During the dangerously cold conditions this past week the Lincoln Police Department’s Alternative Response Program was working to assist homeless people. The program diverts calls for service from the police department to CenterPointe’s Street Outreach Team if there’s no need for law enforcement presence.
The team has responded to more than 1,700 calls since its inception in August 2023 and 35 in just the last week. The program’s busiest time this year was during a recent weekend snowstorm when it took 42 calls in a three-day span.
“We encourage the public to continue calling into dispatch at 402-441-6000 if they are concerned about their unhoused neighbor and those calls will be diverted through our Alternate Response program,” says Public Information Officer Erika Thomas.
She says their Homeless Outreach Coordinator, LPD Investigator Melissa Ripley, has been working closely with CenterPointe and other community partners to actively monitor and help serve those who are unsheltered. That includes giving out donated items like hand and body warmers, sleeping bags, tents and warm clothes, including hats, gloves, shoes, boots.
“Just yesterday, Investigator Ripley took an individual into emergency protective custody for severe frostbite. That person had to be treated at the hospital because they were too medically fragile for the crisis center,” Thomas says. “She also secured shelter for an individual who was sleeping in their vehicle, but did not have enough gas to keep it warm.”
She says that person also had two pets and their resource options were limited. LPD highlighted the work of several community organizations in ensuring everyone in Lincoln has a warm and safe place to stay during the extreme cold.
Thomas says CenterPointe, the Matt Talbot Kitchen, the People’s City Mission and the Bridge Connect program extended hours and reduced restrictions.