Harm reduction & legal
Staying alive, clothed, and out of deeper legal trouble.
This page is about Narcan and safer use, clothing like Deacons’ Closet, and ways to deal with
tickets and court so things don’t spiral even worse.
If you use drugs, have tickets, or need clothes, you’re not alone. The goal here is to lower
the damage, not to judge you.
Narcan & safer use
Harm reduction
Harm reduction programs focus on keeping people alive and as safe as possible,
even if they’re still using.
- Ask outreach workers or clinic staff where to get free Narcan (naloxone).
- Some programs also have clean supplies, fentanyl test strips, and wound care info.
- Keep Narcan somewhere easy to grab if you or others use around you.
You matter just as much before sobriety as after. Staying alive is the first step.
Deacons’ Closet clothing
Clothes from people who care
Deacons’ Closet is a clothing ministry in Boulder that gives out free clothes
– often with real kindness attached.
- They come to All Roads shelter (commonly Tuesdays around 9am).
- They also serve in the park on some days (often Thursdays around 9am).
- Ask other unhoused folks or staff to confirm current days and locations.
Schedules can shift, so think of these as patterns – always double-check locally.
Legal help & tickets
Camping · trespass · minor charges
Tickets for camping, trespassing, and similar stuff stack up fast and turn into warrants
if they’re ignored.
- Ask at shelter/day services about legal clinics or Community Court-style programs.
- Some legal help is available on certain days (for example, Thursdays) for ticket issues.
- Bring all your papers if you can – tickets, court notices, anything with dates.
Even if you missed a date, talking to a public defender or legal clinic is better than freezing and hoping it goes away.
Showing up for court
Protecting your future self
Court is stressful, but showing up can prevent small charges from turning into warrants,
jail time, or barriers to housing.
- Write court dates and times down in your phone notes and on paper.
- Ask case managers or friends to remind you if you struggle with memory.
- Explain to the judge if you’re homeless – including transportation or shelter barriers.
- If you miss court, contact the court or a public defender as soon as you can.
Judges vary a lot, but many pay attention if you’re clearly trying to engage instead of vanish.
