City Of Reno: The Importance Of Outreach And Regional Collaboration To Assist Reno's Homeless Population

Reno NV

20 May, 2022

1:25 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Reno: May 18, 2022 Yesterday, Washoe County released its 2022 Point in Time Count. Notably, the count showed a 10.3% decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness, going from 1,791 in 2021 to 1,605 in 2022. Outreach efforts provided by the City of Reno and regional partners empower individuals to gather resources and knowledge to take the step into long-term housing. "It's inspiring to see the number of people experiencing homelessness reduced in our community," said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. "I truly believe this is a testament to the incredible outreach efforts by City staff and our standing partnerships with Washoe County, City of Sparks, Karma Box Project, RISE, Downtown Reno Partnership, VOA, NDOT, VA, Join Together Northern Nevada, RHA, Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, NNCHRB, and community activists. When we work together, we can make a significant difference to help our most vulnerable population. Moving forward it will be essential to stay focused on transitional housing, mental health, and addiction treatment if we are going to continue on this path to progress." Reno's Clean and Safe mission is to improve equitable access to public space through a collaborative approach to outreach with Reno's unsheltered neighbors, community health, and public safety. In 2021, the team facilitated over 9,000 1-on-1 interactions with unsheltered individuals, resulting in 59 housing arrangements, 65 identification replacements, and four facilitated hires. In addition to the Clean and Safe Program, the City of Reno designates funds to partner with local organizations to better serve and engage the community. This includes organizations like the Karma Box Project, which collaborates with Clean and Safe to meet the specific needs of the homeless community; the Reno Initiative for Shelter Equality (RISE), which provides a peer-to-peer engagement approach; and the Downtown Reno Partnership's Park Ambassador program. Additionally, the City established an interlocal agreement with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to provide outreach to Reno's unsheltered population, address public safety concerns, and coordinate property storage. Clean and Safe also collaborates with Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA-NCNN), Veterans Affairs, and Join Together Northern Nevada, among other community groups. "The collaborative work being done by Washoe County, Reno, Sparks, and the many community organizations and individuals is remarkable," said Reno Vice Mayor Neoma Jardon. "I applaud everyone for making a positive difference in our community." Furthermore, the City of Reno partners with the Reno Housing Authority, VOA-NCNN, Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, Northern Nevada Community Housing Resource Board (NNCHRB), and private developers to bring more affordable housing solutions to the region. Learn more about the latest projects. "From critical resources and services to affordable housing, these partnerships show just how much is possible when we work together for the greater good of our community," said At-Large Reno City Councilmember, Devon Reese. "I look forward to our continued partnership and collaboration to reach even more people in the year ahead." This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed here are the author's own.