Comparative Site Analysis Debrief & Site Selection
The Homelessness Advisory Committee was reconvened virtually on Wednesday, May 4 to discuss learnings from the recently-completed comparative site analysis of potential locations for a future 24/7 shelter in our community. The analysis was not intended to and does not make a recommendation on a site, but rather is meant to assess high level site challenges and opportunities.
Materials (Site Analysis & Companion Document)
Additionally, after the 18-month Homelessness Advisory Committee process, including the above comparative site analysis, Fort Collins Rescue Mission selected 1311 N. College (Mason & Hibdon) as their preferred location for the future shelter. They will be working with the landowner, Bohemian Foundation, on next steps, including the development review process.
About the Committee#
Like other cities in the U.S., Fort Collins is a place where there are individuals and families experiencing homelessness; existing service providers are being strained by the extent of the need and, in some cases, are outgrowing their facilities.
In November 2019, the Fort Collins City Manager convened a temporary Homelessness Advisory Committee (HAC) of diverse members representing business owners, service providers, members of the faith community, healthcare professionals, and community members (with and without lived experience of homelessness) to develop recommendations and considerations for expanding emergency shelter capacity within Fort Collins. The committee began this work in support of our community’s goal to make homelessness rare, short-lived, and non-recurring. Meetings were open to the public to observe and were often well attended.
The HAC was formed in response to systemic pressures in the community and specifically after a site search for potential new shelter space and co-located services in 2019. Concerns were raised by some community members after a site in north Fort Collins was secured as an option. City Manager Atteberry then decided to pause the exploration process and zoom out for additional dialogue.
Homelessness Advisory Committee 1.0#
The charge of the first Homelessness Advisory Committee (HAC 1.0) was to:
- Understand current conditions
- Consider response models
- Explore opportunities / tradeoffs of a co-located model
- Seek strategies to address and mitigate challenges
- Determine criteria for site feasibility
- Consider potential locations
The committee learned about the current situation facing community members experiencing homelessness through reviewing data, panel discussions with providers and responders, conversations with each other, and visiting existing shelters. They surfaced current gaps in services for different populations and trends in data. Despite being interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, most committee members continued participating after a multi-month break in active meetings to assemble a final report.
The committee's Recommendations and Considerations for Homeless Shelters in Fort Collins are now available for review.
Click here to view or download the committee's final report (HAC 1.0)
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Advisory Committee Members#
Alma Vigo-Morales
Fernando Leyva
Ben Mozer
Brian Ferrans
Cheryl Zimlich
David Rout
Dean Hoag
Desiree Anthony
Jeff Swoboda
Johnny Square
Joshua Geppelt
Julie Brewen
Kristen Psaki
Laura Walker
Lily Adams
Luke McFetridge
Matt Robenalt
Michael Sinnett
Nick Verni-Lau
Yvonne Myers
Holly LeMasurier
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Committee Meetings & Materials#
- Nov. 13, 2019
- Dec. 5, 2019
- Dec. 23, 2019 -- CANCELED for Site Visits
- Jan. 16, 2020
- Feb. 3, 2020
- Feb. 24, 2020
- March 19, 2020 - CANCELED
- April 9, 2020 - CANCELED
- April 30, 2020 - CANCELED
- May 21, 2020 - CANCELED
- June 11, 2020
- July 2, 2020
- July 20, 2020
- August 24, 2020
- September 9, 2020
Homelessness Advisory Committee 2.0#
In November of 2020, a sub-group of the HAC 1.0 was convened, made up of committee members who volunteered to continue and build on the work of the first advisory committee, plus additional strategic partners.
The committee, referred to as HAC 2.0, was asked to consider key questions and deliver recommendations to the City Manager. This phase of committee work built on the findings from HAC 1.0 by starting at the major point of consensus around the need for a 24/7 shelter in our community and refining the areas that needed more deliberation and details for next steps.
The committee focused on responding to four Key Questions for Consideration:
- What amenities and services should be co-located with a 24/7 shelter?
- Where can a new 24/7 homeless shelter be located?
- What trade-offs will exist?
- How can impacts be addressed and mitigated?
- What type of engagement is needed?
- What funding considerations are recommended?
Click here to view or download the committee's final report (HAC 2.0)
Haga clic aquí para ver el informe finalizado (Spanish language version)
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Advisory Committee Members#
Brian Ferrans – Health District of Northern Larimer County
Cheryl Zimlich – Bohemian Foundation
David Rout – Homeward Alliance
Dean Hoag – North Fort Collins Business Association
Desiree Anthony – Fort Collins Rescue Mission
Gloria Kat – The Family Center
Joe Domko - Catholic Charities
Julie Brewen – Housing Catalyst
Laura Walker – Larimer County
Matt Robenalt – Downtown Development Authority
Seth Forwood – Fort Collins Rescue Mission
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Committee Meetings & Materials#
December 18, 2020
January 22, 2021
February 5, 2021
February 26, 2021
March 12, 2021
April 9, 2021
April 23, 2021
May 7, 2021
May 21, 2021
July 7, 2021
- HAC Follow-up meeting, 8:00AM on Zoom
- Link to Join & Observe Meeting