Law enforcement personnel are constantly challenged to balance the individual freedoms of homeless citizens while improving the overall health, safety and welfare of the community. In June of 2008, the City of Colorado Springs experienced a dramatic increase in the number of homeless camps, which numbered more than 500, on public land adjacent to recreational trails and creek beds. In 2009, the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) was formed to coordinate efforts among a large number of advocacy groups and service providers. In 2010, the team was recognized with the "International Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing."
Since that time, the "HOT" team has been compassionately serving the homeless community by providing citizens with information and referrals that help them find permanent housing and become self-sustainable. According to local research, the average cost to support a chronic homeless person with police, fire and medical services is approximately $58,000 a year.
If you would like to learn more about the team's efforts or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
Phone: 719-444-7666*
Email: CSPDHot@coloradosprings.gov
*This number and email are NOT for reporting illegal activity.
NOTE: If you are calling to report a crime, please call 444-7000 or 911 if it is an emergency.
Community Resources
A list of available resources can be found at: HelpCOS.org.