"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."

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- 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.

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