Programs
Critical Housing Opportunities Program (CHOP)
- The Critical Housing Opportunities Program (CHOP) was created in November 2009 with direct funding from the City of Longmont City Council to address identified service gaps for the winter sheltering season by providing 4 months of temporary housing subsidies and case management for 10 households in Longmont
- Based on the success of CHOP in the 2009-2010 winter season, plans have been laid to continue and expand this program.
- Over 30 families were housed under the Housing First Program with all moving into permanent independent housing within 24 months. All received supportive services on a 24/7 basis during those 24 months. With their Case Managers, they prepared and worked on their Family Improve-ment Plan. A mentoring program was started to support the families.
- In addition, LHOT, in collaboration with the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless is expanding the Housing First program to a countywide one that serves individuals. A grant was awarded that will provide housing for up to 22 persons, 10 of whom are from Longmont.
- The Longmont Housing Authority is master leasing 10 studio units at the Briarwood Apartments to agencies that serve the homeless. They then rent the units to persons who are homeless on a short-term or long-term basis. Case management of the residents is provided by the leasing agency. 66 persons were assisted since October 1, 2007.
After research and design by LHOT, a Day Shelter was opened in partnership with Longmont’s OUR Center. Since opening on June 6, 2005, the Day Shelter has served 1,079 unduplicated Longmont clients providing emergency food, showers, laundry, personal care items, clothing, prescriptions, glasses, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, towels, identification and birth certificates, mail, and voice mail service. Salud Clinic’s Mobile Unit screened 400 persons who are now receiving follow up treatment at Salud Clinic. Birth certificates and photo id’s are being obtained which enable these persons to apply for jobs and benefits where before they could not. 21% are now receiving benefits they are entitled to, 12% have secured permanent housing and 17% have obtained employment.
- HOPE (Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement) was formed and is providing outreach to the “street” homeless ensuring they get referred to services and are safe from the elements.
- Two Warming Centers will be in operation this winter when severe weather conditions exist:
- OUR Center Warming Center
- Agape Family Services (formerly COrES) Warming Center – a collaboration of churches
- Two shelters support Longmont’s homeless including the Boulder Shelter for homeless individuals and the Atwood Shelter for homeless families
- Developed a resource pamphlet to assist the homeless in accessing services and to provide information to the community about services for the homeless and nearly homeless.
- Sponsored several Hunger & Homeless Awareness Events which attracted over 400 persons. The authors of “Under the Overpass” and “Seven Steps to Success I Learned from Homeless People” were brought in to speak to the community. The events were taped by the local public access channel which broadcasts the events periodically. The events were also made into a CD and are available for showings to church groups, Rotaries, and other interested community groups.
- Supported the Longmont Youth Council’s Art Contest to select a piece for a poster to hold Resource Cards specifically for homeless youth.
- Launched “Community Cares” packages providing food and phone gift cards, bus tokens, etc., a non-monetary way for the public to help the homeless.
