A task force formed by the City of Casper to address homelessness has reported progress in tackling the complex issue, according to Community Development Director Liz Becher.
The update was provided to the Casper City Council during a work session on Tuesday, October 22, outlining the efforts and challenges faced by the Casper Homeless Coalition over the past two years.
Becher emphasized the nationwide scope of homelessness, noting that one in three Americans has a family member currently experiencing homelessness. Casper, known for its strong nonprofit community and sheltering options like the Wyoming Rescue Mission, has seen an influx of homeless individuals from other areas. Approximately 45% of those using Casper’s shelters are from outside the city, she said. Last summer, the Casper Police Department reported a 25% increase in incidents related to homelessness.
The city has strengthened its camping restrictions and law enforcement capabilities over the past year, resulting in increased arrests. However, this has placed a significant burden on the court system. City Attorney Eric Nelson reported that some individuals are arrested up to four times per week, accruing fines and court costs they are unable to pay, which leads to further incarceration. This has resulted in a $900,000 budget overrun for the courts, according to City Manager Carter Napier.
To alleviate these issues, local courts are partnering with the Central Wyoming Counseling Center, which will have a counselor present at every court session to help steer individuals toward treatment when necessary, rather than relying on incarceration.
In an effort to responsibly address the challenge of homeless individuals arriving in Casper without resources or connections, Becher outlined plans for a “warm handoff” system. This initiative, supported by the Natrona Health Trust Collective, would help individuals return to communities where they have support. Additionally, partnerships with ride-sharing services are being developed to assist people discharged from hospitals when public transportation is unavailable.
Casper is also applying for a federal “continuum of care” grant, which would provide funding to local agencies that support homelessness services. Becher further noted that the Natrona Council for Social Justice has secured a national grant to assist individuals transitioning out of detention facilities with housing.
Looking ahead, the Community Action Partnership will continue its annual “point-in-time” count of the local homeless population, connecting individuals with necessary resources. Preparations for the next count, scheduled for January, are underway.
Councilor Kyle Gamroth expressed cautious optimism, noting that despite local efforts, homelessness remains a growing national issue, with a 12% increase reported from 2022 to 2023.
“Casper, Wyoming cannot solve the nation’s homelessness issues,” he stated.
Thus Gamroth acknowledged the ongoing visibility of the problem.
