Public costs to implement city’s ‘Homeless Plan’ as yet undefined
Although public costs are evident in most (or all) of HRAP's 10 goals, no details on amounts or funding sources were provided at the meetings. The full plan draft is at coloradosprings.gov/helpcos. The 10 HRAP goals are highlighted below (quoted material is from the plan): “1. Continue educating the public via the HelpCOS Campaign.” The “hub” of the campaign is the website above, which is meant to “educate the public in how to most effectively give assistance to those in need.” “2. Add an additional 370 low-barrier shelter beds (contingent on special appropriation approval).” The term, “low barrier' means people will not be turned away even if it's evident they're on drugs or alcohol. “3. Implement a Homeless Outreach Court.” An unofficial alternative to Municipal Court, this activity “will address the root causes of the offending behavior and empower individuals to take concrete steps to move out of homelessness” and, in the process, “reduce the strain on Colorado Springs City services.” “4. Establish a Veteran Incentive Fund.” Part of an effort to reach “functional zero” in terms of “military veterans experiencing homelessness.” “5. Develop a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan.” Based on findings that “the current supply of affordable and accessible housing is inadequate to meet our current community demand.” “6. Support funding for homeless work program with area nonprofit.” “People working in this program will pick up trash in our parks, along our trail system and clean up illegal campsites” (ideally through a nonprofit agency). “7. Add Neighborhood Services staff (contingent on budget approval).” Defined as “two full-time maintenance technicians to work with CSPD's Homeless Outreach Team.” “8. Develop concept for a HelpCOS Ambassador Team for Downtown and Old Colorado City areas.” Part of “persistent, coordinated, and creative outreach efforts” to hook up homeless people with services and also to “help tourists and shoppers feel more comfortable downtown and in Old Colorado City.” “9. The City will collaborate with local service providers to add shelter options for families experiencing homelessness.” One problem, according to the plan, is that “Colorado Springs has no low barrier family shelter and has limited options that allow families to stay together.” “10. The Colorado Springs Police Department will increase response to issues involving homelessness.” According to the plan, “for 2019, CSPD plans to train more officers” to help the department's existing Homeless Outreach Team. Westside Pioneer article |