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Douglas County officials cite low visible homelessness, push 24/7 HEART vision as sign messaging draws debate
Summary
HEART leaders reported April counts showing 58 people experiencing homelessness in Douglas County and described fast text-response times; the committee debated whether HEART signs should remove the "law enforcement" label to avoid deterring callers while preserving co-responder public-safety messaging.
Douglas County officials on Tuesday said the county’s HEART outreach team is keeping people connected to housing and services while discussing changes to public messaging on roadside signs.
Tiffany Marcido, supervisor of the HEART team, presented April program data and a client success story. She reported 13 new client enrollments and 16 exits last month, 310 referrals across partner channels, and a countywide count of 58 people experiencing homelessness in April — 34 sheltered, 21 sleeping in vehicles and three sleeping outdoors. “Typically, it’s within 5 minutes of receiving the text,” Marcido said of HEART’s texting response, adding that navigators document messages and aim to provide a live-person response whenever possible.
In a recorded message, Commissioner Layden congratulated partners for what he described as “actual 0” visible homelessness in unincorporated Douglas County and urged the group to consider expanding HEART toward a 24/7 text-and-call model with automated first responses and faster live-response targets.
The committee spent substantial time discussing the county’s "Handouts Don't Help" signs and whether the copy should identify a "law enforcement team." Chief Kirk Wilson raised concern that explicitly naming law enforcement can make bystanders hesitate to call, saying the label can give callers the impression they are reporting a crime rather than requesting compassionate help. Sheriff Darren Weakley and other members countered that a co-responder/law-enforcement component is an important public-safety feature and reassures residents that there are consequences for unlawful camping or panhandling.
Caroline Frizzell, Douglas County communications, said the county will return with alternate sign language and design options, noting that signs on highways could be different from those used in parks and trails. Frizzell also asked partners where people are finding HEART contact information as communications looks to increase outreach and storytelling through video and social posts.
The presentation included an account of a family connected to Family Tree’s Goals program after immediate hotel nights provided by HEART navigators; the family moved into permanent housing March 27. Paul O’Dia of Family Tree praised the partnership and short stays that allowed case management to secure longer-term placements.
Next steps: communications staff will propose revised sign language and layout options and the county will continue outreach to encourage jurisdictions and partners to consider shifting to a broader call-or-text message. The HEART team will continue tracking texting response metrics and monthly referrals. The board’s business meeting will include a Project 0 celebration by Commissioner Layden on May 26 at 1:30 p.m., and committee members were invited to attend.
