A new Douglas County report shows that homelessness cost the community between $5.08 million and $5.88 million in emergency services like shelter stays, ambulance rides, and jail beds in 2023 — an average of up to $7,831 per person. While the estimates carry some uncertainty, advocates say the data is a critical step toward understanding and reducing these costs. Programs like Artists Helping the Homeless have already shown promising results by lowering jail time and ambulance use for participants. The findings will support broader statewide efforts to invest in supportive housing solutions.