The Colorado Springs City Council might pass a No-Camping Ordinance this week, with a second reading on Feb. 23. Whether or not the ordinance passes, the community needs greater shelter capacity and more options for our destitute and suffering neighbors. A two-part public forum held Jan. 18 & 20 identified three priority solutions: a designated tent city area with self-governance, a second shelter with fewer rules to temporarily house those unable or unwilling (i.e. people with pets, couples, inebriated) to enter the Salvation Army shelter, and a homeless employment agency to network skilled homeless workers with employers willing to hire them (click here for a decent Gazette article on the forum).

In partnership with Catholic Charities, the J&P will convene another forum to see if the community wants to draft action plans and commit resources to these solutions. Come Out of the Cold 3 will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. Monday, March 1 at the Marian House, 14 W. Bijou St. For more information on how to be involved, contact Steve at (719) 632-6189 or econjustice@ppjpc.org.