Douglas County outlines strategies to support unhoused neighbors and achieve functional zero
May 09, 2025 | Douglas County, Colorado
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The Douglas County Homelessness Initiative (DCHI) Executive Committee convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss ongoing efforts and future strategies aimed at addressing homelessness in the region. The meeting highlighted significant progress in reducing the number of individuals experiencing homelessness and emphasized the importance of community collaboration.
The session began with a review of the current state of homelessness in Douglas County, noting a decrease in the number of people sleeping outside, which fell from six in January to four by April. This positive trend was attributed to the collective efforts of community partners and the unhoused individuals themselves. The committee underscored the importance of using compassionate language, referring to those experiencing homelessness as "unhoused neighbors" to foster a more humanized approach.
Data presented during the meeting revealed that in April, seven households with children were sheltered, with no families sleeping outside, although two households were living in vehicles. The committee acknowledged Douglas County's achievement of meeting the qualifications for "functional zero," particularly in providing comprehensive support services for veterans.
Weekly case conferencing sessions with community partners were highlighted as a critical component of the initiative. These meetings focus on specific populations, including veterans and families, and aim to match individuals with appropriate resources such as housing, mental health services, and employment opportunities. The collaborative approach is designed to empower unhoused neighbors to improve their situations.
Looking ahead, the committee discussed plans to enhance the accuracy of their data collection methods, expand resource knowledge among partners, and implement real-time reporting to better track the impact of their initiatives. The goal remains to achieve functional zero for both families and singles in the community.
The meeting concluded with an open floor for questions, reinforcing the committee's commitment to transparency and community engagement in their ongoing efforts to combat homelessness in Douglas County.
The session began with a review of the current state of homelessness in Douglas County, noting a decrease in the number of people sleeping outside, which fell from six in January to four by April. This positive trend was attributed to the collective efforts of community partners and the unhoused individuals themselves. The committee underscored the importance of using compassionate language, referring to those experiencing homelessness as "unhoused neighbors" to foster a more humanized approach.
Data presented during the meeting revealed that in April, seven households with children were sheltered, with no families sleeping outside, although two households were living in vehicles. The committee acknowledged Douglas County's achievement of meeting the qualifications for "functional zero," particularly in providing comprehensive support services for veterans.
Weekly case conferencing sessions with community partners were highlighted as a critical component of the initiative. These meetings focus on specific populations, including veterans and families, and aim to match individuals with appropriate resources such as housing, mental health services, and employment opportunities. The collaborative approach is designed to empower unhoused neighbors to improve their situations.
Looking ahead, the committee discussed plans to enhance the accuracy of their data collection methods, expand resource knowledge among partners, and implement real-time reporting to better track the impact of their initiatives. The goal remains to achieve functional zero for both families and singles in the community.
The meeting concluded with an open floor for questions, reinforcing the committee's commitment to transparency and community engagement in their ongoing efforts to combat homelessness in Douglas County.
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