The City of Colorado Springs has been selected as one of seven cities to receive a $10,000 grant from the DollarWise program. This grant, awarded by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and made possible through support from its founding sponsor, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, aims to encourage and promote innovation in advancing economic mobility within cities.
The grant will support part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) managed by the Colorado Springs Fire Department's Division of Community and Public Health. This program focuses on providing navigation and resources for justice impacted homeless residents to mitigate future legal challenges and meet their immediate needs.
“The City of Colorado Springs is committed to promoting economic mobility and breaking the cycle of homelessness and ensuring no one is left behind,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “This grant will provide crucial support for the efforts of the Transition Assistance Program and help create a more prosperous community for all.”
Through collaboration between the Division of Community and Public Health, Municipal Court, and Housing & Community Vitality departments, TAP will now provide support for unhoused community members involved in the Municipal Court system. This additional focus aims to decrease the cycle of repeat offenses and create greater stability for those experiencing homelessness.
The $10,000 grant specifically provides resources, such as vital documents (state ID, birth certificate) necessary for applying for housing, as well as support for gaining employment (tools, uniforms). Municipal Court staff, TAP navigators, and Housing & Community Vitality Development personnel will share the funding.
For more information on the DollarWise program, visit DollarWise: Mayors for Economic Mobility - United States Conference of Mayors (usmayors.org).