Report highlights scope of homelessness across Colorado
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.
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