The Colorado Springs Police Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT Team) has won the prestigious Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing. There were 46 entries from around the world, which were ultimately narrowed to a group of six.  The award was announced this week at a conference in Arlington, Texas and was attended by a group from the Colorado Springs Police Department, which included the HOT team officers, and representatives from Marian House and Homeward Pikes Peak.

The HOT Team, made up of Officers Brent Iverson, M.J. Thomson, and Dan McCormack, was formed in June 2009 as a strategy to compassionately address the increasing number of homeless individuals and camps in the Colorado Springs area.  The group teamed with several non-profits in the community, including the Marian House, to assess opportunities to offer assistance.  The Marian House was a key member of the team as many of the homeless campers came there to get a hot, nutritious meal  every day.  It is a rare day that the HOT team is not available to the Marian House guests during the lunchtime hours.  Since the inception of the HOT Team, emergency assistance calls from the Marian House have dropped by over 60%.

Additionally, Homeward Pikes Peak, with financial support from the City of Colorado Springs and the El Pomar Foundation, were able to help the HOT Team move many people from the homeless camps into housing, and help get them connected with other social service agencies who could provide assistance.

As a result of these collaborations, over 570 people have received shelter, 145 individuals were reunited with families out of state, over 100 people became self-sufficient, and 131 found employment.  There is a continuous dialogue between individuals and groups of people who are still in need of assistance and a bond built between the homeless community and the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Catholic Charities entire staff congratulates the HOT team and looks forward to continuing our partnership in helping the homeless and marginalized in our community receive the help and support they need.

Pictured: (Back row) Mike Scott (Center for Problem Oriented Policing), CSPD Officer McCormack, Jeremy Silva (Marian House), Herman Goldstein (award namesake), CSPD Officer Iverson, CSPD Officer Thomson, Robert Holmes (Homeward Pikes Peak); (Front row) CSPD Deputy Chief Carey, CSPD Commander Pillard.

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