HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 8/3/2021 - Memorandum From Brittany Depew Re: July Homelessness Updates
Social Sustainability
222 Laporte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.416.8055
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 28, 2021
TO: Mayor Arndt and Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kyle Stannert, Deputy City Manager
Jackie Kozak Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
Beth Sowder, Social Sustainability Department Director
FROM: Brittany Depew, Homelessness Lead Specialist
RE: July Homelessness Updates
Purpose: The purpose of this memo is informational to provide Council with monthly homelessness updates.
Library Park Open House Summary
Neighborhood Services and Police Services hosted an open house in Library Park on June 23.
Staff from Social Sustainability, Neighborhood Services, Parks, Traffic, Police, City Attorney’s Office,
Library Services, and Outreach Fort Collins were present. Councilmember Gutowsky was also in
attendance.
Activities included the block party trailer, lemonade stand, children’s activities with library staff, emergency
response SWAT vehicle, K-9 officer, and the drone team.
General sense that residents were appreciative of this opportunity to connect and engage with staff all in
one place. Staff also appreciated the chance to answer questions directly, meet neighbors, share contact
information, etc.
Seasonal Overflow Shelter Plan Update
The Seasonal Overflow Shelter (SOS) season, which runs November 1 through April 30, requires
additional cross-sector collaboration to increase shelter capacity during the coldest months.
SOS plans are currently being discussed by a planning team and will be solidified by mid-August.
The planning team consists of representatives from Catholic Charities, Fort Collins Rescue Mission,
Homeward Alliance, and the City’s Social Sustainability Department.
Fort Collins Rescue Mission Updates
Due to financial and regulatory hurdles, the Rescue Mission will not be able to add a semi-permanent
structure on their property. Instead, they are researching the feasibility of adding a temporary structure on
their site for the six months of seasonal overflow shelter season.
Currently able to serve 80 men overnight and 60 during the day for 24/7 shelter.
An average of 79 men served per night since their return to Linden St. location on May 1.
o Note: If fewer than 80 men are served in a night, this typically indicates that beds were assigned
but not all guests showed up to claim their space.
An average of 3 men turned away per night due to space limitations.
An average of 8 meals served per day at the Murphy Center to guests who do not receive a bed space
overnight (either due to personal choice or space limitations).
The Rescue Mission has been allocated an additional $30k in CARES funds to continue 24/7 shelter
through August 2021.
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Catholic Charities Updates
Catholic Charities will implement a 24/7 shelter model for overflow women and families on August 1.
Homeward Alliance Updates
Family Services hosted a resource fair on June 12, where 13 agencies provided information, products,
and meals, and connected with guests.
The Camino a Casa Collective (Homeward Alliance, Fuerza Latina, La Familia, and the Family Housing
Network) began meeting again with a renewed focus on tenant rights and education.
193 people housed so far in 2021 – at this time last year, 152 had been housed.
202 people engaged in housing programs in June.
Murphy Center:
o Has served approximately 1,500 unduplicated people so far in 2021, with 627 served in June.
o Averaging an estimated 120 clients per day.
o Offered free haircuts to guests every Monday in June.
24/7 Shelter Update
Findings and next steps were shared with Council for discussion at the July 27 work session.
Staff has developed a public engagement plan to begin in Q3 2021.
Outreach Fort Collins
Currently hiring for a new Director who will oversee all aspects of operations and serve as the public face
of the organization. Application closes July 31.
Q2 2021 data:
o Total of 1,363 client contacts and 321 merchant contacts, both of which increased slightly from
Q1.
o OFC also saw increases in calls for safety concerns (45) and calls for disruptive behaviors (14) in
comparison to Q1.
o OFC saw a decrease in service coordination in Q2.
Success Story
William, a client of Homeward Alliance’s Re-Entry program, first completed his intake at 60 years old in
January 2020 after 18 years in prison. Though he was skeptical and described himself as having “learned
helplessness syndrome,” he is now a successful Re-Entry graduate. Throughout his time in the program,
Re-Entry has assisted William with transportation, food, vocational pursuits, technological skills, social
skills, job search skills, and more. In just 18 months, William has been able to find a primary care provider
he trusts, been discharged from parole, maintained two jobs, secured stable housing, reconnected with
family, obtained two Recovery Coach certificates, and obtained his CDL-B license. He says he has
learned to persist, even when things are difficult.
Next Steps
With the goal of having Seasonal Overflow Shelter season plans solidified by August 18, staff will share
all available information about these plans in the August homelessness updates memo to Council.
Staff will continue to update Council about the 24/7 shelter planning and engagement process.