Report highlights scope of homelessness across Colorado
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A first-of-its-kind report released Monday shows more than 52,000 people throughout Colorado sought homelessness services last year.
The big picture: The Colorado Homeless Management Information System's inaugural report offers a broad look at a persistent issue most often associated with urban areas.
- The report stresses the need for collaboration across agencies to help curb homelessness.
Why it matters: Homelessness is growing across the state — not just in Denver.
- A recent study from the Common Sense Institute suggests it spiked 90% statewide between 2020 and 2024, while a federal report noted families with children experiencing homelessness rose by 134% last year.
State of play: Among those seeking assistance, nearly one-third were considered chronically homeless and 6% were veterans, per the COHMIS report.
- Most of the people who sought housing and services were single adults (82%) followed by families (9%) and youth (8%).
- More than half of the individuals experiencing homelessness have a disabling condition, which the report cited as one factor making it more difficult to maintain housing.
Between the lines: Native American, Black, multiracial and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people experiencing homelessness are overrepresented in the COHMIS data.
- People of color represented 55% of those seeking services last year statewide
Context: Among the four regional agencies that issued the report is the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI), which served the highest number of people in the state, per the report.
- The three other agencies collectively cover the rest of Colorado, tracking and coordinating services.
The intrigue: Supportive housing, which provides low-income housing with additional services like health care, is listed as one solution with a proven track record.
- Lack of access to health care and supportive services can contribute to long-term and persistent homelessness.
The report also highlights the Built for Zero movement, which brings together housing groups, doctors and government and has led to a 7% drop in veteran homelessness.
What's next: Results from this year's point-in-time count will be released this summer.