A Colorado county has successfully reduced its homeless population by implementing a campaign that discourages handouts, redirecting donations to local organizations that provide comprehensive services.
In the face of Denver's escalating homelessness crisis, neighboring Douglas County has struck a different path. Guided by the belief that "Handouts Don't Help," the county has launched a groundbreaking campaign that has nearly eradicated its unhoused population.
Throughout Douglas County, eye-catching signs with the slogan "Handouts Don't Help" line intersections and roadways that were formerly popular panhandling spots. The signs direct citizens to DouglasHasHeart.org, where they can redirect their donations to the Douglas County Community Foundation.
Douglas County Tackles Homelessness with "Handouts Don't Help" Campaign
Republican County Commissioner Abe Laydon, the driving force behind the initiative, explains the rationale behind the campaign. "We saw people feeling conflicted at intersections. They want to help, but they're aware of stories where funds may not be used appropriately."
"It's a common sense approach," Laydon says. "The more you give at those corners, the more people it attracts. It becomes a conversation topic on the streets – if you go to this corner, you'll get money there."
Douglas County Tackles Homelessness with "Handouts Don't Help" Campaign
The county's "Handouts Don't Help" initiative has been met with tangible results. Between 2022 and 2024, Douglas County's homeless population on the streets has plummeted from 43 individuals to just six, according to point-in-time count reports.
Intersections and street corners where the homeless once loitered are now clear. The HEART Team, a collaboration between the county, behavioral health experts, and police officers, reaches out to the homeless, offering services to help them get back on their feet.
Douglas County Tackles Homelessness with "Handouts Don't Help" Campaign
HEART Team navigator Tiffany Marsitto emphasizes the importance of persistence in engaging with the homeless population. "We had an individual who was initially resistant to services, but we kept trying. When he was ready, we helped him secure housing."
The county's multi-faceted approach includes discouraging illegal camping. HEART Team navigator Rand Clark explains that the goal is compliance, using ordinances to encourage the homeless to seek better solutions, such as shelters.
Douglas County Tackles Homelessness with "Handouts Don't Help" Campaign
The Douglas County Community Fund has received over $11,000 in donations, largely from citizens who saw the campaign signage. The county's homeless initiative is funded through federal American Rescue Plan funds rather than tax dollars.
Laydon believes that the "Handouts Don't Help" approach can be replicated nationwide. "It's a behavior change that could stem the tide of homelessness everywhere," he says.
However, Cathy Alderman of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless expresses skepticism about the campaign's effectiveness in addressing large-scale homelessness, citing the lack of shelter and robust services provided in Douglas County.
