Denver’s homeless problem has reached a critical point, and residents and business owners are grappling with its impacts. Mayor Mike Johnston, a Democrat, declared a public emergency related to homelessness and launched a $50 million plan to house 1,000 people in transitional or semi-permanent housing. The goal is to close homeless encampments that have plagued the city and deterred visitors and businesses.
Denver’s homeless population has surged in recent years, leading to encampments on city streets and public spaces. The mayor cited the fentanyl epidemic, mental health issues, and the high cost of living as contributing factors to homelessness. The plan includes converting hotels into micro-units, setting up tiny home villages on vacant lots, and providing wraparound services like mental health support, addiction treatment, and workforce training to help people stabilize their lives.
Mayor Johnston’s approach focuses on getting people back into housing and addressing the root causes of homelessness. He aims to make Denver a model for addressing homelessness and revitalizing downtown areas.
However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Some, like Jon Caldara, who famously dumped human excrement outside City Hall in protest, argue that the city should enforce laws against drug use, theft, assault, and public defecation rather than investing heavily in housing. Caldara suggests that Denver should look to Colorado Springs as a model for addressing homelessness, where they enforce laws more rigorously.
While Johnston’s approach emphasizes housing first, with support services and a focus on stabilization, others advocate for stricter law enforcement to address the negative impacts of homelessness on public safety and sanitation.
Denver’s approach to homelessness continues to be a topic of debate and discussion, with differing opinions on the most effective way to address the crisis.