Omaha Mayors office holds community presentation on homeless response [Video]

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert’s office spoke with Walnut Hills community members about the cities response to homelessness.

The presentation covered the cities response, shared resource information and helped attendees gain a better grasp on how to help those experiencing homelessness.

Tamara Dwyer, homeless services coordinator with the mayor’s office led the meeting.

She says certain populations of homelessness such as families, older adults and chronic homelessness are rising in the city.

“Mainly due to lack of not being able to find housing for people so they’re building up that time homeless and becoming chronically homeless through that extended time,” explained Dwyer. “Our newly homeless population really outweighs the people who are staying in homelessness.“

The city has been trying to tackle this issue. Recently Omaha piloted a hotels to housing program that Dwyer says saw great success.

“At the end of October, we saw over 78% …