There are multiple governmental and non-governmental agencies that have sought to engage in this work because of the understanding that unhoused people tend to have increased barriers to access traditional services.
[2] The core elements of effective street outreach include being systematic, coordinated, comprehensive, housing-focused, person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, as well as emphasizing safety and reducing harm.
Most agree that outreach serves a vital function, filling in a gap in access to services and helping those who face heightened barriers to care.
Some unhoused individuals reject services and resources provided by outreach workers and are labeled as care avoidant or shelter resistant as a result.
Typically this demographic of people reject help because they either view these services as ineffective or no longer trust a system that has failed them in the past.
Outreach workers in this sector are responsible for connecting individuals to physical and mental health resources as well as drug and alcohol counseling.
Due to the intersectionality of issues that contribute to homelessness, some organizations have developed outreach that allows services to be offered concurrently for individuals who belong to more than one category.
[14] The right approach in terms of the location and timing of street outreach, the people included on the team, and verbal and nonverbal first impressions can make the difference for individuals hesitant to access social services.
In some regards, homeless street outreach merely acts as a bridge or stepping stone to fixed site services that can provide greater support and continuity of care.
"[15] Outreach programs that remain knowledgeable of existing fixed site spaces or are integrated in networks of service organizations are better able to coordinate access to care.
[4] The abundance of limitations and fluid nature of street outreach makes addressing long term solutions a challenge.