In June, in a move recognizing a change in approach to mental illness, local police officers and other professionals will attend the National Co-Responder Conference to learn how to better serve the most vulnerable members of.
While the nonprofit that runs the day shelter for Aspen’s homeless population has decided to close it, Pitkin County’s Human Services staff are trying to figure out a way to keep it open.
Aspen Human Services Officer Braulio Jerez leads one of the weekly meetings at the Intercept Lot encampment for residents of the camp and case managers to discuss updates with the camp on Thursday, April 8, 2021. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times)
When a team of local officials established a Safe Outdoor Space at the Brush Creek lot last April, they thought the camp for people experiencing homelessness might exist for several months through tight COVID-19 restrictions.
“We certainly didn’t anticipate that the temporary Safe Outdoor Space would be here a year later,” said Nan Sundeen, Pitkin County’s director of human services.