Introduction

Douglas County, Colorado, has taken a proactive stance in addressing homelessness through its Homeless Engagement Assistance and Resource Team (HEART) initiative. Launched in 2022, HEART represents a collaborative effort between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community partners to provide compassionate, effective support to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Leadership and Community Partnerships

The HEART initiative is spearheaded by the Douglas County Homeless Initiative (DCHI), under the leadership of Commissioner Abe Laydon, who serves as the chairman. Sheriff Darren Weekly plays a pivotal role in integrating law enforcement into the program’s compassionate outreach efforts. The program’s success is attributed to the strong partnerships between the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments—including Castle Rock, Lone Tree, and Parker—and various community organizations.

HEART teams consist of trained “navigators” with backgrounds in behavioral and mental health or case management, paired with law enforcement officers. These teams engage directly with individuals experiencing homelessness to assess their needs, provide case management, and connect them to appropriate community services. The initiative emphasizes the “Four C’s”: compassion, code enforcement, community services, and communication, aiming to help individuals gain independence and reintegrate into society.

Vision and Community Involvement

HEART’s vision is to make homelessness in Douglas County rare, brief, and non-recurring. The initiative has already made significant strides, achieving a point-in-time count of zero for unhoused individuals in the county as of summer 2024.

Community members can support HEART’s mission in several ways:

• Report Concerns: If you encounter someone who may be experiencing homelessness, contact the HEART team at 303-660-7301 or complete an online referral form.
• Donate: Contribute to the Douglas County Community Foundation’s Homeless Relief Fund (HRF), where 100% of donations are granted to trusted nonprofits providing services to the unhoused.
• Avoid Direct Handouts: Participate in the “Handouts Don’t Help” campaign by refraining from giving money directly to individuals on the street. Instead, direct your generosity to organizations equipped to provide long-term assistance.
Through these collective efforts, Douglas County aims to sustain and build upon the successes of the HEART initiative, ensuring that all residents have access to the support and resources they need.