A 64-bed overnight shelter will move into Central Baptist Church after heavy opposition from St. Anthony Park residents pushed leaders to change their earlier relocation plans.

Safe Space Shelter will begin services Nov. 4 in a limited capacity at Central Baptist, a block west of Allianz Field, according to a news release from the nonprofit Model Cities, which operates the shelter along with Ramsey County.

The county’s government building at 160 E. Kellogg Blvd. has hosted the referral-based Safe Space since 2017, with Model Cities joining in 2019. Services in that building will end Nov. 3. A search for alternative locations began last year as the county finalized plans to close and sell the building.

RELATED: Ramsey County to close 64-bed Safe Space shelter downtown, relocate it to Luther Seminary

Luther Seminary previously planned to move the shelter from downtown St. Paul to its vacant Stub Hall dormitory in St. Anthony Park. The county’s three-year lease had been set to take effect as early as July this year.

But in May, the seminary announced it had ceased negotiations with the county after receiving community feedback.

RELATED: St. Paul: Luther Seminary cancels Safe Space shelter deal with Ramsey County

At Central Baptist, Safe Space initially will provide 25 overnight beds to women. Model Cities and the church are working with the city of St. Paul to grow the number of beds to 64 to match the previous capacity. Ramsey County’s Shelter Entry and Diversion Team, which assists with referral services, will help community members find alternative shelters in the interim.

Central Baptist Church already has provided winter warming space, and the congregation has expressed interest in expanding its emergency shelter services, according to the news release.

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with Central Baptist Church,” Model Cities CEO Kizzy Downie said. “Their support has been instrumental in making this relocation possible. This collaboration embodies the strength of community and shared compassion for our fellow neighbors experiencing crisis.”

Safe Space is open year-round from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m., and reservations are made by the county Shelter Entry and Diversion Team. More information on the shelter can be found at modelcities.org.

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