Douglas County enhances homeless assistance with public referral system and outreach efforts

Douglas County is taking significant steps to address homelessness and improve community support through its "Douglas County Has Heart" initiative. During the recent DCHI Executive Committee Meeting on April 10, 2025, officials discussed the importance of referrals for individuals in need of housing resources and assistance.

The program allows community members to report cases of homelessness or individuals in distress, such as those living in tents or panhandling. Referrals can be made through a public forum on the initiative's website, enabling anyone to submit a request for help on behalf of someone else. This proactive approach includes outreach efforts, with teams actively engaging with the community, including businesses in Castle Pines, to ensure that resources are readily available for those in need.

Tiffany, a program representative, highlighted the process for tracking clients who exit the program. Each individual receives tailored support, whether it involves securing identification, food assistance, or connecting them to benefits. Successful outcomes are logged in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), categorizing clients as either permanently housed or referred to emergency shelters.

The meeting also touched on the current state of homelessness in Douglas County, noting that there are currently fewer than six unsheltered individuals. This statistic reflects the ongoing efforts to manage and reduce homelessness through targeted interventions and community involvement.

As Douglas County continues to refine its approach to homelessness, the emphasis on collaboration and community engagement remains crucial. The initiative not only aims to provide immediate assistance but also seeks to foster a supportive environment for individuals transitioning to stable housing. The next steps will involve further outreach and monitoring of the program's effectiveness in addressing homelessness in the region.