Homelessness, Loitering & Substance Abuse Outreach
De Pere Police Resource Guide
Homelessness, Loitering & Substance Abuse
The City of De Pere, De Pere Police Department, and outreach agencies are working together to address quality of life issues and help those in need.
What we're doing to help:
Brown County has numerous organizations devoted to addressing homelessness, loitering and substance abuse issues. By coordinating outreach and resource groups, we hope to make De Pere experiences memorable and enjoyable for all those in our community.
Outreach
- The Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) is composed of 28 organizations who provide resources and shelter to those who are unhoused and in need of services. The outreach team is part of the Brown County Homeless & Housing Coalition.
- Brown County Homeless & Housing Coalition website (click here).
- Resource Guide Flyer (click here).
Contact Information for Issues/Concerns
- Outreach: outreach@greenbaywi.gov
- Parks: 920-339-4065
- Police Non-Emergency: 920-391-7450
- Police Emergency: 911
Additional outreach contact: jbushmaker@deperewi.gov
Guide: Who do I contact if...
- I have found unattended belongings?
- Outreach or Parks (If the items are in a Public Park)
- Someone is sleeping/loitering at my business?
- Outreach or Police Non-Emergency (During overnight hours)
- I see a homeless encampment?
- Outreach or Police Non-Emergency (If on your private property)
- Someone is aggressive or causing a disturbance?
- Police Non-Emergency
- I see someone who is panhandling?
- Outreach or Police Non-Emergency (Only if violating another ordinance)
- I see someone who is impaired by drugs or alcohol?
- Police Non-Emergency (If welfare check is needed) or Police Emergency (If life threatening situation)
- I observed a drug deal?
- Police Non-Emergency (Or Drug Task Force tip line 920-437-3784)
- I observed someone who may be in a Mean Health Crisis?
- Police Emergency (If there is a threat of harm to themselves/others)
- If I observe an issue in a City park?
- Police Non-Emergency or Parks (If the items are in a Public Park)
- Our parks department enriches quality of life in community by maintaining open spaces and recreational facilities, and our police Department is dedicated to maintaining public safety through partnership with community.
Legal vs. Illegal Activity for Panhandling & Loitering
Panhandling is not illegal
- Panhandling in public spaces is protected by the first amendment.
- The City of De Pere doesn't have a panhandling ordinance.
- Certain behaviors such as loitering, trespassing, blocking the sidewalk, etc. are still enforceable.
Illegal Activity
- Making threats while asking for a donation
- Blocking the sidewalk
- Interfering with traffic
- Not removing themselves from private property when asked to leave.
What is Loitering?
Loitering is the act of remaining in a particular public place for a protracted time without an apparent purpose. Loitering is prohibited on Metro property which includes buses, shelters, and public lobby. Persons who fail to adhere to this policy will be in violation of City Ordinance 27.602.
Need other help?
If you're struggling with mental or physical health issues, or substance abuses struggles, we encourage you to reach out to regional health and support partners. The De Pere Health Department is a great starting point for many of these issues. Click here for their website and resources.
