Program Purpose
The Long Distance Travel (LDT) Program was created to address a critical gap in homelessness prevention and reunification efforts. Many individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Adams County lack the resources to reconnect with family, friends, or stable housing opportunities outside the Denver metro area. By covering the cost of one-way travel, the LDT program supports participants in safely relocating to verified destinations where they have long-term housing options and support systems.
Program Overview
The LDT Program provides one-time transportation assistance for eligible Adams County residents who are currently experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Eligible participants receive one of three supports:
- Transportation tickets (bus, train, or plane), fuel assistance, temporary lodging assistance, resettlement gift cards as approved by department director or designee.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Adams County (verified by navigator).
- Must have a documented connection to Adams County (e.g., last permanent address, outreach contact, or county benefits).
- Must have a confirmed safe place to stay rent-free or at a manageable cost for at least three months.
- Must not have more than $1,000 in liquid assets.
- Must not have pending legal matters preventing travel (verified by program staff).
- Must be entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- International travel is permitted with proper documentation (passport, residency status).
- Repeat participation is not allowed.
Referral & Intake Process
- Referrals made by navigators who confirm eligibility, ensure participants have medications, and verify destination contacts.
- Navigators complete intake and referral forms, then submit to the partner manager for approval.
- Project manager coordinates travel arrangements, resettlement gift cards, and follow-up.
- Referrals are generally submitted by approved referring navigators. When an individual at risk of homelessness is not connected to a navigator, the Project Manager may perform intake and eligibility responsibilities.
Outcomes & Community Impact
The LDT Program promotes housing stability and reduces homelessness by helping eligible participants reconnect with verified support systems before or after housing loss occurs and:
- Provides cost-effective reunification compared to ongoing local service utilization.
- Reduces strain on emergency shelters, law enforcement, and health care systems.
- Improves participant outcomes by reconnecting them with family, housing, or employment opportunities.
- Supports Adams County’s broader homelessness resolution strategies by filling a unique transportation gap.
- Since inception, 39 households have utilized this program.
Follow-up surveys at 14, 60, and 90 days after travel to ensure participants remain safely housed and identify opportunities for program improvement.