With housing prices going up it’s likely that fewer of those in need will have the chance we have in buying a home, or even keeping one. Though they are the most visible, the homeless remain one of the most pre-judged, misunderstood and most vulnerable group of people. The largest reasons for homelessness in Denver are the loss of a job, housing costs and the breakup of a family. Sixty-four percent of the homeless in Denver are people in families with children. Forty-two percent are women and one third are working.
All these points come from the Denver Road Home who’s committed to end homelessness in Denver in 2015. Ending homelessness isn’t only a good humanitarian gesture it’s an infinitely better way to cut spending in our state. The chronically homeless use our most expensive emergency services. This is why Denver Road Home works to provide the homeless with access to medical, mental health and substance abuse services. Working with the community to keep people who live on the streets safe and well cared for is important. But the goal isn’t to help the homeless; it’s to prevent homelessness in the first place.
And while Denverites give more than $4 million a year to panhandlers, most panhandlers are not homeless. Turns out, most homeless don’t panhandle. But there’s a better way to give. In seven years Denver’s Road Home increased the total housing stock by 2,653 housing units. Six thousand families received homelessness prevention assistance rather than being evicted or having their utilities shut off. Outreach workers lifted nearly 2,000 homeless from the streets and into homes. It’s not about free housing. Most tenants are expected to pay 30 percent of their income for rent. For those without an income they are assisted in applying for benefits to help support their rent payments. Of course, the best way to keep people in homes is to get them jobs. Collaborating with the hospitality industry and other private sector outlets, Denver’s Road Home is getting the homeless employed.
The Key Word here is Community
Even with a deep recession community support and commitment has brought Denver’s Road Home closer to its goals. Nothing would be possible without the resources and time given to them by the local Denver people. As they create new partnerships and expand existing ones, Denver’s Road Home is creating tangible results. By getting affordable housing for the homeless we as a whole can rest more comfortably in our own houses as taxes decrease, crime rates fall and drug use dwindles.
Tomorrow, September 17th from 10:00-2:00 pm at the Colorado Convention Center, the Homeless Connect 13 will be doing a one day, one-stop shop for individuals and families to receive free services and connect with resources. Services range from medical care and SNAP assistance to haircuts and hygiene bags. Since 2005, this event has provided assistance to over 15,000 families and individuals with the help of nearly 14,000 volunteers while delivering over $2 Million in free services. But all of this works because the community works to make it happen. If you’d like to help, sign up to provide a service at the event. If you can’t make the event, help by sponsoring PHC through financial or in kind donations or volunteer. For more information and to get involved, contact Melanie.Lewis-Dickerson@denvergov.org.
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