Real Examples of Solutions for Dismantling Encampments
Across the country, communities are facing a rising urgency to address unsheltered homelessness and the complex challenges surrounding encampments. In response, a growing number of local leaders are moving beyond enforcement-based responses and toward sustainable, person-centered strategies that protect public health, safety, and human dignity. This brief offers practical recommendations from the second session in AHP’s “Dismantling Encampments” webinar series, focused on actionable solutions and promising practices being implemented nationwide.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has been improving health and human services systems of care and business operations to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential. We bring expertise in developing equitable strategies to address complex issues like encampment management, ensuring solutions are both compassionate and sustainable.
Recommendations for Grounding Solutions in Equity, Safety, and Sustainability
To develop effective encampment response strategies, community leaders must:
- Create Innovative, Bold Solutions: Solving homelessness takes creativity and new ideas. Defining and designing new interim solutions can help people move quickly from encampments into housing solutions.
- Build Interdisciplinary Teams: Include representatives from various sectors—including homelessness, housing, behavioral health, public health, faith-based services, crisis response, and law enforcement—to create shared support, ownership, and accountability.
- Let Outreach Lead: Empower trained outreach workers to engage encampment residents through Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and service navigation.
- Develop Site-Specific Response Protocols: Create and follow written procedures that define roles, timelines, and communication expectations for encampment resolutions.
- Ensure Service Access: Provide low-barrier pathways to shelter, interim housing, and permanent housing, including accommodations for pets, storage, and accessibility needs.
- Create Feedback Loops: Use consistent outreach, case conferencing, and post-resolution debriefs to improve service delivery and prevent encampments from reestablishing.
National Models in Practice
From major urban centers to rural communities, public-private collaborations are generating real results. For example:
- Houston, Texas reduced homelessness by 63 percent through strong landlord engagement and a low barrier model.
- Denver, Colorado launched Safe Outdoor Spaces with onsite services and pathways to permanent housing.
- Los Angeles, California coordinates outreach across behavioral health, housing, and crisis services to streamline engagement and reduce duplication.
These models succeed by aligning funding streams, engaging cross-sector partners, and putting people with lived experience of unsheltered homelessness at the center of every decision.
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About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tampa. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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