An overview of street outreach services and a potential new position

In Tuesday, February 25th's Social Services and Public Safety (SSPS) Committee, Homelessness Prevention Manager Jeff Heron will present a history of how Lexington has managed street outreach services to homeless individuals, as well as outlining a request for a new Encampment Manager Position in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

Historically, the City has contracted out street outreach to non-profit homelessness service organizations. The Hope Center, Community Action Council, Lexington Rescue Mission, and more have all received funding from the City to support street outreach workers, case managers, peer support specialists, and other positions that help connect homeless residents to housing, jobs, and social services.

• Current contracts support contracts for 7 full-time employees and one part-time employee who service 60 unique individuals monthly.

Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention (OHPI) only employs three staff people who oversee Continuum of Care services and encampment clearing in Lexington.

• So far in Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1st, 2024 through now), the City has conducted 28 homeless encampment clearings at an average cost of $1,850.

OHPI will be requesting an Encampment Coordinator position in FY26 that will facilitate encampment clearing services and coordinate services of street outreach workers to assist Lexington’s homeless populations. The position will cost $80,000 a year (salary plus benefits).

OHPI’s future ideas to improve homelessness services in Lexington include expanding housing options, growing and improving service hours with the goal of having 24/7 homelessness service available, and reviewing the ordinance that governs the Innovative and Sustainable Solutions for Homelessness Fund.

• Currently, this Fund cannot support ongoing and long-term services. It can only support pilot projects, or projects that plan to continue without the support of the Fund.