By Heidi Ganahl | Unleashed with Heidi Ganahl
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Today we confront Denver’s worsening homelessness crisis head-on. Despite a staggering $274 million investment from 2021 to 2024, the situation has only deteriorated, sparking outrage and demanding accountability. This funding has largely been channeled into emergency shelter beds and temporary transition services, strategies that have proven insufficient in addressing the complexities of homelessness. As a result, Denver has seen the largest increase in homeless populations compared to other metro areas since 2018, indicating that these efforts have fallen short of their goals.
This episode will not shy away from the controversy. Joining us is Vanessa from Citizens for a Safe and Clean Denver to discuss the entrenched challenges and viable solutions, we’ll also take you on a tour of Springs Rescue Mission in El Paso County, one of few success stories in this space. We delve deep into what some are calling the “homeless industrial complex,” where the business of homelessness appears more profitable than solving it. Take the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, whose CEO reportedly earns $380,000 annually, and also one of the largest landowners in Denver.
A large portion of the allocated funds went to major providers like the Salvation Army, which, despite receiving $12.7 million in 2023, achieved only a 17% success rate in securing permanent housing for its clients. Other organizations, such as the Denver Rescue Mission and Catholic Charities, reported even lower success rates, highlighting a systemic failure to provide stable, long-term solutions for the homeless. The question arises: Why are these nonprofits, flush with cash and resources, failing to produce better outcomes? Data revealed by The Denver Gazette points to a troubling trend: only two out of every ten individuals exiting homeless programs in Denver in 2023 found long-term permanent housing. This low success rate underscores the inefficiencies and misalignments in the city’s use of funds, suggesting a need for a significant strategic overhaul.
Operational challenges at key facilities like the Salvation Army’s Crossroads Center have been noted, where a high percentage of clients have stayed in emergency shelters for extended periods without adequate case management or support to transition into stable housing. Denver’s oversight of these programs has been criticized for lacking rigor and failing to hold providers accountable for their performance. Vanessa will help us unpack the complex interplay of non-cooperation between big nonprofits and local government.
These organizations operate independently, often outside the scope of municipal oversight and public accountability, as they are not subject to the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). This lack of transparency raises significant concerns about where the money is going and whose interests are being served. Moreover, we’ll explore the systemic flaws in state legislation that seem to exacerbate the issue—laws that have defelonized drugs and established lenient bond conditions, contributing to a cycle of homelessness and crime without adequate intervention programs. The discussion will also turn to the solutions that might actually make a difference. We’re talking about revisiting laws, modeling after successful programs like the Alberta drug program, and investing in social programs that prioritize treatment over temporary fixes.
Vanessa will also share success stories – including some from STEP Denver, where their approach has led to results that far exceed the average, emphasizing the importance of accountability and effective program design. In light of these issues, voices from within the community and experts in the field are calling for Denver to rethink its approach to homelessness.
Today’s episode is a call to action. Join the movement with Citizens for a Safe & Clean Denver, an all-volunteer, bipartisan organization that’s keeping the public informed and engaged with the issues that matter most. Or reach out to STEP Denver or Springs Rescue Mission to support their success. Learn how you can get involved by following them on social media or signing up for their newsletters. Together, we can push for our cities to prioritize safety, cleanliness, and effective solutions to homelessness. It’s time for a change, and it starts with being informed and demanding better from those in power.