community and learn about our neighbors, which is an excellent way to reduce crime.

Agree, Kate

Perhaps the person questioning about crime in this area was concerned about the safety of the families that will live in the new space.

Great point Kate!

all the families we’ve met when volunteering have been delightful

Hello. Unfortunately I cannot stay on for the duration of the meeting, but I wanted to log in and voice my enthusiastic support for this project! My family and I live in the neighborhood, and are thrilled about this possibility. Thank you!!

For sure, Jackie.

Will the residents be forced to leave the building during the day, like they do at the temporary shelters? Or can they stay “home” during the day?

I wish this program was around 20 years ago when I was a child and had deal with homelessness when I was a child... if such a program was around for my family, then maybe that could have changed things for my family

I have been an overnight volunteer with Project Home for about 20 years - first at Fairmount Avenue United Methodist, then at Messiah Episcopal, and recently at Fairmount again. Volunteering with Project Home has been a rewarding experience and I fully support the project discussed tonight and the planned move.

Think about the children that will be impacted by this

Thank you all city/county/Sisters for coordinating this important project to address a need for our families in Ramsey County. This is such a need and we will continue to address the need for affordable housing for all families! Thank you again!

I live in Highland in the vicinity of St Kates and have volunteered with Project Home at Beth Jacob Synagogue. I was honored to be a part of this essential and humane program. I received much more than I gave. I wholeheartedly support this program and look forward to being able to volunteer again.

Will the meeting times be posted on the Ramsey County website?

For Zoning, Planning and City Council?

This program is impacting our children

In regards to questions about crime and increased in crime in St. Paul around shelters and shelter programs there is no evidence of any measurable increase in crime or crime trends in relationship to our shelters in our great city.

Muffie Gabler - we will share the link before we close today. It is available here: https://www.ramseycounty.us/covid-19-info/county-services-initiatives/investment-support-efforts-cares-funding/help-those-experiencing-homelessness/housing-stability-ramsey-county

Thanks so much.

How about tutoring kids once COVID is over?

Andre, you're so right about the positive effects on children. AND there have been positive effects on people like me when I've had the honor to meet families as a volunteer -- the families have blessed me greatly just by who they are and their willingness to allow me in their lives.

Or post on Interfaith Facebook page!

Sara- highly recommend connecting via the Highland Neighborhood Facebook Group too.

I support this 100% Such an needed resource for our community. I have volunteered when my synagogue hosted Project Home. The families I met were very nice with well-behaved children. They were interested in spending time with their children, just like most families.

I have volunteered when Project Home was at Fairmount Ave. UMC. They are organized, caring, and very responsible. I am excited about this new facility.

This is Phyllis Gorin who co-chaired the Beth Jacob program. Project Home is an amazing program, providing support for families in need. I was moved by the loving staff and the organized fashion by which the program unfolded. I think this is an amazing opportunity.

please let House of Hope of your list and we will announce your needs. I am thrilled about this move. Kathy

https://www.ramseycounty.us/covid-19-info/county-services-initiatives/investment-support-efforts-cares-funding/help-those-experiencing-homelessness/housing-stability-ramsey-county

St Matthews Episcopal would love to help too

thanks for replying Sr Commander Anderson

When Would the answers to the questions be available?

@Susan Koch - families get to stay on the property- it is there "home" while they are with us. So if someone has a sick little one with the sniffles, they can rest in their rooms.

be sure to scroll down to see all the questions

Thanks to all who have taken time to share in hearing from the partners, and also from neighbors tonight. Great appreciation for your questions, input and support!

I am also a member of Fairmount Avenue UMC and have volunteered many times in past years and am very supportive of this effort! so proud of my Highland Mac Groveland neighbors.

https://www.ramseycounty.us/covid-19-info/county-services-initiatives/investment-support-efforts-cares-funding/help-those-experiencing-homelessness/housing-stability-ramsey-county

This was a really excellent presentation and discussion. Thank you neighbors, Commissioners, subject matter experts, Councilmember Tolbert, other presenters, etc. for putting together this town hall. Looking forward to future advocacy for this project. As Andre so appropriately reminded us, this is all about the children and families who need our help the most right now.

what is question #6 in the poll supposed to say?

651-266-8390

Is there times public can go to 12/31 meeting?

Laurel- I think it is supposed to say “would you attend another Ramsey Town Hall meeting?”

Thank you!

Thank you for this meeting. I am encouraged to hear all the positive responses to this proposal.

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Thank you!!

Thank you, Mee Cheng!!

thanks Kelsey

Thank you everyone!

Thanks Mee, Ken, and Sia

Thank you all for your time this evening.

thank u all

thanks!

Thanks to all presenters.