"As the Homelessness Response Coordinator, I have often heard from people who live in Colorado Springs and downtown business owners about negative experiences in the downtown area. A year and a half ago, I met with City leadership and community leaders about the issues occurring downtown. I proposed that the City run a program that offers professional, targeted, and consistent outreach in the downtown area. This program focuses on individuals that have historically had the most police interactions and tickets.

"My theory was that intensive case management and access to housing would have a larger impact than just issuing more tickets. Thankfully, the Colorado Springs Fire Department agreed to lead this innovative pilot program. A year after implementing this program we now have data that shows a substantial decrease in police interactions with the people offered case management and navigation through the CSFD Homeless Outreach Program. This program proves once again that services and supportive housing are our community's best bet to decrease homelessness in our community."

More on Colorado Desk

• Colorado Springs: Northbound Tejon Street to reopen on block downtown
• City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County invite public to open houses for Housing Needs Assessment
• Colorado Springs: Did you know? — Evergreen Cemetery's Roses
• The Blue Luna Encourages Local Schools to Take Steps to Enhance Safety for Students and Staff
• The Sessions Studios Secures $300 Million Commitment to Launch World-Class Studio and 15-Film Global Slate

- Andrew Phelps, City of Colorado Springs Homeless Response Coordinator

Read more in the Gazette's article.

The idea for the Colorado Springs Fire Department's Homeless Outreach Program grew from the 2019 Homelessness Initiative.

---

Show All News | Report Violation