Partners & Policy

Roles, Practice Standards & Policy

This page combines partner roles, collaboration expectations, outreach practice standards, policy alignment, and implementation resources so the operational material is all in one place.

Encampment Response Partners

A centralized process with strategic leadership among government and non-government partners is essential to success.

Partner / EntityRoleKey Responsibilities
Division of Unhoused SolutionsProject LeadDefines schedule; coordinates partners; manages MOUs; leads Project Outreach Connect; identifies funding.
CORE Outreach TeamsOutreachHousing-focused outreach, crisis resolution, and housing placements through Diversion, RRH, PSH, and other pathways.
Non-Profit ProvidersGeneral OutreachBuild relationships, provide housing assistance, healthcare, legal, employment, and other service connections.
Kansas City Police DepartmentLaw EnforcementSupports engagement and first responder coordination; distributes warnings; enforces land use ordinances when needed.
Parks Department / CIDs / Public Space PartnersPublic SafetyShare site context, public space concerns, property issues, and maintenance needs.
Public WorksCleanup SupportCoordinates debris removal, bulky items, solid waste, dumpsters, staging, and cleanup crews.

8 Outreach Attributes

All outreach teams and staff adhere to these core practice standards for effective engagement with unsheltered persons.

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Systemic
Outreach is part of a system-wide strategy connected to Coordinated Entry and housing options.
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Comprehensive
Covers the Kansas City geographic area and documents contacts, assessments, and placements.
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Coordinated
Services coordinated across partners, law enforcement, healthcare, behavioral health, and community groups.
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Housing-Focused
Permanent housing is the goal, with referrals regardless of sobriety, income, or criminal record.
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Person-Centered
Clients may refuse offers; staff use strengths-based problem-solving aligned with client goals.
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Trauma-Informed
Assumes trauma histories and relies on evidence-based engagement practices.
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Culturally Responsible
Respectful of beliefs, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.
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Safety-Focused
Safety of clients and staff is paramount, with harm reduction and non-coercive service provision.

Careful response requires process and documentation.

Kansas City’s policy framework includes notice, outreach, cleanup, personal property storage, post-removal notice, documentation, and emphasis areas.

Immediate hazards

Some conditions may require faster action when serious injury, death, structural compromise, or obstruction risks are present.

Notice before removal

For encampments that are not immediate hazards or obstructions, notice and outreach steps are part of the process.

Outreach before and during removal

Outreach staff should connect people to alternatives and services before and during scheduled removal activities.

Personal property

Personal property is separated from garbage or hazardous material when safe and practical, and storage/recovery rules apply.

Documentation

Posting, cleanup, stored property, and post-removal notices should be documented according to City process.

Post-closure monitoring

Sites may require ongoing monitoring to maintain clearance and connect anyone returning to services.

Sustained future impact.

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Navigation Center / Shelter
Low-barrier interim housing for people unable to access traditional emergency shelter.
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Dedicated Outreach Teams
Teams focused on large and small encampments for consistent engagement.
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Expanded Housing Supply
Additional private market affordable housing and permanent supportive housing resources.
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HOT/HEAT Program
Dedicated officers for calls involving persons experiencing homelessness.
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Homeless Court
Removes legal barriers to housing and replaces fines or jail time with treatment plans when appropriate.
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Adequate Storage
Storage and Heart Cart capacity to protect belongings during closure activity.