Commerce CITY, Colo. (KDVR) — City leaders in Commerce City say they’re taking a new approach Addressing homelessness We are working to show residents that progress is being made.
Officials estimate that about 70 people currently live on the streets of the commercial city. The city’s plan to get them off the streets is two-fold: providing services to those experiencing homelessness while removing encampments from public spaces like parks and sidewalks.
“I know there is frustration, but we are making progress and finding a balance to help,” City Councilman Charles Dukes said.
In June 2024, the City of Commerce Council voted to update the camping ordinance, giving city staff the authority to transport people off public or private property. Sgt. Rick Evans of the Commerce City Police Department described the method the city is using to do this as compassionate.
“We need to look at them as individuals and take it as an individualized approach to meeting what that person needs,” Evans said.
When an encampment is reported, police issue a seven-day warning. Campers are told to move during the week or risk arrest. During that time, the city’s outreach team connects individuals with services and resources. Although Commerce City does not have its own shelter, the team may help individuals find shelter beds in nearby cities or provide a bus ticket.
Police then check midweek, and seven days later, public works crews clean up the camp. The city stores any remaining personal belongings for up to 30 days.
“We have the help we need with the community well-being team,” Dukes said. “This assistance helps keep people off the streets while keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe.”
Since the city launched the effort, the number of calls about encampments has decreased and areas previously lined with tents have been cleaned up, Evans said.
“Our community members and people who want to visit our community want to be in a community where they don’t have to experience the uncleanliness and the crime and some of the other issues that come with some of these camps,” Evans said.
With city officials It was taken to social media To share updates and photos, hoping to show gradual but steady progress.
Residents who see the camps can Report them Through the Commercial City website. City crews will investigate and begin cleanup.