There are two additional needs that are bound together. One is the community need to develop constructive responses to homelessness. The other is the need to address the impact of homelessness on neighborhoods. The Outreach Program addresses these needs through strong working relationships with local police precincts that encourage JOIN’s outreach workers to make first contact with homeless individuals in response to areas of community concern. This allows police officers to focus resources on other public safety concerns. It also ensures that homeless individuals avoid legal entanglements that inhibit transitions off the street while granting them the opportunity to access appropriate services.