The issue of homelessness has been a growing concern in Cañon City, prompting many to wonder if our city has become a sanctuary for the homeless. However, it's crucial to delve deeper into the matter and explore both the progress made and the ongoing challenges faced in addressing homelessness in our community. Unlike circulating rumors, Cañon is not inviting them nor do we take money from Polis to accept them here.
For some time, homelessness appeared to be on the rise in Fremont County, with a count of 396 individuals in January 2020. Presently, there are approximately 240 people experiencing homelessness in Fremont County. With tireless coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, we saw significant decreases in veteran and chronic homelessness. Even so, a concerning trend emerged this summer with an uptick in transient homelessness. This has raised significant concerns, as it places a substantial demand on our police officers and park workers, while also posing challenges for local businesses and residents.
In response to these challenges, Cañon City has initiated several measures to address homelessness:
-- Addressing Shopping Cart Theft: An ordinance aimed at addressing shopping cart theft and enabling the confiscation and return of stolen carts to their rightful stores will be reviewed by City Council this Monday, Oct. 2.
-- Investigating Homeless Drop-offs: City law enforcement actively investigates rumors of homeless individuals being bussed into our community. To date, no verifiable drop-off incidents have been identified, except for the Bustang bus stop at Alta (formerly Big Daddy's Diner). That bus stop has been discontinued.
-- Property Rehabilitation: City Council has initiated civil actions to acquire and demolish abandoned houses, which often serve as magnets for illicit squatting and activities.
Public Restroom Management: To deter unwanted overnight guests, public restrooms are locked overnight. This approach has been particularly effective since the closure of restrooms at Veterans Park during both day and night.
-- Enhanced Patrols: An application for a grant to help fund additional officers for 24/7 bike and foot patrols in hotspot areas, such as downtown and the riverwalk, is in progress.
Park Ranger: A Park Ranger has been hired to monitor the Riverwalk and parks.
Co-Responder Program: A co-responder program pairs Solvista mental health clinicians with patrol officers to provide comprehensive support for mental health calls.
-- Consistent Police Presence: Officers writing reports in the public library have improved security and order in the area.
-- Civil Offense for Obstructing the public rights-of-way: Obstructing public rights-of-way, including when panhandling, is now considered a civil offense.
-- Private Property Agreements: Collaborative agreements with private property owners allow the CCPD to issue trespassing citations regularly.
-- Camping Prohibitions: Camping on city-owned property is prohibited, and eviction notices are promptly issued.
While significant strides have been made, Cañon City continues to face challenges that are, at times, beyond its control:
-- Overflow from Larger Cities: Many cities across the USA are reporting their numbers are at an all-time high. Denver's seven-county region saw a 32% jump in homeless people in 2023. Overflow effects from our larger neighbors pose a continued challenge.
-- Judicial Consequences: Changes in state legislation have limited the ability to hold those who break the law in jail, resulting in indigent individuals being released without bond. We see this lack of consequences being taken to its full advantage by chronic perpetrators.
-- Complexities in Enforcement: The courts have ruled against arresting individuals solely for homelessness, creating complexities in addressing those willing to seek assistance while deterring those who refuse help.
-- Economic Factors: Discontinuation of COVID-19 financial protections, rising housing and rental costs, hyperinflation of living expenses, and opioid and fentanyl crises have contributed to an increase in homelessness.
While challenges persist, the city remains committed to addressing homelessness through a multifaceted approach that encompasses working with local organizations for those seeking a better life, law enforcement, and innovative solutions.
By working together, Cañon City aims to provide support for those in need while maintaining a safe and vibrant community for all residents.
Ashley Smith is the mayor of Cañon City.
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