Is a downtown, low-barrier shelter the key to solving Lincoln’s growing homelessness crisis?

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) — The Housing and Urban Development’s “Continuum of Care” brings resources for the unhoused together to collaborate in communities across the country.

In April 2022, Lincoln’s Continuum of Care highlighted critical needs for addressing homelessness in the community, including the need for a low-barrier shelter and drop-in center.

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners were presented a report Tuesday from the group Housing Innovations, who conducted the study aimed at addressing the need for a low-barrier shelter in town.

“Low-barrier means recognizing that people might have a mental illness that’s not treated appropriately, might be substance abusers, and need a place to come in from the elements,” said Matt White with Housing Innovations.

New data from their