Homelessness and Housing
Project Description
Homelessness and housing insecurity is a hot-button issue across the nation and in the Greeley area. The City of Greeley, along with local non-profits, have met since 2020 to discuss ideas for addressing homelessness and affordable housing issues. During this first phase of engagement, we hope to have a dialogue with Greeley and Evans community members to explore ideas and perceptions about homelessness and housing alternatives. Your input will provide Greeley City Council with a comprehensive picture of how the community understands and interacts with this issue.
Progress To-Date
In August 2021, the City released a Request for Proposal for additional research on possible sheltering and housing alternatives. In November 2021, the City finalized a contract with Urbanity Advisors to complete this work. Community Conversations were held in February, April, and May 2022 to gather resident input. Meetings were held virtually and in person. On June 14, a final project report and recommendations were presented to City Council. Recommendations included:
1. Utilize the collective impact framework to coordinate cross-organizational collaboration.
2. Conduct a housing needs assessment.
3. Pursue pre-development research for a service-based campus model approach.
4. Establish a clear understanding of homelessness's risk & protective factors (with collective impact).
5. Establish a user-friendly resource guide for organizations, housed, and un-housed community members (with collective impact).
6. Explore creative temporary solutions.
Based on the recommendations, City staff suggested that a Housing Advisory Council be created to address the collective impact framework and further collaboration efforts. This would include the necessary staffing/resources to support the City’s efforts. Additional action would include:
- Further consideration of a service-based campus model that can offer several homeless services, sheltering and permanent supportive housing all on one site.
- Exploration of temporary solutions to fill gaps in services such as safe parking and safe camping.
The City is already working to conduct a housing needs assessment, has begun work with providers to address homelessness's risk and protective factors, and is collaborating on a comprehensive and user-friendly resource guide.
Council members provided feedback on the recommendations and instructed staff to supply further timelines and action steps for implementation at future City Council meetings and in concert with the Strategic Plan update.
Project Description
Homelessness and housing insecurity is a hot-button issue across the nation and in the Greeley area. The City of Greeley, along with local non-profits, have met since 2020 to discuss ideas for addressing homelessness and affordable housing issues. During this first phase of engagement, we hope to have a dialogue with Greeley and Evans community members to explore ideas and perceptions about homelessness and housing alternatives. Your input will provide Greeley City Council with a comprehensive picture of how the community understands and interacts with this issue.
Progress To-Date
In August 2021, the City released a Request for Proposal for additional research on possible sheltering and housing alternatives. In November 2021, the City finalized a contract with Urbanity Advisors to complete this work. Community Conversations were held in February, April, and May 2022 to gather resident input. Meetings were held virtually and in person. On June 14, a final project report and recommendations were presented to City Council. Recommendations included:
1. Utilize the collective impact framework to coordinate cross-organizational collaboration.
2. Conduct a housing needs assessment.
3. Pursue pre-development research for a service-based campus model approach.
4. Establish a clear understanding of homelessness's risk & protective factors (with collective impact).
5. Establish a user-friendly resource guide for organizations, housed, and un-housed community members (with collective impact).
6. Explore creative temporary solutions.
Based on the recommendations, City staff suggested that a Housing Advisory Council be created to address the collective impact framework and further collaboration efforts. This would include the necessary staffing/resources to support the City’s efforts. Additional action would include:
- Further consideration of a service-based campus model that can offer several homeless services, sheltering and permanent supportive housing all on one site.
- Exploration of temporary solutions to fill gaps in services such as safe parking and safe camping.
The City is already working to conduct a housing needs assessment, has begun work with providers to address homelessness's risk and protective factors, and is collaborating on a comprehensive and user-friendly resource guide.
Council members provided feedback on the recommendations and instructed staff to supply further timelines and action steps for implementation at future City Council meetings and in concert with the Strategic Plan update.
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Watch the September 12 Community Update: Rapid Rehousing Team and Roundtable Discussions
Share Watch the September 12 Community Update: Rapid Rehousing Team and Roundtable Discussions on Facebook Share Watch the September 12 Community Update: Rapid Rehousing Team and Roundtable Discussions on Twitter Share Watch the September 12 Community Update: Rapid Rehousing Team and Roundtable Discussions on Linkedin Email Watch the September 12 Community Update: Rapid Rehousing Team and Roundtable Discussions linkThank you to everyone who attended the city's third Housing and Homeless Community Update for 2024.
Greeley's Housing and Homeless Solutions Departments held its third Community Update event on Thursday, September 12 at the Atlas Theater in Greeley. During the update, participants learned about the new Rapid Rehousing Team and heard updates from the Housing Solutions and Homeless Solutions departments. Participants then broke into smaller groups for roundtable discussions with case managers and staff.For anyone unable to attend or that would like to experience the update again, we have provided a video recording below.
Additional Community Updates and chances to engage about housing and homelessness will be announced throughout the year.
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Community Update to Introduce Rapid Rehousing Team
Share Community Update to Introduce Rapid Rehousing Team on Facebook Share Community Update to Introduce Rapid Rehousing Team on Twitter Share Community Update to Introduce Rapid Rehousing Team on Linkedin Email Community Update to Introduce Rapid Rehousing Team linkThe City of Greeley’s Housing and Homeless Solutions Departments will host their third community update for 2024.
September 12
5:30-7 p.m.
Atlas Theatre, 709 16th Street (located inside John Galt Coffee)During the event, attendees will:
- Receive an update on the city’s homelessness initiative from the Foundation and Outreach teams.
- Learn about and meet the new Rapid Rehousing Team and its priorities in the community.
- Engage in round table discussions with case managers.
Officials request residents RSVP to attend by September 9 at bit.ly/HomelessSolutionsRapidHousing. Light refreshments will be provided.
Unable to attend? Arecorded video of the presentation will be available on the city’s Speak Up Greeley website after October 1.
For more information about the city’s efforts to address homelessness, visit greeleygov.com/homelessandhousingservices. You can also share your thoughts on homelessness in Greeley at SpeakUpGreeley.com.
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United Way Shelter Community Update
Share United Way Shelter Community Update on Facebook Share United Way Shelter Community Update on Twitter Share United Way Shelter Community Update on Linkedin Email United Way Shelter Community Update linkUnited Way of Weld County will hold a community update on Monday, July 22 from 6-7 p.m. at the LINC Library, 501 8th Avenue.
During the update, attendees will hear from the city's Homeless Solutions Team, United Way, Greeley Police Chief Adam Turk and othersPlease RSVP at https://forms.office.com/g/X8SSpJN7px
Light refreshments will be served.
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United Way Shelter Changing Hours: Effective July 7, 2024
Share United Way Shelter Changing Hours: Effective July 7, 2024 on Facebook Share United Way Shelter Changing Hours: Effective July 7, 2024 on Twitter Share United Way Shelter Changing Hours: Effective July 7, 2024 on Linkedin Email United Way Shelter Changing Hours: Effective July 7, 2024 linkUnited Way of Weld County has announced new weekend hours for the Housing Navigation Center’s 24-hour shelter located at 870 28th Street, Greeley.
Starting Sunday, July 7, 2024, the shelter will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The new hours will stay the same every weekend until July 31, 2024. The change will not impact the overnight shelter services or the weekday operations.The shelter’s overnight services will end for the season on July 31, 2024, with the last night of service on July 30. Plans are already in place to reopen the overnight shelter in November 2024 to provide essential warmth and shelter during the colder months.
Community Resources
United Way and the City of Greeley are actively collaborating to manage any concerns that may arise during the transition in shelter hours and the shift to overnight closures. This partnership is focused on ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the safety and well-being of all involved.Anyone seeking assistance can contact 2-1-1 Colorado by dialing 211 on a phone or by visiting 211colorado.org.
The City of Greeley’s Outreach Team is dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges such as mental health crises, substance abuse issues, and homelessness. The team is available daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 970-351-5005 for assistance.
Residents with non-emergency concerns, such as witnessing illegal activities or feeling unsettled, are encouraged to contact the non-emergency police line at 970-350-9600.
In emergencies, including fires, medical emergencies, or imminent danger, dial 9-1-1 for immediate response.
Shelter Costs
It currently costs $75 per day to shelter an individual for a full 24 hours.For those interested in supporting these vital services, donations can be directed to United Way to help cover the operational costs and ensure the continuation of these essential services.
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Watch the June 10 Community Update: Outreach Team and Housing Department Introductions
Share Watch the June 10 Community Update: Outreach Team and Housing Department Introductions on Facebook Share Watch the June 10 Community Update: Outreach Team and Housing Department Introductions on Twitter Share Watch the June 10 Community Update: Outreach Team and Housing Department Introductions on Linkedin Email Watch the June 10 Community Update: Outreach Team and Housing Department Introductions linkThank you to everyone who attended the city's second Housing and Homeless Community Update for 2024.
For anyone unable to attend or that would like to experience the update again, we have provided a video recording below.
The video includes a presentation by Team Manager Nhat Nguyen about the new Outreach Team and the work they are doing in Greeley. He also shared the new Outreach Team phone number, 970-351-5005, for residents to call if they see someone who seems vulnerable, but is not a danger to themselves or others. Deb Callies, Housing Director, then presented about the new Housing Solutions Department.
After the presentations, attendees participated in a short Q&A session with staff.
Prior to the meeting, Communication and Engagement Director Winna MacLaren gave a short presentation on possible upcoming ballot initiatives impacting the city. This portion of the meeting is not in the video.
Additional Community Updates and opportunities to engage about housing and homelessness will be announced throughout the year.
For questions, concerns or comments, please contact Juliana Kitten at juliana.kitten@greeleygov.com or call 1-806-678-8407.
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Meet New Homeless Solutions Outreach Team and Housing Department
Share Meet New Homeless Solutions Outreach Team and Housing Department on Facebook Share Meet New Homeless Solutions Outreach Team and Housing Department on Twitter Share Meet New Homeless Solutions Outreach Team and Housing Department on Linkedin Email Meet New Homeless Solutions Outreach Team and Housing Department linkThe City of Greeley’s Housing and Homeless Solutions Departments host their second community update of 2024.
Monday, June 10
5:30-7:00 p.m
LINC Library, 501 8th Avenue (Note the new location)During the event, attendees will:
- Receive an update on the city’s homelessness initiatives.
- Learn about and meet the new Homeless Solutions Outreach Team and its priorities in the community.
- Gain insight into the major projects being worked on by the Housing Department.
- Engage by asking questions during the Q&A.
RSVP by June 3 at bit.ly/HousingHomelessOutreach. Light refreshments will be provided.
Unable to attend, a recorded video of the presentation will be available on the city’s Speak Up Greeley website after July 1.
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First Community Update of 2024 - Thank You for Attending
Share First Community Update of 2024 - Thank You for Attending on Facebook Share First Community Update of 2024 - Thank You for Attending on Twitter Share First Community Update of 2024 - Thank You for Attending on Linkedin Email First Community Update of 2024 - Thank You for Attending linkThank you to the 140+ residents who attended the January 25 Community Update on Housing and Homelessness.
For anyone unable to attend or for those that would like to experience the update again, we have provided a video recording below.
The video includes a presentation by Assistant City Manager Juliana Kitten on successes achieved in Greeley to-date, a video highlighting how the Housing First model is impacting residents in need, and Mayor John Gates introducing the newly formed Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness.After the presentation and a short Q&A, attendees visited with 14 community partners around the room who offer resources and services to those in need. Additional Community Updates and opportunities to engage about housing and homelessness will be announced throughout the year.
For questions, concerns, or comments, please contact Juliana Kitten at juliana.kitten@greeleygov.com(External link) or call 1-806-678-8407.
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Community Update Coming January 25, 2024
Share Community Update Coming January 25, 2024 on Facebook Share Community Update Coming January 25, 2024 on Twitter Share Community Update Coming January 25, 2024 on Linkedin Email Community Update Coming January 25, 2024 linkJoin us for the first Community Update on Housing and Homelessness of 2024.
Community Update on Housing and Homelessness
Thursday, January 25
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Greeley Recreation Center, Room 101
651 10th Avenue
Open to Everyone
At the meeting, participants will:- Learn about the new Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness
- Hear an update on the City's homeless initiatives
- Visit with local organizations who offer resources and services to those in need.
Light refreshments will be served
RSVP at bit.ly/HomelessSolutionsUpdate
January 25 will be a very busy night at the Greeley Recreation Center. Parking is available throughout downtown, north of the Double Tree hotel, and south of the Union Colony Civic Center.
Thank you to these community partners:
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Cold Weather Shelter Open November 8, 2023
Share Cold Weather Shelter Open November 8, 2023 on Facebook Share Cold Weather Shelter Open November 8, 2023 on Twitter Share Cold Weather Shelter Open November 8, 2023 on Linkedin Email Cold Weather Shelter Open November 8, 2023 linkUnited Way's Cold Weather Shelter at the Housing Navigation Center, 870 28th Street (behind DriveWize on 8th Avenue), will be open from November 8, 2023 through April 15, 2024.
Open 7 days a week.
Day Shelter (Monday-Friday) 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Overnight Shelter 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.Families with children/youth should contact the Guadalupe Community Center at 970-353-6433.
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Housing First: Learn Why It Works to End Homelessness
Share Housing First: Learn Why It Works to End Homelessness on Facebook Share Housing First: Learn Why It Works to End Homelessness on Twitter Share Housing First: Learn Why It Works to End Homelessness on Linkedin Email Housing First: Learn Why It Works to End Homelessness linkOn August 17, the City of Greeley’s Housing and Homeless Solutions Department held its second community update on housing and homelessness. The event was titled Housing First: Why This Works to End Homelessness. Dr. Sam Tsemberis presented the Housing First model, which he created. Many places, including Greeley, use this program to help people who are homeless and struggling with mental health issues and addiction. Housing First gives them a place to live immediately and support that focuses on their needs.
In addition to the workshop, Dr. Tsemberis met with Greeley’s Housing and Homeless Solutions Foundations Team. He also held roundtable discussions with service providers and leadership from local businesses and real estate.
Watch the full presentation below.
About the Presenter
Dr. Tsemberis, Ph.D., is a clinical-community psychologist who originated the “Housing First” model, an evidence based program with a well-documented record for effectively ending homelessness for individuals diagnosed with mental illness and addiction. Housing First programs are successfully implemented across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Dr. Tsemberis has decades of experience in operations, training, and research and currently serves as CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute, faculty at UCLA Department fo Psychiatry, and Executive Director of the UCLA-VA Center of Excellence for Veterans Homelessness and Recovery. He has published extensively on topics of mental health, addiction, and homelessness and received broad recognition for his work from the American Psychiatric and American Psychological Associations, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and others.
Who's Listening
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JK
Phone 1-806-678-8407 Email juliana.kitten@greeleygov.com
Housing Navigation Center & Cold Weather Shelter
Quick Polls
In your opinion, to what extent is homelessness an issue in Greeley?
Lifecycle
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2020: Stakeholder Tours of Different Housing Centers/Shelters
Homelessness and Housing has finished this stageStakeholders toured of Housing Navigation Center and Cold Weather Shelter, and Arroyo Village Campus in Denver.
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August - November 2021: Consultant Search
Homelessness and Housing has finished this stage- August 2021: Request for Proposal for further consideration of possible sheltering and housing alternatives.
- November 2021: contract finalized with Urbanity Advisors
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December 2021 - June 2022: Community Engagement
Homelessness and Housing has finished this stageScoping and Assessment – Stakeholder interviews and public community conversation sessions.
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June 14, 2022: Final Report/Presentation
Homelessness and Housing has finished this stageHomelessness and housing recommendations provided to City Council
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City Staff Recommendation Implementation
Homelessness and Housing has finished this stageDuring the June 14 work session, Council members instructed staff to supply further timelines and action steps for implementation of consultant recommendations at future City Council meetings and in concert with the Strategic Plan update.
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Ongoing Community Updates and Engagment
Homelessness and Housing is currently at this stage
Key Dates
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September 12 2024
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June 10 2024
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January 25 2024
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August 17 2023
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May 22 2023
Final Report and Recommendations
Engagement Level
- Involve: Work with the public to ensure their concerns and goals are understood and considered.
Learn more about the IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum.