Fire Department

Informing the City about Encampments

A homeless encampment is defined as 1 or more tents or structures in which individuals are sleeping. Please don’t enter the encampment or remove any items from these spaces as they are people’s personal belongings.

City of Duluth residents or visitors can submit a request to report an active homeless encampment via the City of Duluth App. Residents are also able to call the Encampment Reporting Hotline at 218-730-4387. To report an encampment related emergency or to report a crime/illegal activity in progress, call 911.

Informing our office of these encampments plays a significant role in making a positive impact. Your reports enable us to connect individuals in need with essential services and referral agencies. Thank you for being a compassionate member of our community!

City Response Plan

City property that is considered “Low Risk” (located in low trafficked areas and not in city parks or within 1,000 feet of trails/waterways or schools) is eligible for coordination. When a camp has been identified and reported, outreach is notified and the Unhoused Response Coordinator works with outreach to determine a weekly check in schedule. Outreach and the URC are responsible for communicating “Green Camp” expectations that will allow for a camp to continue operating where they are.

Green Camp Expectations: 

• No needles/foils present OR needles/foils remain in sharps disposal container(s)
• Any trash is contained within receptacle
• Camp is not at or within 1,000 feet of a school, trail, playground/park, sidewalk, street business, residence
• Little to no negative impact on the environment
• Keep it small! No more than 4 tents at a certain site
• No credible reports of crime; possible noise disturbances at night

This method of responding to the presence of encampments has led to the successful housing of over 10 individuals in the last year as well as almost $10,000 saved in encampment related cleanups. 

Information for property owners

Ways to prevent an encampment from forming

If your property is vacant:

• Visit it regularly and keep it in good shape
• Ask neighbors to contact you if they notice unusual activities
• Get no trespassing signs
• Put in fencing
• Hire private security

Responding to an encampment on your property

Be proactive. It's easier to address an encampment when it's smaller.

• Contact the Unhoused Hotline at: 218-730-5080
• Safely dispose of any needles and sharps

Private property owners are responsible for caring and maintaining their property, such as:

• Making sure it's not open to trespass
• Removing any garbage from an encampment
• Lawn mowing
• Weed removal
• Ensuring fencing is intact and structurally sound