Compassionately Addressing Homelessness
In 2018 and 2019, Jake began to recognize the emerging challenge Longmont was facing around homelessness and got to work. He leveraged his experience and relationships to advocate for housing focused shelter and ensure that Longmont was getting the resources it needed from the countywide coordinated entry system.
Years later, the challenge of how to compassionately address homelessness remains one of the most consequential questions facing Longmont. Despite the progress made, Jake believes there is much more to be done to ensure that Longmont can respond effectively to this critical issue.
Jake believes that the most effective way to end homelessness is to get unhoused individuals into housing. A housing first approach, which prioritizes providing stable, permanent housing as the first step, is key to addressing homelessness in a sustainable way. Housing provides the foundation for people to access the services and support they need—whether that’s mental health care, addiction recovery, or employment assistance. Without stable housing, those challenges are harder to overcome.
Jake is committed to creating a Longmont where public safety and compassionate care are not mutually exclusive. This means working to protect downtown businesses and local residents from the impacts of homelessness, while also ensuring that people without homes have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Jake will advocate for more direct city involvement in providing essential services, reducing the community’s over-reliance on non-profits, and working collaboratively with local businesses and law enforcement to foster a safer and more supportive environment for all.
By focusing on housing-first solutions, expanding shelter options, and leveraging city resources effectively, Jake believes Longmont can create lasting change—ending homelessness, improving public safety, and strengthening our downtown businesses, all while maintaining our city’s compassion and commitment to justice.
