The Douglas County Human Needs Task Force was initiated in March 2020 to monitor and maintain services for residents affected by COVID-19. The Task Force, led by Commissioner Laydon, was formed as a multi-disciplinary group, including representatives from Tri-County Health Department, Manna Resource Center, Developmental Pathways and County staff from Human Services, Community Development, Office of Emergency Management and County Administration Departments.
The objectives of the Task Force were to:
The Task Force initiated workgroups with community partners to address anticipated needs related to high needs populations, including older adults, disabled individuals and veterans and overall needs related to food and shelter, childcare, healthcare access and volunteers. Each workgroup reported to a Community Response Team made up of 29 representatives and partner agencies from across the county. These meetings provided an opportunity to identify community needs and collaborate on potential solutions.
Members of the Task Force recognize the value of continuing to strategically work in partnership to use resources available to provide unduplicated services to those most in need. The Task Force will continue to review emerging needs, issues and opportunities, and identify additional work groups as the need arises to identify collaborative solutions.
The Homeless Initiative is a working group of the Human Needs Task Force that was initiated in 2021.
