Ramsey County is setting the stage for change, tagging a team with the nonprofit Model Cities to usher in a new chapter for the Safe Space Shelter, which finds itself on the move to Luther Seminary in Saint Paul. This summer, the shelter's relocation will be the meat of the discussion at a town hall slated for May 21, as announced in a statement from the county. The meeting will be open to the public, encouraging folks to hit up the chapel at Luther Seminary from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., where they can throw questions at officials and staff or simply air out their comments.

The clock is ticking for the Government Center East, in a phased plan to shutter its doors for good by the end of 2024, so the shelter's packing its bags, according to details dished out by the county. Though the county and Model Cities are still ironing out the specifics, the big move is penned in for this summer, yet Ramey County and Model Cities promise to keep the locals in the loop as the decision on the official date brews on the horizon, the shelter's move will happen in Summer 2024, with a lot needing to happen structure and organization-wise before they can set up shop in their new digs.

For those losing sleep over whether the new spot will hold up to the old, fear not: the Luther Seminary location is set to match the current set-up at Safe Space Shelter with 64 beds to crash in, showers, and lockers to stash personal belongings, according to official statements. It's penciled in as a three-year stay, with the chance of sticking around longer if the stars align.

The shelter isn't exactly a financial solo act; it's bankrolled by a combo of the Ramsey County Housing Redevelopment Authority levy, state funding, and a sprinkle of philanthropy, all mentioned by the county. To get the wheels turning on a shelter reservation or if folks find themselves at square one needing emergency help, they can reach out to Ramsey County's Shelter Entry and Diversion team either by phone at 651-266-1050, email, or by showing face at the Saint Paul Opportunity Center, and if the shelter's day-to-day operations become a thorn in the side, the residents can holler at Model Cities at 651-632-8350 with their gripes.