Proven Solutions, Strong Partnerships: Building on Momentum to End Homelessness
We know that homelessness is not a personal failure, it’s the result of systemic barriers that require compassion, coordination, and community action. That’s why we are focused on our Street Outreach pilot plan in partnership with the City of Omaha Mayor’s Office. This strategy builds on what we already know works: humane, data-driven responses that create real pathways to stability and housing.
Our System is Working
The good news is clear: our community’s coordinated response to homelessness is working. In the past year alone, 57% of households experiencing unsheltered homelessness were exited into housing or safe settings through Street Outreach. The combined efforts of Street Outreach, rapid rehousing, prevention, and shelter partnerships have resulted in a significant reduction in homeless figures.
Recent Point-In-Time (PIT) Count data confirms this progress:
A nearly 6% reduction in overall homelessness from 2024 to 2025.
A 14% reduction in unsheltered homelessness in the same period.
More than 440 households moved into permanent housing through coordinated local efforts.
These are not just numbers. These statistics represent neighbors, families, veterans, and young people who are regaining stability because our system is built around compassion and evidence, not punishment.
Early Success from the Pilot Program
Since launching, our community’s pilot in coordination with the Mayor’s Office has already shown promising results. Stay connected with us for updates as we implement new pathways for connecting our neighbors with housing resources.
By streamlining outreach and housing placement, our Street Outreach team is connecting households to housing support and ensuring that people receive the right resources. These outcomes reinforce what we already know: when government, providers, and community partners work together, homelessness can be reduced more effectively and efficiently.
Why Criminalization Fails
Some call for ordinances that criminalize homelessness. But the data is conclusive: criminalization increases taxpayer costs, creates more barriers to housing, and undermines the progress we have made. It does nothing to reduce homelessness, it only hides it temporarily and makes long term solutions harder to achieve.
What Our Community Needs Now
While our system is effective, it is stretched to capacity. Local housing occupancy rates are 95% in Omaha and 98% in Council Bluffs. As the metro population grows, demand for housing and services is outpacing available resources.
To sustain and expand these proven solutions, we urgently need increased investment from the community as well as city, state, and federal partners. With greater financial support, we can:
Expand affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income residents.
Strengthen prevention services that stop homelessness before it begins.
Scale rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing to meet the need.
Ensure outreach teams and shelters have the resources to engage people effectively.
A Call to Community
This new pilot plan is a strong step forward, demonstrating that collaboration leads to progress. However, it cannot succeed without broad commitment. We invite residents, businesses, and policymakers alike to stand with us in prioritizing solutions over punishment.
Together, we can ensure that our community continues on this path of proven, humane responses. Homelessness is not a crime. It is a challenge we can solve when we invest in people, housing, and hope.