Colorado Departments of Local Affairs, Human Services, Healthcare Policy and Financing Release Statewide Homelessness Playbook

Hide Featured Image
true

Media Contact: Brett McPherson | 303-656-7464

A new collaborative state publication introduces a framework of guiding principles, key goals, and solutions for communities across Colorado, to reduce – and ultimately eradicate – homelessness.

Making Homelessness History in Colorado, led by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Office of
Homeless Initiatives (OHI) in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and
Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing (HCPF), asserts that housing is foundational to
people’s safety, health and wellbeing. The guide’s premise asserts that while the State is not able to
prevent housing crises entirely, it can build systems to address them quickly and efficiently when they
occur.

“This playbook is a revitalization of OHI goals and actions to more strategically address the homelessness issues facing our state," said DOLA Executive Director Rick M. Garcia. “It deliberately aligns us with other state agencies all working together to make homelessness history."

The guiding principles of the playbook are agreeing on a shared goal, working from a complete picture of who needs support, investing in what works, making solutions equitable, and understanding that homelessness ends with a person being in a home.

"Supporting Coloradans at-risk of or experiencing homelessness is foundational work of human services
across the State. Safe, stable housing is critical to helping folks work through behavioral health issues,
care for their children, or find employment to move out of poverty," said CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes.

Solutions the guide offers include providing affordable rental housing, access to supportive services, more opportunities for homeownership, shelters without restrictive requirements, street outreach programs, rapid re-housing programs, and more.

“Addressing homelessness is critical to improving one's health and wellbeing,” said HCPF Executive
Director Kim Bimestefer. “We are honored to work with this coalition to make homelessness history.”

The full publication is here.

The Office of Homeless Initiatives in DOLA’s Division of Housing works with local, state, and federal
stakeholders to build, promote, and support collaborative approaches that reduce and prevent instances of homelessness, and ensure that every Coloradan has a safe place to call home. For more information visit cdola.colorado.gov/office-of-homeless-initiatives.

Show Post Date