Mayor Michael Hancock on Friday announced an effort to provide new housing options and expand shelter services for people experiencing homelessness.
Over the next few years, the city will put about $5 million to provide 400 “bridge housing vouchers” — funding for housing that people can use while they wait for a permanent home.
The effort also will put $10.7 million toward expanding Denver’s “day shelter” options. The city will work with nonprofits and charities to “bring people indoors during the daytime,” according to a news release.
Traditionally, shelters have focused on providing overnight places to stay. The push for daytime services is meant to connect people with services.
Denver is providing about $11 million of the total $15.7 million plan. The Anschutz Foundation has committed another $1 million, and the city is looking for donors for the remaining $4.5 million.
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Roughly half of Denver’s money will come from its affordable housing fund, and the rest will come from its capital improvement and general funds. The city’s overall operating budget is $2.4 billion per year.
The administration also plans to create a new Department of Housing and Homelessness, uniting previously separate teams, and to draft a new strategic plan for homelessness. Hancock said in a statement that housing is “a core city service,” similar to emergency services and public works.
The administration claims the changes were set in motion in 2017, when the city created a new housing office. The city also hired a chief housing officer last May.
