Our mission is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction, and provide outreach and advocacy in Lincoln. Even as we strive to solve homelessness, a quick look around the dining room and grounds tells us that many in our community do not have their basic human need for shelter met.
There are unsheltered people in Lincoln living in cars, parking garages, or outside in encampments. You will see many of those people at Matt Talbot getting a meal, signing up for shower and laundry services, picking up mail, or getting some respite from the elements. The most recent Point in Time count estimated there are approximately 45 unsheltered people in Lincoln on any given day.
Matt Talbot’s policies do not allow camping or sleeping on our grounds, but you may notice some guests setting up camp near our property. These guests trust Matt Talbot and like being close to our services. We engage with those camping as much as we can, helping as much as the guests will allow. For their safety and to be good neighbors to nearby businesses and residences, we provide trash bags and encourage those camping to clean up after themselves. Guests who camp on city property are trespassing and can be ticketed. However, the city is focused on collaborating with the community to find solutions to homelessness and tries to avoid issuing citations, recognizing that would further marginalize people experiencing homelessness. The Transportation and Utilities Department will respond when people camp and assess how safe and hygienic the campsite is. Often city officials will work with Matt Talbot staff to provide a five-day notice to guests who are camping, but there are situations when guests are asked to leave immediately.
When you see guests camping on city property while you are at Matt Talbot, know that staff are doing everything they can to assist with finding safe shelter. If you have any questions or concerns about what you see on our grounds or nearby, please contact Victoria. Housing is a need that everyone shares. Matt Talbot will continue to lead with our values of dignity, integrity, empowerment, compassion, inclusion, and diversity to offer outreach and services so that - no matter our background, race, gender, or income- we all have a roof over our heads.
