(The Center Square) – Denver is set to approve spending an additional $7 million to support the Transformational Homelessness Response, which provides emergency shelter to those experiencing homelessness.
The contract between the state of Colorado and the Department of Local Affairs to support the Transformational Homelessness Response Grant Program was scheduled to be voted on at the April 16 city council meeting, according to city documents.
The Transformational Homelessness Response Grant Program was awarded over $86 million in 2023 to be used throughout Colorado to prevent or end homelessness. The program focuses on connecting individuals with homelessness services, treatment, and temporary and permanent housing, while Denver provides emergency shelter for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
The contract runs through Sept. 30, 2026, and funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
From October to December of 2023, the program supported 2,827 households and 3,226 individuals, while connecting 4,056 individuals to services and housing 198 individuals, according to the program’s website.
According to the 2023 point in time count, 5,818 people were experiencing homelessness in Denver as of January 2023.
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless 2023 State of Homelessness report shows Colorado had a 39% increase in homelessness throughout one year in Colorado and a 69% increase in family homelessness in 2023.
