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City manager cites declines in unsheltered population as Lancaster expands outreach and enforcement
Summary
City staff reported that sheltered counts in Lancaster rose from 195 to 437 while unsheltered counts fell 44% after expanding homeless outreach teams from one to three and updating ordinances; the police department also marked post‑certification and launched school resource and enforcement efforts.
The Lancaster City Manager reported that the city’s homeless outreach program has increased capacity and produced measurable changes in recent data presented to the council.
City staff told the council the city increased homeless outreach teams from one to three and engaged community providers to expand services. The manager said the sheltered count rose from 195 to 437 — a 125% increase — and that the unsheltered count fell by 44%. The manager also said unsheltered counts in surrounding unincorporated areas declined roughly 20–30% as well.
The presentation credited expanded outreach and ordinance updates — which staff said followed a June 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling — with improving outcomes. The city manager characterized those changes as evidence the outreach teams are “reaching those communities and getting those people that want help the help that they need.”
Public‑safety operations: Lancaster Police Department officers marked completion of POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification and began enforcement activities. Officer Lillian Shaw said officers were conducting traffic enforcement and addressing human‑trafficking and prostitution concerns on Sierra Highway. “We wanna help these women that are out here, and we don't wanna have to make any arrests. We have resources we can provide,” Shaw said, adding officers would “deal with the problem accordingly” when criminal activity is identified.
The city also reported the first school resource officer assigned to the Westside School District this year, and staff indicated the city will pursue additional placements if the program proves successful.
City officials framed the combined outreach and enforcement approach as part of an effort to reduce crime, connect people who want assistance to services, and improve public safety for residents. Council members and staff recognized outreach teams and police personnel in the chamber for their work.
