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Writer's pictureDeveloping Denver Staff

Denver's Homeless Initiatives: The First 1000 People


An aerial view of a micro-community in Denver with dozens of small, uniform houses arranged in neat rows. The houses are surrounded by a wooden fence, with a backdrop of larger buildings and an urban environment.
Photo Courtesy of Rob Cleary/The City and County of Denver


Since he first took office in July 2023, Denver has witnessed a pivotal moment in its efforts to combat homelessness when newly-elected Mayor Mike Johnston declared a state of emergency to assist 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in finding shelter. Denver's Homeless Initiatives, known as House1000 & All In Mile High, marked a departure from traditional methods of handling homelessness, focusing instead on providing permanent housing solutions and comprehensive support services to those in need.


Under the House1000 initiative, the city embarked on an ambitious endeavor to close encampments and connect individuals with housing options and wraparound services, including mental health care, substance misuse treatment, and workforce training. By the end of 2023, the goal of housing 1,000 individuals was successfully achieved, with 10 encampments permanently closed in the process.


Building on the success of House1000, Mayor Johnston and his administration unveiled the All In Mile High initiative, which aimed to move an additional 2,000 people indoors from unsheltered homelessness by the end of 2024. This comprehensive approach prioritizes equity and inclusivity, ensuring that hotel and micro-community sites are distributed across Denver in a manner that avoids concentration in low-income or marginalized communities.


The distribution of housing sites is a key aspect of Denver's strategy to address homelessness equitably. Current sites are located in neighborhoods with varying demographic compositions, with nearly half situated in areas with median household incomes above the city-wide median. While efforts are made to avoid concentrating sites in neighborhoods with higher proportions of white residents compared to the city average, the goal is to ensure that all residents benefit from the city's prosperity and success.


Denver's Neighborhood Equity & Stabilization (NEST) division, established in 2018, plays a vital role in preserving the culture and character of rapidly changing neighborhoods. By providing opportunities for longtime residents and businesses to remain in place amidst rising costs and development pressures, NEST aims to foster a sense of community and belonging.


The success of Denver's housing initiatives is underscored by the opening of the La Paz community in the Overland Park neighborhood, a significant milestone in the All In Mile High initiative. La Paz offers 60 individual units, including ADA-compliant accessible units, along with essential amenities and wraparound services provided by the Colorado Village Collaborative.


Despite these achievements, challenges persist in addressing homelessness effectively. Concerns have been raised about the city's approach to encampment sweeps, particularly during freezing temperatures, prompting debates over public health and safety. While the city has made strides in housing individuals, the overall homeless population remains significant, highlighting the need for continued efforts and innovative solutions.


Looking ahead, Denver remains committed to its mission of providing safe, affordable, and vibrant communities for all residents. Through collaborative partnerships and data-driven initiatives like Built for Zero, the city strives to make homelessness rare and brief, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. By prioritizing permanent housing solutions, comprehensive support services, and equitable distribution of resources, the city is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient future for all its residents.



nterior of a compact living space in Denver featuring a single bed, a small desk with a plant and laptop, shelves with personal items, and an air conditioning unit. The room has a minimalist style with a welcoming sign that reads 'Welcome Home.
Photo Courtesy of Rob Cleary/The City and County of Denver


In recent years, homelessness has become an increasingly pressing issue in cities across the United States, including Denver. Factors such as rising housing costs, economic instability, and lack of access to affordable healthcare contribute to the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. In response to this crisis, cities like Denver are implementing innovative strategies to address the root causes of homelessness and provide support to those in need.


One of the key components of Denver's approach to combating homelessness is the emphasis on permanent housing solutions. Unlike temporary shelters or transitional housing, permanent supportive housing provides individuals with a stable and secure place to live, along with access to essential services such as healthcare, counseling, and job training. By prioritizing permanent housing options, Denver aims to not only provide immediate relief to individuals experiencing homelessness but also to address the underlying issues that contribute to housing insecurity.


In addition to permanent supportive housing, Denver has also invested in alternative housing models such as micro-communities and tiny home villages. These small-scale housing developments offer a sense of community and stability to individuals experiencing homelessness while providing them with access to essential services and support. By diversifying its approach to housing, Denver can meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and provide them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.


Furthermore, Denver's efforts to address homelessness are guided by principles of equity and inclusivity. The city recognizes that homelessness disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities. As such, Denver is committed to ensuring that its housing initiatives are accessible to all residents and do not perpetuate existing disparities. By actively involving community members in the planning and implementation of housing programs, Denver seeks to create solutions that are responsive to the needs of its diverse population.


Another crucial aspect of Denver's approach to homelessness is the emphasis on comprehensive support services. In addition to providing individuals with housing, Denver offers wraparound services such as mental health care, substance misuse treatment, and job training to address the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness. By taking a holistic approach to addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, Denver can help them overcome barriers to stability and achieve long-term success.


Despite the progress made in recent years, challenges remain in addressing homelessness in Denver and other cities across the country. Factors such as limited affordable housing stock, economic inequality, and systemic barriers to access contribute to the persistence of homelessness. However, by continuing to invest in permanent housing solutions, prioritize equity and inclusivity, and provide comprehensive support services, Denver is taking meaningful steps towards ending homelessness and creating a more just and compassionate society for all.


Denver's approach to addressing homelessness reflects a commitment to compassion, equity, and social justice. By prioritizing permanent housing solutions, comprehensive support services, and equitable distribution of resources, the city is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient future for all its residents. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative strategies, Denver is leading the way in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time and demonstrating the power of collective action to create positive change.

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