Homeless Navigation Program
Across the country, communities are facing the challenge of an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness. Wheat Ridge, as well as our neighboring cities, are feeling the impact of this national concern. While many believe police departments have the primary responsibility for responding to complaints about illegal camping, trash and panhandling, managing all of the impacts of people experiencing homelessness is a shared community responsibility and cannot be addressed with just one approach.
There are many misconceptions regarding how law enforcement can respond to homelessness issues. It isn’t illegal to be homeless nor is it illegal to panhandle unless the person is obstructing or interfering with traffic flow. Those experiencing homelessness have the same rights as everyone else as long as they are not committing any crimes. Homelessness is a complex issue and it is important to keep in mind that individuals experiencing homelessness face many challenges that create barriers in everyday life including mental health issues and/or substance misuse. Homelessness also impacts families with children who make up a large segment of those who are homeless, further complicating this difficult issue.
The City is collaborating with Jefferson County and other county municipalities to build regional partnerships in order to assist an ever-increasing number of people experiencing homelessness. Read more
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Many of our survey respondents felt food security was a significant issue for many of those experiencing homelessness, meaning they don’t have adequate access or the means to acquire food. We have the Feed the Future backpack program enabling school children to take food home on the weekend during the school year, the new free community fridge at Wheat Ridge Meat & Poultry, and a variety of free food banks; however, families still go hungry in Wheat Ridge.
What are some additional ways of utilizing existing City resources and the expertise or funding of non-profit organizations to address this concern in the City?
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Some residents believe that the best way to help those experiencing homelessness is to offer clothing, food, water, and money to those camping and/or standing beside City streets. Safety concerns for those who are untrained in mental health and drug abuse/misuse is just one of the reasons why donating to someone on the street is not the most effective way to support people experiencing homelessness.
In addition to donating items or money to the Action Center, Family Tree, the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation to support our Homeless Navigator program or to organizations like Goodwill, what other ideas do you have for providing support for basic needs that once met may ultimately lead to someone being able to find permanent housing?
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One of the other top priorities respondents believed should be supported with resources by the City of Wheat Ridge is employment. Jefferson County supports employment through its Business and Workforce Center, but there may be options available here in Wheat Ridge as well. With the one-on-one support from the Homeless Navigator two significant barriers to employment might be overcome; 1) meet basic needs and 2) secure permanent housing.
What ideas could you offer for how someone might go about a successful job search?
Who's Listening
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Housing Navigator
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Homeless Navigator
FAQs
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Legal Rights
- Why can’t Wheat Ridge Police Department arrest people panhandling on medians? It is dangerous?
- Why isn’t the area near I-70 and Kipling off limits to panhandling and camping?
- Why do I see tents and people experiencing homelessness on private property even after reporting it to Wheat Ridge Police?
- Can’t Wheat Ridge Police keep people from panhandling or standing around on sidewalks around the City?
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Homeless Navigator
- I have encountered an individual who is experiencing homelessness and asking for resources, should I call the Homeless Navigator?
- Should I refer everyone I encounter that is experiencing homelessness to the Homeless Navigator?
- I have encountered an individual who is experiencing homelessness and asking for resources, can I call the Homeless Navigator in that moment to come and meet with the client?
- I have been seeing camps pop up in a certain area, would the Homeless Navigator be able to help remove the camps?
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What do I do if...
- I have seen an individual experiencing homelessness in my neighborhood or camping in the parks, do you have a resource list I could give to individuals experiencing homelessness?
- I have been seeing some individuals asking for money or food on street corners, is it better to give food or gift cards rather than cash?
- We are experiencing inclement weather and I have seen an individual who is outside and not prepared for the weather, is there a shelter they could go to?
