By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning, and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Additional information on fire restrictions stages can be located at the Douglas County Emergency Management website.
The Douglas County Human Needs Task Force was initiated in March 2020 to monitor and maintain services for residents affected by COVID-19. The Task Force, led by Commissioner Laydon, was formed as a multi-disciplinary group, including representatives from Tri-County Health Department, Manna Resource Center, Developmental Pathways and County staff from Human Services, Community Development, Office of Emergency Management and County Administration Departments.
The objectives of the Task Force were to:
Connect with community partners and leaders to gather and share information regarding support services
Identify constraints and barriers to support services and work collaboratively to address
Support a suite of services for those isolated or immune compromised
Maintain two-way communication between public and private partners
Monitor emerging practices in support of human needs services
Maintain and update County information regarding local, state and federal resources
The Task Force initiated workgroups with community partners to address anticipated needs related to high needs populations, including older adults, disabled individuals and veterans and overall needs related to food and shelter, childcare, healthcare access and volunteers. Each workgroup reported to a Community Response Team made up of 29 representatives and partner agencies from across the county. These meetings provided an opportunity to identify community needs and collaborate on potential solutions.
Members of the Task Force recognize the value of continuing to strategically work in partnership to use resources available to provide unduplicated services to those most in need. The Task Force will continue to review emerging needs, issues and opportunities, and identify additional work groups as the need arises to identify collaborative solutions.
The Homeless Initiative is a working group of the Human Needs Task Force that was initiated in 2021.