Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities is offering to help those living outside its doors.
Now, the nonprofit’s outreach team is ramping up efforts to reach people living in an encampment right outside its men’s campus in St. Paul.
The encampment is located northwest of the building off of North John Street and University Avenue East. At least a couple dozen tents are stationed right next to a fence along UGMTC’s property line.
Community Relations Director Sarah Peterka says tents have been springing up for around a year-and-a-half now.
“It ebbs and flows based on the folks who kinda are leading the encampment,” Peterka said. “Weather also plays a factor in it.”
This month, UGMTC received an email from an individual concerned about the encampment, writing, “There is a recurring crisis of a tent city … No one feels safe going to and from the Mission. Please never stop and resolve …