(Radio Iowa) – Activists in Council Bluffs are taking to the streets to help people who are homeless through a new program called “A Path Forward.” Chasity Kephart is a first responder community health coach with the Council Bluffs Police Department. She spent last week hiking along the Missouri River, reaching out to people who need help.

Kephart says they helped more than 40 people last week and plan to connect with many more when they return to the riverfront next week. She says a majority of the homeless people are struggling with addiction, mental health and economic issues.

Kephart says hands-on support seems to be a better option in connecting people with resources. Sixteen different agencies are participating in the project.