‘Stepping on Up’ Holds Press Conference Addressing Safe Bay Program Appeal

DULUTH, Minn.– Back on May 14th, Stepping on Up alongside CHUM in Duluth expanded their ‘Safe Bay’ Program to the Vineyard Church.

It’s an opportunity for those living in their vehicles to have a secure place to park overnight.

A big reason for this expansion, The Damiano Center is also undergoing an expansion of their own.

But now, an appeal was filed by neighbors of Vineyard Church, where the Safe Bay lot is located, and will prevent operations until the process is resolved.

“And for many people increasing numbers of people in our community, are finding themselves with nowhere to go at night. And the uncertainty of whether they will be safe their belongings will be safe, where they can go to the bathroom. Will they be targeted when they’re on the street,” said Joel Kilgour, Project Organizer for ‘Stepping on Up’.

A press conference was held today in response to this appeal.

“But as you can see behind me, this is an issue that’s touching a lot of people and reverberating beyond this particular program, not only other nonprofit organizations that rely on Safe Bay as a resource for their clients, but also many in the faith community. Vineyard opened its doors to safe bay because that is their mission,” said Kilgour.

Meanwhile, Duluth City Council has stated that they cannot respond to any emails regarding Safe Bay at this time.

And on June 7th, they are scheduled to review the Safe Bay permit for Vineyard Church.

However, on Tuesday, a City Council meeting was held to discuss this in advance.

It was there, City Councilor Arik Forsman addressed the possibility of lifting this stay in place before June 7th.

“In the language reads, the filing of a Notice of Appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the decision appealed. From however, the land use supervisor notifies the council in writing that a stay would cause imminent peril to life or property, and provides written response for that opinion, the council may order that proceedings not be stayed pending appeal. I’m just capturing that for the public that there is this provision in the code, but that staff is saying that their professional opinion is not met,” said Forsman.

In the meantime, the Stepping On Up website has resources, as well as a list of supplies they need.

Stepping On Up also provided a homeless outreach hotline. (218)-461-8505