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.
Please call 911 immediately.
Based on the location of your business, please contact your local law enforcement agency by calling the non-emergency phone number listed below:
Douglas County, City of Castle Pines and Town of Larkspur – 303-660-7505
Town of Castle Rock – 303-663-6100
City of Lone Tree – 303-799-0533
Town of Parker – 303-841-9800
HEART is a co-responder team that pairs Navigators with local law enforcement to respond to community calls regarding homelessness and provide support and resources to unhoused individuals. This co-responder team strengthens the system of support for those experiencing homelessness. To contact HEART for assistance please call 303-660-7301 or use this online referral form
Please contact the Homeless Engagement Assistance and Resource Team (HEART). They will be able to connect you with resources for a safe and fast cleanup.
HEART is available 7 days a week between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. You may call the HEART at 303-660-7301 or use the online referral form
Based on the location of your business, please contact your local law enforcement agency by calling the non-emergency phone number listed below:
Douglas County, City of Castle Pines and Town of Larkspur – 303-660-7505
Town of Castle Rock – 303-663-6100
City of Lone Tree – 303-799-0533
Town of Parker – 303-841-9800
Please contact 911 if there is an emergency.
If it isn’t an emergency, please contact the Homeless Engagement Assistance and Resource Team (HEART). They will be able to contact the individuals and connect them to the appropriate resources.
To contact HEART for assistance please call 303-660-7301 or use this online referral form
Based on the location of your business, please contact your local law enforcement agency by calling the non-emergency phone number listed below:
Douglas County, City of Castle Pines and Town of Larkspur – 303-660-7505
Town of Castle Rock – 303-663-6100
City of Lone Tree – 303-799-0533
Town of Parker – 303-841-9800
A trespass letter is a tool that businesses can use when someone repeatedly comes to a property after they were asked to leave. If there is no responsible party on-site at the business when the trespass is occurring, it enables law enforcement to act and give the violator a trespass notice. Trespass letters may not need to be person-specific and may be issued as a general letter to cover anyone who is trespassing. Please click here for more information.
If you are the landowner, you can sign the trespass letter. Please contact your landlord if you do not own the property on which your business is located.
Helping to communicate to surrounding property owners the resources available, including information about HEART, the trespass letter, and Douglas County Homeless Initiative (DCHI) is a great way to start.
The Douglas County Homeless Initiative meetings offer information concerning homelessness for business and community members. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Community members are welcome to attend either in person or remotely. You will find agendas and minutes for each meeting by clicking here
The first step in connecting someone to resources for those experiencing homelessness in our community is to contact HEART.
HEART is available 7 days a week, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. You may call the HEART at 303-660-7301 or use the online referral form
Based on the location of your business, please contact your local law enforcement agency by calling the non-emergency phone number listed below:
Douglas County, City of Castle Pines and Town of Larkspur – 303-660-7505
Town of Castle Rock – 303-663-6100
City of Lone Tree – 303-799-0533
Town of Parker – 303-841-9800
There is a safer way to aid the unhoused population in Douglas County without giving money or products you sell directly to individuals. Douglas County has initiated a public awareness campaign, “Handouts Don’t Help,” to help redirect our citizens’ generosity and encourage donations to non-profits online. Please give safely at DouglasHasHeart.org
If you would like to make a monetary donation to the Douglas County Community Foundation, 100% of your donations will go to local Douglas County non-profits that directly assist the unhoused. Please give safely at DouglasHasHeart.org
Organizations that have received donations of $2,500:
The funds you donate are given to local non-profits in Douglas County that provide direct services to the unhoused, and 100% of the funds go directly to the organizations. They are Help and Hope Center, Family Tree (Goals), and Douglas County Homeless Initiative.
The “Handouts Don’t Help” signage is part of a public awareness campaign that encourages residents and businesses to contribute toward local services that support those who are experiencing homelessness, rather than giving money directly to panhandlers. This is a safe way for well-meaning residents to contribute toward a community-wide solution. The signage offers a safe way to donate through DouglasHasHeart.org and a way to connect to HEART for community resources and outreach.
There are multiple options available for businesses to obtain signage. Options include:
Please contact Melody D’Haillecourt at 303-814-4380 or mdhaillecourt@douglas.co.us for assistance with obtaining a sign and installation options.
