OMAHA, Neb. —

As Omaha city leaders clash over banning tent encampments and study the issue of homelessness, trained homeless outreach workers are on the streets 5 days a week, keeping track of people sleeping in tents and under bridges.

“They know they have somebody out here, and that’s us,” said Mandy Rose, an outreach worker with Siena Francis House.

Rose said it takes time and trust to help people out of life situations that aren’t healthy for them.

“I always ask people, ‘Are you ready to do something different?’” said Janis Boos, an outreach worker with Siena Francis House. Boos is part of a team coordinated by Threshold CoC, including Community Alliance and the shelter.

Each weekday they split up lists of known people who are unsheltered and track them down. They also contact pe

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