omAHA ENCAMPMENT PILOT PROGRAM (OMA-EPP): A NEW APPROACH to address homelessness
Tangible action focused on public health, safety, and housing solutions.
Our city conducted the Omaha Encampment Pilot Program (OMA-EPP), a six-month effort to address encampments established by unhoused people and promote health and safety. This was a coordinated, community-wide approach between the City of Omaha Mayor’s Office, Threshold Continuum of Care (CoC), and supported by Community Alliance, HEAL, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together. The initiative helped individuals and families exit homelessness by coordinating outreach services and shelter pathways while improving data tracking and accountability.
WORKING FOR ALL OUR NEIGHBORS
The City of Omaha and Threshold CoC led a collaborative effort to address homeless encampments. A six-month pilot program was launched in November 2025 and was completed in April 2026. It aimed to streamline outreach and better connect people with vital housing and support services. This approach followed a robust public discussion held last fall and dovetailed with an executive order issued by Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. This executive order prohibited urban encampments while outlining a compassionate, not punitive, approach for helping our unhoused neighbors exit homelessness through access to safe, decent, and affordable places to live. The pilot project was the result of transforming community dialogue into tangible action.
HOW THE PILOT PROGRAM WORKED
Dates: November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026
Focus Areas: Active encampments on public property.
Three Key Components:
Identification and Notice: After receiving a report, the city assessed the encampment. If it was on city property, a 7-10-day vacate notice was posted. The city coordinated with other public entities.
Outreach and Support: During the 7-10-day period, our multi-agency Street Outreach team worked directly with people to connect them with supports such as temporary shelter, healthcare, storage for belongings, and other urgent supports that aligned with their circumstances.
Property Cleanup: After the notice to vacate expired, the city coordinated the cleanup of the site.
Transparency & Reporting
This pilot program aimed to provide a more rapid, coordinated, and transparent response to homelessness in Omaha. It included strengthening data tracking to inform decision-making and accountability. This website houses data from the duration of the pilot program period to maintain transparency with our community.
Program Data
As this program was implemented, we gathered data to track the impact of our work across the Omaha community. You can review our progress here as well as a cumulative summary here.
November 2025
November’s collaboration included efforts by multiple agencies. Seven agencies were involved in the closure of encampments: Threshold CoC, City of Omaha, Community Alliance, HEAL, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together. November data has been compiled and reveals the impact within the first month of the pilot program.
Individuals Served
The total number of individuals our Street Outreach team has been able to connect with.
Hotline Reports
A weekly count of the number of reports via the Mayor’s Office hotline.
The number of Street Outreach workers connecting with those living in encampments.
Total Hours Extended
The total number of additional hours invested by Threshold CoC and our multi-agency Street Outreach team to reach encampments.
Encampments Reported
Reports are investigated and categorized by location and other factors observed on arrival.
City Property (12): Locations in city parks, sidewalks, roads, etc.
Not City Property (29): Locations on NDOT, NRD, or private property.
Not an Encampment (5): Reports of individuals loitering, but no encampment encountered.
Nothing Found (20): Street Outreach did not find anything when responding to a complaint.
Duplicate Report (27): Additional reports regarding a previously reported encampment.
Locations Closed in November
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Report Received: October 27, 2025
Notice Posted: October 27, 2025
First Contacted: October 27, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 6, 2025
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Report Received: November 3, 2025
Notice Posted: November 5, 2025
First Contacted: November 6, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 15, 2025
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Report Received: November 3, 2025
Notice Posted: November 5, 2025
First Contacted: November 6, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 15, 2025
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Report Received: November 3, 2025
Notice Posted: November 5, 2025
First Contacted: November 6, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 15, 2025
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Report Received: November 3, 2025
Encampment Notified: November 5, 2025
First Contacted: November 7, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 15, 2025
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Report Received: November 5, 2025
Notice Posted: November 7, 2025
First Contacted: November 10, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 17, 2025
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Report Received: November 5, 2025
Notice Posted: November 9, 2025
First Contacted: November 13, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 19, 2025
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Report Received: November 11, 2025
Notice Posted: November 15, 2025
First Contacted: November 16, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 25, 2025
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Report Received: November 11, 2025
Notice Posted: November 15, 2025
First Contacted: November 16, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 25, 2025
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Report Received: November 12, 2025
Notice Posted: November 16, 2025
First Contacted: November 18, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 26, 2025
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Report Received: November 12, 2025
Encampment Notified: November 16, 2025
First Contacted: November 20, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 26, 2025
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Report Received: November 13, 2025
Notice Posted: November 16, 2025
First Contacted: November 18, 2025
Encampment Closed: November 26, 2025
December 2025
Our work in December included efforts by multiple agencies. Seven agencies were involved in the closure of encampments: Threshold CoC, City of Omaha, Community Alliance, HEAL, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together. December data has been compiled and reveals the cumulative impact from the two months of the pilot program.
Individuals Served
The total number of individuals our Street Outreach team has been able to connect with.
Hotline Reports
A weekly count of the number of reports via the Mayor’s Office hotline.
The number of Street Outreach workers connecting with those living in encampments.
Total Hours Extended
The total number of additional hours invested by Threshold CoC and our multi-agency Street Outreach team to reach encampments.
Encampments Reported
Reports are investigated and categorized by location and other factors observed on arrival.
City Property (10): Locations in city parks, sidewalks, roads, etc.
Not City Property (24): Locations on NDOT, NRD, or private property.
Not an Encampment (3): Reports of individuals loitering, but no encampment encountered.
Nothing Found (10): Street Outreach did not find anything when responding to a complaint.
Duplicate Report (6): Additional reports regarding a previously reported encampment.
Locations Closed in December
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Report Received: November 24, 2025
Notice Posted: November 25, 2025
First Contacted: November 25, 2025
Encampment Closed: December 5, 2025
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Report Received: December 4, 2025
Notice Posted: December 5, 2025
First Contacted: December 5, 2025
Encampment Closed: December 15, 2025
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Report Received: December 9, 2025
Notice Posted: December 10, 2025
First Contacted: December 10, 2025
Encampment Closed: December 20, 2025
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Report Received: December 10, 2025
Notice Posted: December 10, 2025
First Contacted: December 10, 2025
Encampment Closed: December 20, 2025
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Report Received: December 11, 2025
Notice Posted: December 12, 2025
First Contacted: December 14, 2025
Encampment Closed: December 22, 2025
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Report Received: December 12, 2025
Notice Posted: December 12, 2025
First Contacted: December 16, 2025
Encampment Closed: December 23, 2025
January 2026
Our multi-agency collaboration continued into January. Seven agencies were involved in the closure of encampments: Threshold CoC, City of Omaha, Community Alliance, HEAL, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together. January data has been compiled and reveals the cumulative impact from the first three months of the pilot program.
Individuals Served
The total number of individuals our Street Outreach team has been able to connect with.
Hotline Reports
A monthly count of the number of reports via the Mayor’s Office hotline.
The number of Street Outreach workers connecting with those living in encampments.
Total Hours Extended
The total number of additional hours invested by Threshold CoC and our multi-agency Street Outreach team to reach encampments.
Encampments Reported
Reports are investigated and categorized by location and other factors observed on arrival.
City Property (12): Locations in city parks, sidewalks, roads, etc.
Not City Property (10): Locations on NDOT, NRD, or private property.
Not an Encampment (5): Reports of individuals loitering, but no encampment encountered.
Nothing Found (22): Street Outreach did not find anything when responding to a complaint.
Duplicate Report (19): Additional reports regarding a previously reported encampment.
Locations Closed in January
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Report Received: January 6, 2026
Notice Posted: January 6, 2026
First Contacted: January 7, 2026
Encampment Closed: January 7, 2026
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Report Received: December 26, 2025
Notice Posted: December 29, 2025
First Contacted: December 31, 2025
Encampment Closed: January 9, 2026
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Report Received: December 30, 2025
Notice Posted: January 1, 2026
First Contacted: January 3, 2026
Encampment Closed: January 12, 2026
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Report Received: December 31, 2025
Notice Posted: January 1, 2026
First Contacted: January 5, 2026
Encampment Closed: January 12, 2026
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Report Received: January 5, 2026
Notice Posted: January 6, 2026
First Contacted: January 7, 2026
Encampment Closed: January 16, 2026
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Report Received: January 6, 2026
Notice Posted: January 7, 2026
First Contacted: January 9, 2026
Encampment Closed: January 16, 2026
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Report Received: January 12, 2026
Notice Posted: January 13, 2026
First Contacted: January 13, 2026
Encampment Closed: January 23, 2026
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Report Received: January 14, 2026
Notice Posted: January 14, 2026
First Contacted: January 15, 2026
Encampment Closed: January 23, 2026
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Report Received: January 16, 2026
Notice Posted: January 20, 2026
First Contacted: January 21, 2026
Encampment Closed: January 30, 2026
February 2026
In February, our collaboration with multiple agencies continued across Omaha. Seven agencies were involved in the closure of encampments: Threshold CoC, City of Omaha, Community Alliance, HEAL, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together. February data has been compiled and reveals the cumulative impact from the first four months of the EPP.
Individuals Served
The total number of individuals our Street Outreach team has been able to connect with.
Hotline Reports
A monthly count of the number of reports via the Mayor’s Office hotline.
The number of Street Outreach workers connecting with those living in encampments.
Total Hours Extended
The total number of additional hours invested by Threshold CoC and our multi-agency Street Outreach team to reach encampments.
Encampments Reported
Reports are investigated and categorized by location and other factors observed on arrival.
City Property (10): Locations in city parks, sidewalks, roads, etc.
Not City Property (24): Locations on NDOT, NRD, or private property.
Not an Encampment (7): Reports of individuals loitering, but no encampment encountered.
Nothing Found (13): Street Outreach did not find anything when responding to a complaint.
Duplicate Report (20): Additional reports regarding a previously reported encampment.
Locations Closed in February
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Report Received: January 23, 2026
Notice Posted: January 29, 2026
First Contacted: January 30, 2026
Encampment Closed: February 9, 2026
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Report Received: January 29, 2026
Notice Posted: January 29, 2026
First Contacted: January 30, 2026
Encampment Closed: February 9, 2026
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Report Received: February 10, 2026
Notice Posted: February 11, 2026
First Contacted: February 12, 2026
Encampment Closed: February 20, 2026
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Report Received: February 11, 2026
Notice Posted: February 12, 2026
First Contacted: February 16, 2026
Encampment Closed: February 20, 2026
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Report Received: February 12, 2026
Notice Posted: February 17, 2026
First Contacted: February 18, 2026
Encampment Closed: February 26, 2026
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Report Received: February 12, 2026
Notice Posted: February 17, 2026
First Contacted: February 18, 2026
Encampment Closed: February 27, 2026
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Report Received: February 17, 2026
Notice Posted: February 18, 2026
First Contacted: February 19, 2026
Encampment Closed: February 28, 2026
March 2026
In March, our efforts in Omaha continued with multiple agencies supporting the EPP. Seven agencies were involved in the closure of encampments: Threshold CoC, City of Omaha, Community Alliance, HEAL, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together. March data has been compiled and reveals the cumulative impact from the first five months of the EPP.
Individuals Served
The total number of individuals our Street Outreach team has been able to connect with.
Hotline Reports
A monthly count of the number of reports via the Mayor’s Office hotline.
The number of Street Outreach workers connecting with those living in encampments.
Total Hours Extended
The total number of additional hours invested by Threshold CoC and our multi-agency Street Outreach team to reach encampments.
Encampments Reported
Reports are investigated and categorized by location and other factors observed on arrival.
City Property (10): Locations in city parks, sidewalks, roads, etc.
Not City Property (23): Locations on NDOT, NRD, or private property.
Not an Encampment (17): Reports of individuals loitering, but no encampment encountered.
Nothing Found (13): Street Outreach did not find anything when responding to a complaint.
Duplicate Report (45): Additional reports regarding a previously reported encampment.
Locations Closed in March
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Report Received: February 18, 2026
Notice Posted: February 23, 2026
First Contacted: February 24, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 5, 2026
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Report Received: February 18, 2026
Notice Posted: February 24, 2026
First Contacted: February 25, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 6, 2026
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Report Received: March 5, 2026
Notice Posted: March 6, 2026
First Contacted: March 7, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 16, 2026
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Report Received: March 5, 2026
Notice Posted: March 6, 2026
First Contacted: March 7, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 16, 2026
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Report Received: March 3, 2026
Notice Posted: March 5, 2026
First Contacted: March 6, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 16, 2026
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Report Received: February 27, 2026
Notice Posted: March 5, 2026
First Contacted: March 6, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 16, 2026
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Report Received: March 9, 2026
Notice Posted: March 13, 2026
First Contacted: March 13, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 19, 2026
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Report Received: March 10, 2026
Notice Posted: March 13, 2026
First Contacted: March 13, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 19, 2026
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Report Received: March 16, 2026
Notice Posted: March 19, 2026
First Contacted: March 20, 2026
Encampment Closed: March 27, 2026
April 2026
In April, our efforts in Omaha continued with multiple agencies supporting the EPP. Seven agencies were involved in the closure of encampments: Threshold CoC, City of Omaha, Community Alliance, HEAL, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together. April data has been compiled and reveals the impact from the final month of the EPP.
Individuals Served
The total number of individuals our Street Outreach team has been able to connect with.
Hotline Reports
A monthly count of the number of reports via the Mayor’s Office hotline.
The number of Street Outreach workers connecting with those living in encampments.
Total Hours Extended
The total number of additional hours invested by Threshold CoC and our multi-agency Street Outreach team to reach encampments.
Encampments Reported
Reports are investigated and categorized by location and other factors observed on arrival.
City Property (12): Locations in city parks, sidewalks, roads, etc.
Not City Property (23): Locations on NDOT, NRD, or private property.
Not an Encampment (16): Reports of individuals loitering, but no encampment encountered.
Nothing Found (27): Street Outreach did not find anything when responding to a complaint.
Duplicate Report (46): Additional reports regarding a previously reported encampment.
Locations Closed in April
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Report Received: March 23, 2026
Notice Posted: March 25, 2026
First Contacted: March 26, 2026
Encampment Closed: April 3, 2026
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Report Received: March 30, 2026
Notice Posted: April 3, 2026
First Contacted: April 4, 2026
Encampment Closed: April 9, 2026
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Report Received: March 30, 2026
Notice Posted: April 3, 2026
First Contacted: April 4, 2026
Encampment Closed: April 14, 2026
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Report Received: April 6, 2026
Notice Posted: April 9, 2026
First Contacted: April 10, 2026
Encampment Closed: April 18, 2026
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Report Received: April 1, 2026
Notice Posted: April 9, 2026
First Contacted: April 10, 2026
Encampment Closed: April 18, 2026
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Report Received: March 26, 2026
Notice Posted: April 9, 2026
First Contacted: April 10, 2026
Encampment Closed: April 18, 2026
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Report Received: April 16, 2026
Notice Posted: April 16, 2026
First Contacted: April 17, 2026
Encampment Closed: April 20, 2026
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Report Received: April 13, 2026
Notice Posted: April 16, 2026
First Contacted: April 17, 2026
Encampment Closed: April 26, 2026
Cumulative Impact
Over the past six months, our citywide efforts in Omaha were made possible by the following seven agencies who were involved in the closure of encampments: Threshold CoC, City of Omaha, Community Alliance, HEAL, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together. Thank you to all the community members and agencies who supported and participated in this six-month initiative to effectively address encampments, promote health and safety, and streamline outreach to help people exit homelessness.
Individuals Served
The total number and monthly breakdown of individuals served by our Street Outreach team.
Hotline Reports
The total number of encampment reports made via the Mayor’s Office hotline.
The average monthly number of Street Outreach workers connecting individuals with resources.
Total Hours Extended
The total hours invested by Threshold CoC and Street Outreach team. On average, teams tracked an additional 26.75 hours per month.
Encampments Reported
Reports are investigated and categorized by location and other factors observed on arrival.
City Property (66): Locations in city parks, sidewalks, roads, etc.
Not City Property (133): Locations on NDOT, NRD, or private property.
Not an Encampment (53): Reports of individuals loitering, but no encampment encountered.
Nothing Found (105): Street Outreach did not find anything when responding to a complaint.
Duplicate Report (163): Additional reports regarding a previously reported encampment.
Each pin represents approximate encampment locations that were reported and closed throughout the six-month pilot period.
HOMELESSNESS IS A CIRCUMSTANCE, NOT A FAILURE
While the OMA-EPP pilot period has concluded, Threshold CoC will continue its focus on convening local partners in the response to homelessness. Our partnership with the City of Omaha will continue to allow us to coordinate the best strategies for supporting those living in encampments. Thank you to all the community members and agencies who supported and participated in this six-month initiative to effectively address encampments, promote health and safety, and streamline outreach to help people exit homelessness. We especially appreciate the support of Community Alliance, HEAL Omaha, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, and Together.
Housing insecurity can happen to anyone and is something we cannot ignore as a community. It often impacts people who earn low- to moderate-incomes or face challenges like losing a job, escaping domestic violence, relying on fixed income in retirement, or having a medical emergency, chronic health condition including addiction, and mental illness. People experiencing homelessness are often families with children, veterans, or young people. It is important to recognize that homelessness is not a personal failure, but a result of circumstances that require compassion and community action. Questions? Reach out to the Mayor’s Office at 402-444-5555 or hotline@cityofomaha.org.
How To Help:
Report encampments on public property to the Mayor's hotline at 402-444-5555 or hotline@cityofomaha.org.
Help connect unhoused neighbors with resources by contacting Street Outreach at 402-957-1747.
Learn more about the local response to homelessness at ThresholdCoC.org.
About Threshold CoC
Threshold CoC coordinates the collective response to housing justice for Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties. We lead a coalition of community partners who work directly with people experiencing homelessness, allies who amplify our work, and change agents who advocate for policy reform. We work together to ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.