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• CC to hold panel discussion on downtown homeless

  May 9, 2013 3:26 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - The issue of panhandling in downtown Colorado Springs is back in the news because the panhandlers themselves are back. Following a failed attempt to completely ban soliciting downtown, Colorado College will host a series of Community Conversations to find better solutions to help the chronically homeless and... more »

• Colo. facility focused on female homeless vets

  November 28, 2012 4:28 PM

  AURORA, Colo. (AP) - It's the "invisible population" that officials from an Aurora shelter want to see more often. As the last remaining days pass before final approval from Department of Veterans Affairs comes in for the Aurora program, Comitis Crisis Center spokesman James Gillespie says getting the word out... more »

• Fire in abandoned building from transients in need of shelter and warmth isn't an uncommon occurrence Play Video

  October 14, 2012 5:35 PM

  The inside of an abandoned building burns in downtown Colorado Springs, and the fire department says they believe it was set by transients. We found out the colder the weather gets, the more chances the homeless will take to stay warm. "They did make a choice of breaking and... more »

• Medical students care for homeless patients in Hawaii

  September 9, 2012 2:59 PM

  HONOLULU (AP) - The University of Hawaii medical students have treated homeless shelter patients more than 7,600 times in the six years since the university started its homeless outreach program. The John A. Burns School of Medicine said Friday nearly 450 medical students have volunteered for the program since 2006.... more »

• Sex offenders slipping through the cracks

  August 4, 2012 1:32 AM

  Sex offenders are manipulating their identities to slip through the cracks of law enforcement; a new study funded by the United States Justice Department shows about 16 percent of them are living secretly among us. It's also a problem here in Colorado Springs. About 1,100 registered sex offenders are... more »

• Mother and daughter find home after living in a Winnebago Play Video

  June 15, 2012 7:22 PM

  From living in a Winnebago to homeless no more! A Pueblo mom and her five-year-old daughter are happy to say they've found a home. We found out this mom has no intention of ever giving up. A little girl can finally play in a room of her own. ... more »

• Homeless family moves out of RV

  April 2, 2012 6:40 PM

  Meagan Taylor is moving out of her RV. She's the homeless lady whose story we've been telling you about, but over the weekend, her RV was burglarized. Now she's packing up and says she's not going back. She's found temporary housing for about a week, and Posada is continuously... more »

• Homeless Family's Winnebago Burglarized Play Video

  April 1, 2012 5:08 PM

  Meagan Taylor is the Pueblo woman we told you about a week ago who has been living in a Winnebago with her young daughter for five years. She is still in need of help to better her situation, and Sunday we learned her RV was burglarized Saturday night. ... more »

• Mayor visits Springs Rescue Mission

  March 29, 2012 7:51 PM

  Mayor Steve Bach took a tour of the Springs Rescue Mission Thursday morning to see first hand the work the non-profit agency does in helping the homeless and working poor in our community. The Mission is currently undergoing a million dollar expansion to their facilities that will allow them to... more »

• Police ask for your help for homeless family Play Video

  March 26, 2012 6:44 PM

  Imagine living next to the railroad tracks in a broken down motor home with no running water. Plus, you have a four-year-old daughter who's never known anything else. Pueblo police officers discovered just that quite by accident a few weeks ago. They came to us in hopes... more »

• Local homeless counted, with federal funding on the line Play Video

  January 24, 2012 7:54 PM

  How many people are homeless in Colorado Springs? What can be done to help? These questions have been asked a lot around Colorado Springs in the past couple of years. Tuesday, groups were out searching for answers. "...And your birthday?" a volunteer asks a man coming to the... more »

• Homeless NY science whiz getting $50K scholarship

  January 19, 2012 9:00 AM

  BRENTWOOD, N.Y. (AP) - The accolades continue for a homeless New York teen who's a semifinalist in a prestigious national science contest. Brentwood High School senior Samantha Garvey will appear in a broadcast of "Ellen" airing Thursday. NBC New York television says talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will present the... more »

• 'Squatting' could be to blame for recent fires

  January 16, 2012 12:20 AM

  Last Sunday an outbuilding of an apartment complex burned to the ground on Hathaway Drive nearly taking another building with it. The suspected cause was transients living in the abandoned buildings. Less than a week later an abandoned warehouse on Sierra Madre in Colorado Springs was engulfed in flames. It... more »

• Homeless program in danger of losing funding Play Video

  December 11, 2011 11:26 PM

  For nearly 2 years, the homeless and down on their luck have been coming to the Aztec Motel in hopes of starting a new life. People like Cole Horn and his family. "It was looking like it was going to be the shelter or the streets for us." Without... more »

• Police: Homeless issues are still here Play Video

  December 1, 2011 11:04 PM

  Day after day Officers Brett Iverson and M.J. Thompson walk the trails around Colorado Springs. They're part of CSPD's Homeless Outreach Team. On a day like this they're trying to get the city's homeless off the cold streets and in to a shelter. "The last thing we want to find... more »

• Colder weather on its way; warming shelters open their doors Play Video

  November 27, 2011 4:00 PM

  With colder temperatures on their way later this week, the city reminds citizens of warming shelters in Colorado Springs for those in need. The primary warming shelter is the Springs is located at the Salvation Army's Montgomery Center located at 709 Sierra Madre Ave, which can accommodate 45 individuals.... more »

• Come out and help fight homelessness Play Video

  November 5, 2011 12:47 PM

  Today until 4 pm at America the Beautiful Park, Colorado Springs Fights Homelessness hosts an event with free food, fun, and music and lets you find out what you can do to fight homelessness in El Paso County. The event is family friendly with live radio remotes, inflatable games,... more »

• Who tracks homeless sex offenders?

  August 31, 2011 8:30 PM

  There are 48 transient or homeless registered sex offenders in El Paso County, but law enforcement doesn't have to know where they are. Colorado law is unclear about what requirements homeless sex offenders have, or how law enforcement has to keep track of them. While some agencies do more... more »

• Springs Rescue Mission to touch many lives

  August 11, 2011 8:05 PM

  Springs Rescue Mission is on its way to help many more in the Springs community. The mission recently revealed its three-year plan, which targets three groups: adult men, families and the chronically homeless. "We're the only recovery program in town now...and we have a waiting list for our recovery program,"... more »

• Springs Rescue Mission's $5 million dollar Project

  August 11, 2011 2:20 PM

  Springs Rescue Mission announces phase one of its three-year plan to serve homeless in the Pikes Peak region. Three initiatives: the Supportive Family Housing Program, the New Life Program, and the Resource Advocacy Program, are a direct result of the plan. All have a common goal in mind... more »

• Residents of the Express Inn asked to leave

  May 8, 2011 1:33 PM

  Several residents of the Express Inn, on the corner of Cimarron and 8th Street in Colorado Springs, say the hotel is closing down. Many of the residents, who are now packing up and leaving, were previously homeless and now have no place to go. Back in March News First... more »

• Sex offender uses dumpster as legal address

  May 4, 2011 12:38 PM

  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Albuquerque authorities arrested a homeless man for failing to notify them that he moved out of the trash dumpster he listed as his address. KOB-TV reports Charles Mader is a convicted sex offender and is required to give the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department a physical address.... more »

• HIV/AIDS homeless grants coming to Colorado

  May 3, 2011 5:12 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado programs that help the homeless and those with HIV/AIDS have received nearly $2 million in federal grants. The U.S. Development of Housing and Urban Development announced Monday that Colorado programs will get $1.8 million. Denver-based Del Norte Neighborhood Development Corp. will get nearly $1.5 million... more »

• Colorado receives nearly $2 million for homeless outreach

  May 3, 2011 3:21 PM

  Colorado programs that help the homeless have received $1.8 million in federal grants. That includes Homeward Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, which has received nearly $149,000. We called today to find out what they will use the money for and they said they will be able to provide housing and... more »

• Express Inn facing foreclosure, non-profit trying to keep helping

  March 28, 2011 6:49 PM

  Virgil Caddell has been a resident at the Express Inn on West Cimarron Street in Colorado Springs since being caught sleeping in his car one night about a year and a half ago. "Police directed me here and I've been here ever since." says Caddell. It was tough for... more »

• Homeless Veterans forum Monday

  February 4, 2011 4:08 PM

  More than 100 participants are expected Monday at a regional forum in Denver aimed at ending homelessness among veterans. It will be held Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Denver VA Medical Center, 1055 Clermont Street, Denver. The forum is sponsored by The... more »

• Helping homeless women vets in Colorado

  January 25, 2011 8:29 AM

  The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans reports that 5-percent of homeless vets are women. The women provide a challenge to homeless advocates, since most programs are geared to men. In Colorado, that could be changing. more »

• Golden voiced homeless man on "Dr. Phil"

  January 11, 2011 2:47 PM

  LOS ANGELES (AP) - The homeless man with the golden voice has had an encounter with police while in Los Angeles to tape the "Dr. Phil" show. Officers were called when Ted Williams and his daughter got into a heated argument last night at a Hollywood hotel. They say... more »

• Baby starves at homeless shelter

  January 3, 2011 6:50 PM

  PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Two family caseworkers have been suspended after a 2-month-old boy starved to death at a Philadelphia homeless shelter. Police have charged 32-year-old Tanya Williams with murder in the Dec. 23 death of her son. They also are exploring possible criminal charges against others. Homicide Sgt. Tim... more »

• New Orleans warehouse fire kills 8 homeless

  December 28, 2010 9:28 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A blaze in an abandoned warehouse in New Orleans has killed eight homeless people who were burning wood in a barrel to stay warm during a freezing night. New Orleans Fire Department spokesman Greg Davis says firefighters could not tell the ages or genders of... more »

• Father turns heartbreak into heart warming event

  November 14, 2010 12:37 AM

  Saturday night was supposed to be a joyous night for the Shafer family. "My youngest daughter was to be married this evening." explains Mac Shafer, the father of the bride. Sadly, it never happened. "We had a tough time and it didn't work out." says Shafer. With few options on... more »

• Father of the bride becomes best man

  November 13, 2010 5:07 PM

  What would you do if your daughter's wedding canceled and you couldn't get your money back on the reception dinner? One father in Colorado Springs is becoming the best man by hosting a dinner for others in need. We are working on this story and others tonight at 10pm. more »

• Soldier gets help getting off the streets

  November 6, 2010 12:43 AM

  The hassles of moving are only happiness for Jesse Thomas, an Iraq combat veteran who's been homeless for months; including the last five that he's had his son, Jah-mere. "This is the car seat that I had for him when we slept in the car and these two baby... more »

• Homeless veterans to be offered help

  October 11, 2010 7:05 PM

  Homeless veterans will receive basic car at a Stand Down event on October 14 at City Auditorium. Stand Down events are held across the country, generally close to Veterans Day. City Auditorium 221 E. Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs Thursday, October 14 9 a.m. -... more »

• Homeless problem still very real say advocates

  October 4, 2010 8:28 PM

  Earlier this year, many parts of Colorado Springs looked like a campground on a holiday. More than 600 homeless people camped along creek beds every night. In March, that all changed with the city's camping ban. Many homeless were moved into motels as part of transitional programs. "We were... more »

• Pueblo Sexually Violent Predator has new address

  October 4, 2010 12:00 PM

  Pueblo Police report that an ex-con labeled as a Sexually Violent Predator, Emmanuel Bitsuie, is living in the 1200 block of E. Evans Ave. Previously, he was homeless. Bitsuie is on Intensive Supervised Parole for the next 22 months and his movements are being tracked with a GPS... more »

• Police Department wins award for handling of homeless

  September 29, 2010 7:37 PM

  The Colorado Springs Police Department has won an award for its handling of homeless problems through the Homeless Outreach Team. Chief Richard Myers said, "This is a proud day for CSPD and the community of Colorado Springs. It shows what a committed team of police officers can do, while... more »

• Sexually violent predator to live in Pueblo

  September 1, 2010 2:52 PM

  A man with sexually violent predator status is to be released from the Department of Corrections to live in the Pueblo area. Emmanuel Bitsuie, age 24, is being released today from the Colorado Department of Corrections with the condition that he undergo 2 years of Intensive Supervised Parole. This... more »

• Fixing bikes, hoping to fix lives

  August 30, 2010 8:15 PM

  Peter Sprunger-Froese's Bike Clinic in Colorado Springs is filled with some of the lost and forgotten parts of bicycles that people thought showed no promise, but Peter brings them back. "To bring life to these bikes, that are what we're trying to do here, says Sprunger-Froese, as he works... more »

• Former homeless man uses detox to turn over new leaf

  August 25, 2010 8:05 PM

  Kevin Loveall's problems started at an early age. "For 34 years I drank. I just never was serious about staying sober and getting help." he explains, dressed in his green inmate uniform, "I wound up homeless and I wound up here." He's talking about the El Paso County Detox Center.... more »

• Homeless man found living in library

  August 18, 2010 10:55 AM

  I can think of worse places to live--Police say a homeless man lived unnoticed in the basement of a New Jersey library for nearly two weeks. He had plenty to read, internet access, and abundant food--thanks to the employee break-room. (And workers thought that weasley guy in Research was stealing... more »

• Man arrested for assault on officer

  August 10, 2010 8:30 PM

  A man was arrested in Colorado Springs for assaulting a police officer Tuesday morning. According to police, officers were assisting with clean up of trail areas with the help of the Homeless Outreach Team. Jonathan Patzel, 20, who was camping under a bridge, became combative. Officers reported he pushed... more »

• Reason to celebrate

  June 3, 2010 11:18 PM

  When talking about homelessness in Colorado Springs, for a while there hasn't been much to celebrate. However, on Thursday, Homeward Pikes Peak and those staying at the Aztec Motel are getting out the cake. "Some people aren't here because they've gotten jobs and they've moved on." Bob Holmes, with... more »

• Open mic ceremony honors Pueblo's homeless

  June 1, 2010 4:33 PM

  A memorial took place in Pueblo today to honor nine men who were homeless and died over the past year. More than a hundred people attended the event, which was held on Pueblo's riverwalk. After each man's name was read aloud, friends or loved ones were invited to the microphone... more »

• Camping ban now in effect in El Paso County

  June 1, 2010 2:27 PM

  The El Paso County ban on camping on county owned land took effect today, June 1. It mirrors a camping ban that took effect in March for public land within the City of Colorado Springs. Executive Director Bob Holmes of Homeward Pikes Peak noted, "Now that we have a... more »

• Homeless meters spreading from Colorado

  May 24, 2010 8:41 AM

  You may have noticed them inside the terminal at DIA. Standard parking meters--with all money going to help the homeless. They're also scattered around Denver. The idea is spreading. Springfield, Oregon is the latest city to install them. City Councilor Terri Leezer is the driving force behind... more »

• Open mic memorial set for Pueblo's homeless

  May 21, 2010 4:25 PM

  A memorial has been scheduled in Pueblo, to honor nine homeless men who have died over the past year. The event includes an open mic section, where anyone can share their memories of those who have passed away. The ceremony is organized each year by Posada, an agency that helps... more »

• Boulder struggling with homeless problem

  May 17, 2010 9:07 AM

  Homeless people in Boulder have put on "sleep-in" protests to decry laws making it illegal to sleep in city parks. About 20 homeless people planned to stay through the weekend on a lawn next to the Boulder Municipal Building to protest the camping ban. One of the sleep-in's organizers... more »

• Boulder strengthens public sleeping law

  April 21, 2010 1:53 PM

  Homeless people no longer have a legal way to sleep on the streets of Boulder. The Boulder City Council Tuesday removed the authority of the city manager to issue permits to camp on public property. Homeless advocates had requested an easier way to apply for such permits in order... more »

• Students bring attention to homeless

  April 13, 2010 12:53 PM

  A student club at Pueblo Community College is trying to help the homeless in tough economic times. PCC's PS CARE Club will conduct its eighth annual "Building Bridges" sleep out from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday in the college's outdoor amphitheater. The purpose is to raise awareness... more »

• Homeless camp cleanups underway

  March 20, 2010 9:46 PM

  With the No-Camping Ordinance in full effect, the faces of the creek beds around Colorado Springs are beginning to change. Earlier this week we showed you an abandoned campsite near America the Beautiful Park. Where syringes once laid, now geese now scamper around for the first time in a long... more »

• Homeless moving out of camps

  March 16, 2010 11:18 PM

  A spot just northwest of I-25 and Cimarron used to be a packed homeless camp. Now just three weeks after the no camping ordinance went into effect all signs of the camp are gone. Police say so far it's been smooth goings. "We've seen a lot of movement, good movement."... more »

• Census underway, but what about the homeless?

  March 13, 2010 11:56 PM

  The 2010 census is underway. Some have already gotten their questionnaire in the mail. The results from the census play a big role in how much federal money is given to communities across the country. If an area is under-counted, it could also be under-funded. There's about a... more »

• No camping ordinance going into effect; Officers putting out the warning

  March 10, 2010 4:56 PM

  With the no camping ordinance in effect as of Wednesday, the Homeless Outreach Team, part of the Colorado Springs Police Department, has the job of clearing things out. "It's not going to happen overnight, like we've been saying, but it is moving along a lot quicker now with the... more »

• Salvation Army launches fundraiser to help homeless

  March 1, 2010 12:51 PM

  The Salvation Army wants to renovate its building in Pueblo to provide permanent shelter for the homeless, but they're asking for your help. The non-profit group is trying to raise $700,000 in donations to fund the renovation project. For starters, the Salvation Army says it plans to install showers, build... more »

• New "homeless campground" plan gets mixed reaction

  February 24, 2010 10:15 PM

  A Colorado Springs city council member's helping pitch an idea that he says could help hundreds of homeless who will soon be kicked out of those tent cities along fountain creek. The plan is to turn a former 14 acre KOA campground into a homeless campground. City Councilman Tom Gallagher... more »

• Homeless problems trickle down to Pueblo

  February 23, 2010 7:45 PM

  The homeless crisis in Colorado Springs is now causing problems in Pueblo. As the Springs cracks down on homeless camps along the river some people have moved south, which has led to crowded shelters and even turf wars. Right now, Colorado Springs has roughly 500 people who are homeless and... more »