Helping Our Unhoused Neighbors: Practical Steps to Make a Real Difference
Homelessness remains a significant challenge in the Omaha metropolitan area. In 2024, a Point-In-Time Count identified 1,609 individuals, including 202 children under 18 and 92 military veterans, experiencing homelessness in Omaha. The unsheltered homeless population has notably increased, rising nearly eightfold since 2013, marking one of the fastest growth rates among major U.S. cities. This surge is attributed to factors such as a shortage of affordable housing and individuals avoiding shelters.
To address these challenges, local organizations like the Siena Francis House provide essential services, including emergency shelter, food, and support programs aimed at transitioning individuals into stable housing. Community involvement is crucial; supporting these organizations through donations, volunteering, and advocacy can significantly impact efforts to reduce homelessness in Omaha.
How to Support Our Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness
When we encounter someone facing homelessness, it can be difficult to know how to respond. The key is to approach every interaction with kindness, respect, and an understanding of available resources. Here are some practical do’s and don’ts to guide your actions.
DO:
- Acknowledge and engage with respect. Making eye contact and offering a kind word can go a long way.
- Maintain your property. Keep the area clean and well-maintained, and provide accessible trash disposal options.
- Connect them to resources. If you notice someone sleeping outdoors, refer them to the City of Omaha’s Homeless Services Coordinator or the Mayor’s Hotline:
- Homeless Services Coordinator: (402) 444-5038
- Mayor’s Hotline: (402) 444-5555
- Email: tamara.dwyer@cityofomaha.org
- De-escalate situations when possible. If someone is being disruptive, try to calm the situation if you feel safe doing so.
- Seek emergency help when necessary. If someone is a danger to themselves or others, call 9-1-1 and request an officer trained in mental health response.
- Ensure adequate lighting. Well-lit areas can help improve safety for everyone.
- Set clear boundaries. Inform people of property limits, and if illegal activity occurs and individuals refuse to leave, contact authorities.
- Non-Emergency Police Line: (402) 444-4877
- Mayor’s Hotline: (402) 444-5555
DO NOT:
- Make assumptions. Every person’s situation is different.
- Offer food or money unless prepared for ongoing requests. Instead, direct individuals to local service organizations.
- Allow camping on your property without clear expectations. A trusting relationship with clear boundaries is crucial.
If Someone is Sleeping or Loitering on Your Property:
- Introduce yourself and learn their name. Building rapport can make future interactions easier.
- Politely ask them to leave if necessary. Use empathetic language and frame the request as coming from the property owner.
- Provide alternative options. Instead of just telling them to leave, direct them to shelters or day programs like Siena Francis House or Open Door Mission.
- If they refuse to leave, let them know you will contact the police. Prioritize safety and avoid confrontation.
- Reach out to city resources for support. If the situation escalates, call 9-1-1.
If Someone with Mental Health Symptoms Enters Your Business:
- Treat paying customers with dignity. If they make a purchase, serve them like anyone else.
- If they are not buying anything, politely ask them to leave. Ensure this policy applies to all non-paying patrons, not just those who appear homeless.
- If they are disruptive, address the behavior, not their housing status. Ask them to leave clearly and calmly. If the situation feels unsafe, call the non-emergency police line or 9-1-1 if necessary.
How to Help Beyond Immediate Interactions:
- Get to know your unhoused neighbors. Treat them as you would any other community member.
- Encourage them to seek services. Help them connect with local outreach programs:
- Threshold CoC Street Outreach: (402) 957-1747 (Message Line)
- Threshold CoC Website
- Support organizations working to end homelessness. Find a local nonprofit to partner with and ask how you can help.
- Challenge stereotypes and stigma. Homelessness is often temporary, and most individuals actively seek stable housing.
- Advocate for solutions. Encourage conversations within your business and community to support long-term change.
Who to Contact for Assistance:
- City of Omaha Homeless Services Coordinator: tamara.dwyer@cityofomaha.org | (402) 444-5038
- City of Omaha Street Outreach & Community Liaison: kurt.mcgee@cityofomaha.org
- Mayor’s Hotline: (402) 444-5555
- Threshold CoC Street Outreach: (402) 957-1747 (Message Line)
- For Emergencies: Call 9-1-1
- For Non-Emergencies: Call (402) 444-4877
By staying informed and actively participating in community initiatives, we can work together to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness and strive toward long-term solutions. Taking small, thoughtful actions, we can foster a more compassionate and safe community for everyone.