Title
Consider/Discuss the Street Outreach Ambassador Resource (SOAR) Program
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Goal 5: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: March 12, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community Development
Police Department
CONTACT: Shirletta Best, Community Services Administrator
Margaret Li, Housing and Community Development Director
Michael Best, Sergeant
Ana Navaro, Deputy Chief of Police
RECOMMENDED BOARD ACTION:
• Consider/Discuss the Street Outreach Ambassador Resource (SOAR) Program
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The McKinney Homeless Coalition (MHC), in partnership with the City of McKinney developed the McKinney SOAR Program. The purpose of the program is to provide street outreach to unsheltered residents to connect them with resource services and housing, while promoting safety and community well-being.
• The SOAR program works in collaboration with the Police Department, which has a designated Community Services Unit that provides enforcement and additional street outreach efforts.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Program support will come from the nonprofit agency, MetroRelief, experienced in assisting unsheltered persons and helping them to “get off the street through an all mobile, person-centered approach.”
• An active community hotline specifically for the City of McKinney: (469) 215-1786. The hotline is intended to provide resources for unsheltered residents seeking assistance, and for the public to request support for unsheltered individuals that they encounter in the community.
• The SOAR team coordinates with Police, Parks and Recreation, Housing Forward, and other nonprofit coalition members.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A