Denver hits goal to shelter 2,000 unhoused people

State of play: Johnston rebranded his effort All In Mile High after successfully bringing 1,000 people indoors during the latter part of 2023.

Yes, but: This year's point-in-time count revealed 12% growth in homelessness in Denver, though fewer people were sleeping on the streets.

By the numbers: 83% of the 2,064 people brought indoors remain sheltered and 36% secured permanent housing like leased units and family reunification, per city data.

Zoom in: Denver has now closed 18 of its largest homeless encampments and permanently shut more than 350 blocks of downtown to camping.

What they're saying: "We heard Denverites loud and clear when they told us they want real solutions to homelessness," Johnston said in a statement.

• Carly West, vice president of government affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, said in the statement that members feel "significantly safer" downtown.

What's next: The mayor's proposed 2025 budget earmarks $36.9 million to continue the program.

• Colorado has spent nearly $2 billion to alleviate homelessness between 2021 and 2023, according to a report from the conservative-leaning Common Sense Institute.