Douglas County understands that homelessness is a complex issue that has a widespread effect on our community. In our response, the County’s aim is to consider the needs of people experiencing homelessness and the needs and expectations of citizens and businesses.
Being unhoused is not a crime, and it is not our intent to criminalize homelessness. For more information click here.
With everyone working together under the “Four Cs”: Compassion, Code Enforcement, Community Services, and Communications, Douglas County implemented the Homeless, Engagement, Assistance, and Resource Team (HEART). HEART is a co-responder team with local law enforcement that balances compassionate public safety with behavioral health expertise to help those who are experiencing homelessness navigate to available resources. To contact HEART for assistance, please call 303-660-7301 or use this online referral form
Douglas County has also installed “Handouts Don’t Help” signage throughout the County to redirect the kindness and generosity of the community to donate safely to douglashasheart.org.