Denver, Colorado, plans to spend $5 million of its previous COVID relief funds on a deal to place homeless people in subsidized apartments over the next two years. The Denver Post Recently reported.
In 2023, Mayor Mike Johnston (Democrat) closed 10 shelter camps despite the growing influx of illegal immigrants into the city. Mayor Johnston then announced the “All in Mile High” initiative, formerly known as House 1000, to provide shelter for 2,000 people.
“They are better able to cope with the challenges that may have led to homelessness.”
The mayor now plans to allocate funding to provide more long-term temporary housing, in addition to converting hotels into temporary shelters, as part of this ongoing effort.
Johnston’s office said the effort will cost taxpayers about $90 million in 2023 and 2024, according to the Denver Post.
The $5 million contract with the nonprofit Housing Connector will run from May 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026, and will provide financial assistance and rent subsidies to 250 households. Centre Square The organization reported it plans to provide full rent and utility assistance for one year, stabilization funds, risk mitigation, mediation services and case management.
“By providing housing to people and providing rental assistance and supportive services to help them stay housed, we can better address the challenges that contribute to homelessness, such as employment and substance abuse issues,” a document presented to the city council said.
City council members on Monday voted 8-2 to approve a contract with Housing Connector. The nonprofit will coordinate rental agreements directly with landlords and property managers, and case managers will work with individuals to implement long-term housing plans.
The program will be funded from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds that were previously earmarked for COVID relief.
The Denver mayor’s office recently came under fire for secretly sending illegal immigrants to Salt Lake City, Utah, to reduce the number of people relying on Denver’s public assistance programs.
In May, a large group of undocumented immigrants camped out in the city refused to move out of their temporary tent city and into indoor shelters that were funded by taxpayer money and provided them with three meals a day. The group sent a list of 13 demands that the city must agree to before they are willing to leave. The list states that Denver must provide them with the opportunity to cook their own meals, free groceries, unlimited access to showers, medical visits, employment assistance, and free immigration counsel.
According to a report from the Common Sense Institute: 42,000 illegal immigrants Arrived in Denver within the past year and a half.
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