Centerpointe program helps Lincoln’s unsheltered population during heat wave

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Centerpointe began their alternate response program to assist unsheltered people in Lincoln during high temperatures.

The recent spike in heat has left many looking for resources to stay cool and hydrated, and finding resources can be hard for unsheltered individuals.

This is the first big heat wave since Centerpointe started its alternate response program.

If someone calls 911, the dispatchers can transfer the calls to Centerpointe outreach team if the caller does not need law enforcement.

The outreach team has received four heat related calls already this weekend and have completed wellness checks on unsheltered individuals.

The team is optimistic this program will allow unsheltered individuals to to receive resources, especially in severe climates.

Matt Martinosky, the coordinated critical service team lead, said the program will “be huge for just helping with the city and unsheltered population and making sure everyone is alright in the heat and in the cold.”

Sunday afternoon, Glorianna Waltman and her friend Natasha Howard were trying to keep cool by sitting under a business awning in downtown Lincoln.

“It can make a change in the homeless population,” Howard said.

She and her family are currently unsheltered.

The two girls also say it is easy for them to be overlooked.

“You know, it can make a difference because no one really thinks to check on the homeless population,” Waltman said. “It can change the world, honestly.”

Centerpointe encourages anyone to reach out if they see someone who looks like they are struggling with the heat.