HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/05/2022 - STAFF REPORT: CAMPING ENFORCEMENT AND RESPONSEJuly 5, 2022HomelessnessBrittany Depew, Homelessness Lead Specialist, Social SustainabilityJohn J. Feyen, Assistant Chief, Special Operations DivisionSTAFF INFORMATION REPORT
Strategic Alignment21.2 Collaborate to leverage community partners’ expertise in addressing priority human service issues like poverty and mental health, and to make homelessness rare, brief and non‐recurring.5.7 Reduce incidents of, and impacts from, disruptive and unwanted behaviors through working closely with the community’s human service providers to offer creative approaches that balance compassion and consequences.
Problem Identification3
Engagement, Education, & Enforcement• Focused on Blue Spruce between Conifer & Willox, Bristlecone, & Red Cedar Circle.• Coordinated event with Natural Areas, Sustainability, OFC, FCRM, Catholic Charities, & Homeward Alliance.• Notifications started on June 18th& continued through June 20th.4
Results• 6 citations issued• 2 for obstructing a roadway• 4 for parking violations• 13 vehicles tagged as abandoned• 9 individual encampments in the area• ~10 yds3of waste*• 4 shopping carts*• 3 bicycles*• 4 vehicle tires & 10 bicycle tires**This total also reflects items collected at other encampments outside the Blue Spruce area.5
Collaborative ResponseCity & Partner Roles• Council Priority• Funding, Policy, Convening• Direct ServiceHomelessness Prevention• Upstream response• Housing availability and affordabilityPeople with Lived Experience of Homelessness• Experts to help drive solutions and changeNeighborhood Response• North Fort Collins• Library ParkSystem Impacts: Inconsistent Shelter Options and Availability Impact Housed and Unhoused Residents6
Shorter- and Mid-Term SolutionsBridge ShelterSafe Parking / Safe Camping SitesHotel / Motel Renovation for Non-Congregate ShelterIncreased Funding for Case Management and Rapid RehousingMajor Consideration: Identification of Available Space and Operator7
Building Capacity & Long-Term ResponseRoot Cause: Lack of Housing Resources Across the Spectrum of Need• Shelter is not a housing solution• Increased network of landlordsLand Use Code updatesMulti-System Failures Require Cross-Sector SolutionsHousing First• Best practice for permanent housingFuture 24/7 Shelter8