Off the Agenda: Ask Reno "Who does what when it comes to homelessness and housing?" Pt. 1

We're kicking off a special summer series of "On the Agenda" focused on answering common community questions that matter to residents. The series will bring in City, County and regional partners to help explain who does what, how local government works and how different agencies collaborate to serve the community. We're calling it "Off the Agenda: Ask Reno," and the first episode is a 2-parter focused on homelessness, housing services, and the regional response to one of the most complex issues facing the community. From outreach on the street to shelter, supportive housing and long-term stabilization, this episode breaks down how local partners are working together to help some of the region’s most vulnerable residents while also helping the community better understand what each agency is responsible for. Guests include representatives from the Reno Police Department, Washoe County Housing and Homeless Services, the City of Reno Housing and Neighborhood Development team, and the Reno Housing Authority. The conversation begins with a look at the City of Reno’s new HOPE Team, which stands for Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement Team, and how Reno Police are working alongside the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, case managers and the City’s Clean and Safe Team to create a more coordinated regional outreach effort. The team explains how outreach is about more than enforcement. It is about building trust, connecting people to resources and helping individuals move toward safer, more stable options when they are ready. The episode also takes listeners inside the role of case managers, who help individuals navigate everything from identification documents and Social Security cards to housing plans and ongoing support. From there, the discussion shifts to the CARES Campus, where Washoe County provides shelter, intake, diversion services, case management and wraparound support for people experiencing homelessness. Listeners will also hear about the growing needs of the unhoused population, including the number of seniors, veterans, and people with serious physical or behavioral health conditions who rely on these services. The episode highlights why supportive housing, medical respite, on-site services, and long-term case management are critical pieces of the region’s response.