Kimball Court Update | November 1, 2024
The Housing First model Beacon provides at Bimosedaa, American House and Kimball Court is a direct response to unsheltered homelessness in our community. It’s exactly the type of permanent supportive housing our community needs at the time we need it the most.
Housing First is an evidence-based response to homelessness that serves the needs of individuals with histories of chronic homelessness, complex barriers to housing, and behavioral health challenges. This is exactly the solution we need at the time we need it most. And it’s never been more challenging to provide supportive housing amidst growing community need. Beacon is more committed than ever to partnering with others who care to serve residents with the excellence, fidelity and care they deserve.
On October 9, 2024, the City of St. Paul approved funding for the renovation and expansion of Kimball Court in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. This renovation and expansion will allow Beacon to best respond to the needs of residents and many of the concerns that neighbors have voiced. With the support of funders making this renovation possible, we will be able to offer improved security and strengthened operations for the benefits of residents and neighbors alike.
Since August 2024 Beacon staff have been meeting with representatives from the Hamline Midway Coalition to create an improvement plan for the site. This plan has also been shared with St. Paul City Council President Mitra Jalali. Beacon has committed to and executed on the following commitments:
- Increased trash pickup to the weekends
- Removed graffiti
- Cleaned up the front entry and alley
- Improved lighting to dissuade night congregation
- Installed St. Paul Police No Trespassing signs
Beacon has also committed to improving security through the use of interior and exterior security cameras and are currently evaluating options to best meet identified needs. And, we are preparing for construction security measures.
We have named a staff person as a main point of contact for the Hamline Midway Coalition, respond directly to community concerns, and remain connected to local law enforcement.
Furthermore, we strongly support the Hamline Midway Coalition’s Stabilize Snelling and University Campaign plan that calls on many partners to work together in service to neighborhood safety and quality of life concerns. We know that it will take a coordinated, collaborative, and sustained effort by many including Beacon to ensure that positive change happens for vulnerable community members and the neighborhood itself.
Our communities need more homes like the ones at Kimball Court. This type of Housing First encourages residents to maintain at least one year of stable, supportive housing, provides access to primary and behavioral health care for all residents, and provides supports to residents as they learn to adhere to the terms of their leases.
A community meeting to address questions related to Kimball Court will be held on November 7, 2024. At the community meeting, Beacon and our partners will discuss the nuances of community safety in the context of rising homelessness and opioid use in the larger community.
Beacon’s continued commitment is to be a good steward of all the buildings we own and operate and to provide safe, stable, quality homes for the residents who live there. We are grateful for the advocacy, partnership and generosity of community members who share this commitment and help us live more fully into our mission.
Read Beacon’s August Kimball Court update.
