Merchant Resources
Providing Support for Individual Needs
Each of our stakeholders has unique and important needs. We work close with merchants in our coverage area to provide support to their individual needs. We are on-call and available to come and provide in-person support when you need. We also like to offer to merchants an opportunity to meet proactively with our team to offer suggestions, provide training for your team and help you make a plan for any issues you may face in or around your business. Please call us at 970-658-0088, or email us at info@outreachfortcollins.org to set something up!
970.658.0088
On Call Hours
970.658.0088
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-8pm
Friday: 9am-8pm
Saturday: 9am-8pm
Sunday: Closed
Questions OFC is Frequently Asked
I want to help those experiencing homelessness near my business. What can I do?
In our experience everyone wants to be treated as a human being, a simple good morning and a courteous greeting goes a long way, no matter who you’re talking to. Many merchants we’ve worked with have found that there are regulars around their property; if you’re comfortable, get to know them, greet them on your way in, if there are supports you want to offer, do so. We recommend that you determine what your boundaries are and you stick to them. If you’re unsure or want some guidance on appropriate boundaries, let us know, we’re happy to come and talk through your particular situation.
I found needles near my business. What can I do?
Our team carries sharps containers and gloves and we’re happy to come and safely pick them up and take them for disposal. If needles are an ongoing issue on your property, we’re happy to offer some thoughts on how to mitigate the problem.
I have a large team and want everyone to know about OFC. How do we make that happen?
Let us know, we’re happy to come to a staff meeting, or if you have multiple for a very large team, we’ll come to all! We can do a 5 minute spiel to help your team know when to call OFC, or we can do a longer training focusing on larger issues in the community, our work, how to deal with issues in your area, etc.
I have people camping on my property. What can I do?
We get this question a lot. First and foremost know what your boundaries are and make sure all of your staff are aware and on the same page. We recommend you have adequate signage and lighting; these things make your boundaries clear and set a tone of expectation for anyone on your property. If you engage with the people who are camping on your property we recommend you are polite, treat them with respect and set a very clear boundary. Some property owners might offer to call OFC to come talk about shelters and other options. Others take it a step further and offer info on shelters and bus routes. Do what you feel comfortable with. You’re welcome to call OFC to talk with the campers. We do not ask people to move, that will fall to you as a property owner. Our general messaging is, “you’re currently camping on private property, which could result in trespassing tickets. Would you like information on shelters in the area?”
Someone left their property. What do I do with it?
We recommend you write a polite note with very clear boundaries and a timeline for when the items will be removed and disposed of. OFC is unable to come and remove items for you. It has been our experience that, except for in very specific situations, the police also will not come and remove property.
I’m experiencing issues but I’m not within the boundaries of OFC. Who can help?
OFC’s current coverage area is downtown and North Fort Collins. If you’re outside this area and experiencing issues you’re welcome to call us and we can talk through your current situation and offer suggestions. If your issues fall into the police response territory, don’t hesitate to call non-emergency police and ask for an officer, or in an emergency utilize 911. Additionally if someone is experiencing a mental health crisis the SummitStone Health Partners Crisis Center is available at 970-494-4420.
Merchant Feedback
Have you had a recent contact with Outreach Fort Collins? Let us know how our team did! Please take a moment to fill out the survey below. Your feedback will help us improve our program to better serve our community. Thank you!