DOUGLAS COUNTY, Neb. —

An estimated 1,500 people are currently experiencing homelessness in the metro area. Many live in tent encampments throughout Douglas County.

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson said in his 30 years of law enforcement, he has never seen the number of people living in encampments like he does now.

"I'm concerned about the folks that live in those tents," Hanson said. "I'm concerned about the folks that live and work around those tents. I'm concerned about the animals that live in those tents."

Those animals, Hanson said, are often a reason why someone doesn't seek help.

"We have victims of domestic violence that won't leave their pet. We have people that live in their cars that won't leave their pet," Candace Gregory, president and CEO of Open Door Mission, said.

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