Panhandling & Homelessness in Lone Tree
Addressing homelessness and related challenges, like panhandling, is a multi-faceted regional and national issue. In Lone Tree, our approach focuses on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness to resources while upholding local ordinances, like camping bans, and prioritizing safety.
Connecting Individuals to Resources
Our primary focus when contacting individuals experiencing homelessness is connecting them with resources. If you are experiencing homelessness, we encourage you to connect with these programs and organizations:
Does the City of Lone Tree provide health and human services?
The City of Lone Tree is not the provider of health and human services for the area. Lone Tree works collaboratively with Douglas County, the entity that receives funding and is responsible for providing health and human services. The County and City also work collaboratively with area nonprofits, like the Help & Hope Center and the Winter Shelter Network.
Enforcing Local Ordinances
The City takes public safety and enforcing the law seriously. Individuals that are breaking the law will be contacted by the Lone Tree Police Department (LTPD).
Overnight Camping on Public Property is Not Allowed in the City of Lone Tree
When there is an encampment on public property, the City will take action, within requirements of the law, to clear unlawful camping areas in accordance with local ordinances. This includes following state requirements for the City to post notice at camping areas in advance of clearing. On private property, law enforcement will work with the property owner to clear any individuals that are trespassing as reported by the private property owner.
Panhandling
The City does not have the legal ability to outlaw panhandling as it has been found to be protected by the First Amendment.
Median Safety Ordinance
Per Sec. 10-6-50 of the Municipal Code, the City has identified designated medians where pedestrian access is prohibited due to safety concerns that meet necessary criteria. The City is not allowed to have a blanked ban of pedestrian access on all medians.
Report a Concern
Know that our Police Department is available if you need to report a concern. Give us a call on our non-emergency line (303-799-0533) or visit our Police Headquarters in person at 9220 Kimmer Drive.
Role of the Lone Tree Police Department
Local law enforcement has limited ability to effectively address homelessness and panhandling. The Lone Tree Police Department (LTPD) has prioritized engagement with individuals in need and self initiates contact when feasible to connect them to appropriate resources. A Sergeant has been identified as a team lead to coordinate efforts to address homeless issues in the City. The City also recently hired a new officer to create a dedicated crisis response team that pairs a member of law enforcement with a mental health clinician to respond to individuals in need.