Colorado Springs sets town halls for feedback on homeless issue
Homeless-related issues are some of the biggest complaints that the city of Colorado Springs receives daily, and six town hall meetings are set between now and December to give feedback on the city’s plan.
The city launched the Homelessness Response Action Plan because officials are concerned about the health and safety of the people living outside, as well as the environmental impact that illegal camping has.
Kierra Mattingly a resident of Colorado Springs said, “It’s heartbreaking so I think it’s like our duty to address that.”
“I’m glad the city is holding a town hall, you know having some decisions, I think we need to address it,” Todd Frisbie said.
The city listed eight goals in the Homeless Action Plan, which include continuing to educate the public through the HelpCOS campaign and developing a comprehensive affordable housing plan.
Todd Williams, a lifetime native of Colorado Springs, says something needs to be done.
“It would be hard to be a business owner down here. I think it has the most effect on them. But there is no real easy solution because it’s real people with real problems,” Williams said.
The town halls will let people share their opinions and suggestions on how to best solve the growing homeless issue.
“I think one way is to provide services. I know there is a debate on both sides of that issue, but I’d rather take the route of compassion,” said Frisbie.
Mattingly took an idea from cities like San Diego and Fort Worth, suggesting the city “employs homeless people to help clean up the city, so they have some income, they have a job they have a purpose.”
City Council President Richard Skorman, who will help run the meetings, said the main goal right now is getting the 370 beds that have been approved in place at the Springs Rescue Mission and Salvation Army.
“Right now we can’t enforce our no camping laws because there is no place for them to go. There are federal laws saying you can’t tell people not to camp if you don’t have a bed for them to be,” said Skorman.
If you cannot attend one of the town hall meetings, you can give feedback about the action plan through SpeakUp! COS.
If you’re curious about when and where these town halls will take place, click here.
