Two Years Off the Streets
One of Outreach Fort Collins’ first clients has been successfully housed for over two years. Take a second to soak that in. After 10 years of homelessness, trauma, and chronic alcoholism, that’s two years he hasn’t slept on the street. Two years with a bed. Two years of peace and healing. It’s also two years that he hasn’t been involved in the criminal justice system, not over utilizing police and emergency services, and not at the top of the “frequent utilizer list.”
While our client’s life on the street was rough, he was also very willing to engage with our team and we quickly built trust and rapport. After one failed attempt and return to homelessness, the client re-engaged with our team and attempted a second run at Fort Lyon, which is a sober transitional housing program in Southern Colorado. Because the OFC program is flexible and he was willing to try again, we were able to work together to get him back to Fort Lyon. There he engaged with AA/NA meetings, social activities, and began dealing with years of trauma and health related issues. After over a year at Fort Lyon, he was able to move into an apartment in a near-by town.
Life has become easier for our client. He has a roommate and is now engaged with the community in a very positive way. We keep in touch from time to time and are glad to report that he is doing well, has reconnected with some old friends, and continues down a path of healing and self understanding.
This is the impact of Outreach Fort Collins. By building trust with clients, we offer support and connection to appropriate resources and encouragement when challenges surface. This work changes lives and creates a positive impact for the entire community.