The City of Minneapolis’ latest encampment report shows continued progress in addressing unsheltered homelessness: fewer encampment closures, more residents accepting shelter and significantly lower costs to the City. This latest evidence reflects the City’s ongoing effort to ensure every resident has access to safe and affordable housing – a critical foundation for equitable economic opportunity and community safety.

The report – submitted for Tuesday’s Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee meeting—covers data from Dec. 19, 2024, through March 18, 2025. It’s the second quarterly update made public under a new ordinance passed last fall aimed at improving transparency around encampment closures.

Among the highlights:

"Encampments have never been the answer—safe, stable housing and a dignified place to sleep at night have been,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Thanks to the hard work of our Homeless Response Team, we’re seeing more people accept shelter and a dramatic drop in 911 calls and costs tied to closures. The work isn’t done—but we’re on the right track, and we’re continuing to move more of our neighbors into beds and under roofs.”

Compared to the previous report, the City saw an 81 percent decrease in closure-related costs, a significant increase in the number of people accepting shelter and a substantial drop in both 311 and 911 calls related to encampments.

“This progress shows what we can achieve when we lead with compassion and stay committed,” said Council Member and Committee Chair Jamal Osman, Ward 6. “Getting more people into shelter helps not just those individuals, but our entire community. We still have a long road ahead, but this is real momentum. If we keep treating people with dignity and work together, we can build a city that works for everyone.”

The first report (encompassing two quarters worth of data) was presented in March. Data collected in the reports crosses many departments like the Minneapolis Police Department, Regulatory Services and Public Works, as well as county and state partners where possible.

“This is important work. Our Homeless Response Team is committed to offering resources to our unsheltered residents in the most compassionate way,” said Enrique Velazquez, Director of Regulatory Services for the City of Minneapolis. “Encampments are unfit spaces for human habitation. They create health and safety risks for people living in them and deteriorate livability for surrounding neighborhoods. This is not just a Minneapolis issue. This is a nationwide issue, and we all must work together to get resources for our neighbors who need them.”

Since 2020, Hennepin County has seen a 33% decrease in unsheltered homelessness. In addition, 174 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness moved into shelter or supportive housing over the timeframe of this report, according to Hennepin County. The City of Minneapolis continues to invest in resources to provide encampment residents with housing, addiction treatment, access to storage and other needs.

Minneapolis is a national leader in providing affordable housing. Ongoing efforts include the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Stable Homes Stable Schools and 4d affordable housing.