Making Homelessness History in Colorado
Leading Causes of Homelessness
Lack of Affordable Housing
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Leading cause of homelessness is economic: housing costs are higher than income.
McKinsey & Co. reports highest correlation to homelessness is increasing rent.
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$27.50 = Hourly wage needed to rent a 2 bedroom in CO, ranking us 9th most expensive in the country.
Denver is 2nd only to San Francisco for gentrification.
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Many households loose income when fleeing violence, household conflict, or sudden crisis.
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Many are working and still homeless.
Health Challenges
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40% have a disabling condition. 55% of families self-report having experienced trauma in Denver Area.
Medical care costs are #1 reason for bankruptcy in US.
People experiencing homelessness disproportionately overdose in CO. 84% unsheltered self-report physical health
condition in US. Denver saw a 90% increase in overdose for people living outside in 2021 compared to 2020.
Homelessness itself causes trauma. For some, behavioral health needs are part of the cause of homelessness.
Regardless of which led to the other, evidence shows pairing housing and services is the most effective solution.
Systemic Inequities
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57% of individuals are BIPOC, in Denver.
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40% of youth are LGBTQA+ & 40% were in Foster Care, nationally and in CO.
BIPOC & LGBTQA+ are disproportionately homeless.
Households headed by single mothers of color make up the largest percentage of evictions in the US.
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