For Businesses

Don't call 911 unless there is an immediate safety threat. Instead:

Step 1: Use the Inquire Boulder app to report unsanctioned camping directly to the city. You are guaranteed a response from city staff.
Download at: bouldercolorado.gov/inquire-boulder

Step 2: Call the Boulder Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) — two Boulder Police officers whose sole focus is connecting people with services, not enforcement.
📧 homelessoutreach@bouldercolorado.gov
📞 303-441-3333 (non-emergency, ask for HOT)

Step 3: Be patient. Outreach takes time. The goal is connecting the person with services so the situation resolves humanely and permanently.

Call 303-441-3333 and ask for the Behavioral Health Crisis Response Team. This team includes clinicians and case managers — not just police — who respond to behavioral health situations.

If there is immediate danger to anyone, call 911.

Do not try to handle a mental health crisis yourself. Stay calm, give the person space, and wait for trained responders.

This is not illegal in most public spaces in Boulder. You cannot legally remove someone from a public sidewalk.

What you can do:

• Talk to the person calmly and respectfully

• Call the Homeless Outreach Team if you feel the situation is escalating

• Post a sign asking customers not to give cash and instead directing people to local resources

What not to do:

• Don't call 911 for panhandling alone

• Don't have employees physically confront or remove anyone

• Don't make assumptions about the person's situation

Train your staff on how to respond calmly and consistently. A clear policy helps employees feel confident and prevents overreaction.

Suggested employee guidelines:

• Greet the person calmly if safe to do so

• Do not argue or engage in confrontation

• Contact a manager or owner before calling anyone

• Use the Inquire Boulder app or call 303-441-3333 for non-emergency situations

• Call 911 only if there is immediate danger

Consider posting the non-emergency number 303-441-3333 somewhere visible for staff.

Boulder businesses can make a real difference by supporting local nonprofits directly.

Ways to help:

• Host a donation drive for TGTHR, EFAA, or Circle of Love

• Sponsor a meal at Boulder Bridge House Community Table

• Donate leftover food to Circle of Love — contact them about pickup arrangements

• Post BoulderNextStep.org in your window or on your counter so customers know where to find resources

• Encourage employees to volunteer with local organizations