A new initiative by a Sioux City government entity is seeking to pinpoint and remove encampments by homeless people.
A release by the city’s Homeless Assistance Response Team on Wednesday is requesting that people report known encampments. HART asserts that “encampments can pose health, safety, and environmental concerns for both the individuals living in them and the surrounding community.”
People can make reports online at sioux-city.org/encampment.
The release said the city will aim to clear encampments as soon as possible. Legal notification and access procedures must be followed before entering private land, which can extend the timeline for removal.
The number of homeless people in Sioux City has been recently estimated at about 300.
In his campaign to win a Sioux City Council seat last year, Rick Bertrand has cited the need to address homelessness. The Homeless Assistance Response Team was created in late 2025, and has shared updates at many city council meetings.
The task force was created to connect homeless folks with services and address homelessness-related issues; it consists of city staff, police, and service providers.
Shayla Moore, director of The Warming Shelter, on Thursday said HART does an excellent job to support people in crisis, and to get them needed services.
