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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2021 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO BY APPROPRIATING $225,268 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS THROUGH INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND OTHER EFFORTS AND THE RECRUITMENT OF A COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR AND AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXPENDITURE THEREOF
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Summary and Background Information:
On July 13, 2020 a presentation providing an overview of homelessness in Adams County and Commerce City was presented by a number of organizations. Representatives from Adams County and Access Housing provided information regarding existing programs, services and initiatives and the Homelessness Action Plan. On November 23, 2020 City staff presented a holistic approach to homelessness in Commerce City and Adams County. The presentation included a request for consideration of funding in the amount of $225,268 for Homelessness. City Council directed City staff to prepare an 2021 re-appropriation budget ordinance , Ordinance 2310. The funding provides for two full time position, a Community Navigator and Park Ranger position as well as operating supplies necessary to operate the program in the first year. City staff will work with other governmental agencies and third party contractors for the provision of some services.
The City will continue to work with the Adams County Department of Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB), aligning resources and strategy under a community based, community-first philosophy to better citizen experience and quality of life. As well as Access Housing, a non-profit located in Commerce City dedicated to homeless prevention, family shelter and community engagement serving over 1,500 people in 2019; and other metro area governmental agencies and non-profits.
What is a Community Navigator? An individual that connects services to people of all ages who are experiencing challenges and/or homelessness; a community liaison developing relationships with city staff, residents and homeless users of parks, tr...
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