In 2021, the City Council approved funding for a Street Outreach and Engagement Specialist to be hired by Shelter House. The mission of the Specialist is to identify and engage with people living in unsheltered locations to ensure basic needs are met. The ultimate goal is to connect the individual with necessary resources and permanent housing.

Historically, many matters related to homelessness – even non-criminal issues – have been addressed by the Iowa City Police Department. One of the goals of the Specialist position is to help divert calls from the police department to professionals who are better-suited to address these matters. Community members are encouraged to refer non-criminal matters to the Specialist rather than police.