Pikes Peak region saw state's biggest uptick in homelessness
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Homelessness in El Paso and Teller counties rose in 2025, even as statewide numbers declined slightly, according to a statewide report released Monday.
Why it matters: The increase is adding strain to local shelters and housing programs even as much of Colorado saw modest improvement.
Driving the news: Colorado's State of Homelessness Report counted 7,078 people experiencing homelessness in the Pikes Peak region in 2025, up from 6,787 the year before.
- Local service providers saw demand jump nearly 19% year over year, helping 16,245 people in 2025.
- Meanwhile, homelessness declined slightly in Denver, northern Colorado and statewide overall.
How it works: The study combines annual Point-in-Time survey data with information from shelters, emergency weather shelters and soup kitchens.
- After dipping in 2024, the region's January 2025 Point-in-Time count hit a record 1,745 people experiencing homelessness.
What they're saying: Westside CARES CEO Kristy Milligan told the Colorado Springs Gazette she was unsurprised by the increase, pointing to "dwindling" tenant-based vouchers, cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid and stepped-up police enforcement.
Between the lines: The Springs' increase comes amid major shifts in homelessness policy locally and nationally.
- The Trump administration reduced funding for multiple homeless prevention programs and nonprofit grants in 2025, including for long-term housing assistance in the Springs.
- Meanwhile, Colorado Springs expanded encampment clearings and launched a five-year homelessness response plan that prioritized "enforcement and cleanup" ahead of outreach, prevention, employment and housing.
But local groups also expanded housing options in 2025.
- Nonprofit the Place opened the Launchpad, a 50-unit housing project for young people experiencing homelessness, last May.
What's next: Midyear Point-in-Time data will provide another snapshot of whether homelessness in the region is continuing to rise.