City presents multi‑year unhoused services plan; officials cite sharp drop in point‑in‑time count

City staff and council on May 12 described a multi‑year, partnership‑driven effort the city says has dramatically reduced the local unhoused population.

Sean (presenting) recounted early adoption of creek cleanup efforts, the creation of temporary trailer sites hosted by faith groups, the formation of Lincoln CARES (a nonprofit supported by the Lincoln Community Foundation) and a partnership with the Salt Mine to expand showers and laundry services. He told council the approach blends outreach and services with enforcement measures, including a locally enacted no‑camping ordinance and a city‑funded Special Response Team (SRT) that concentrates police and code enforcement attention on encampments.

Sean cited point‑in‑time data to illustrate changes: “In 2020, our count…was 53 unhoused individuals. Today that number is more like 11,” he said, and characterized the reduction as the result of coordinated volunteer efforts, nonprofit partnerships and targeted city investment. He estimated total one‑time and recurring investments to stand up the program at roughly $700,000–$1,000,000, much of it from federal ARPA allocations supplemented by general fund support for staffing and program operations.

Kim McHugh, the city’s code enforcement lead, described outreach and early contact as the standard practice for new encampments: staff attempt to engage quickly, explain boundaries under the no‑camping ordinance and offer options and services before enforcement action. Captain Eaton of the police department said Lincoln officers do not abandon or 'drop off' people in other jurisdictions; officers sometimes provide courtesy rides at individuals’ request.

Council members and the mayor praised the collaborative model — city staff, public works, volunteers, faith groups and nonprofit partners — and urged continued outreach and clear community messaging. Several residents who used city services spoke in support of the program and urged the city to share its approach with other jurisdictions.

The item was presented as information; council did not take formal action but directed staff to continue program work and public outreach.