(COLORADO SPRINGS) — It has been just over a month since the City of Colorado Springs launched the Clean & Safe Pilot Program, and a recent release is showcasing some of the program’s results in its first month.

Previously, two officers patrolled downtown for an eight-hour daily shift. Beginning July 21, Mercurial Security Services expanded both hours and the area covered by security officers, with patrols running for 16 hours a day, Sundays through Wednesdays, and 18 hours a day Thursdays through Saturdays. Mercurial Security Services also staffs more security officers on high-visitor days.

The City also launched the Downtown Ambassador Program on July 24, which employed Ambassadors to help connect downtown visitors with shopping and local services, as well as litter clean-up.

According to an official release, city officials reported that in their first 18 days, Downtown Ambassadors assisted over 232 visitors, connected 84 people experiencing homelessness, escorted a lost visitor to the Fine Arts Center, and welcomed a diplomatic liaison between the EU and the United States.

Two full-time outreach workers from Homeward Pikes Peak will join the Clean & Safe program on Sept. 1. The outreach team will work closely with police, security, and Downtown Ambassadors to provide on-the-spot assistance to people in crisis and connect them with resources.

“We’re building a Downtown that is vibrant, secure, and inviting,” said Pat Rigdon, Director of Downtown Safety & Public Space Management. “The Clean & Safe Program represents a powerful collaboration between the public and private sectors to address challenges head-on and create an exceptional experience for everyone in our city’s core.”