Denver plans to double the size of its tiny home homeless encampment.
The Denver City Council Approves Expansion of Homeless Encampment with Tiny Homes
The Denver City Council has made a significant decision to enhance a planned homeless encampment that utilizes tiny homes as shelters. In a revised agreement with the nonprofit organization Colorado Village Collaborative (CVC), which manages the encampment, the city government has allocated an additional $500,000 towards the camp. This funding will increase the number of tiny homes from 24 to 44.
Investing in a Better Future
The allocated funds will cover various essential aspects of the encampment, including the units themselves, sewage, water, electrical infrastructure, fencing, and project management. These improvements will be implemented at the Monroe Street site, where CVC currently operates existing homes, an office, and a community building. The ultimate goal of these tiny home camps is to gradually transition homeless individuals into stable housing.
A Proven Success
Denver is home to multiple planned homeless camps, some of which utilize tiny homes, while others rely on tents. CVC was initially contracted by Denver in 2017 to establish the city’s first endeavor into these camps, known as the Beloved Community Village. A study conducted by the University of Denver’s Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness during the first nine months of operation deemed the site a “success.”
According to the study, crime near the encampment remained stable, and neighbors reported minimal issues with the homeless residents. Furthermore, out of the original 12 residents, 10 of them, most of whom were “chronically homeless,” were able to maintain their housed status, with three individuals successfully transitioning to permanent housing.
A Welcoming Haven
The Monroe Street location, which opened in 2020 and is expected to operate until at least 2024, offers tiny homes that are approximately 100 square feet in size. These homes are equipped with amenities such as electricity, heat, and fans. CVC states that the average length of stay for residents is one year.
Addressing a Growing Issue
Despite the reported success of these sites, Denver’s homeless population continues to grow. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the total homeless population in the Mile High City reached 6,884 in 2022.
From 2020 to 2022, total homelessness in Denver increased by nearly 13%, significantly surpassing the national average increase of 0.3% during the same period. Unsheltered homelessness, specifically referring to individuals who regularly sleep in cars, parks, streets, and other unsuitable spaces, saw a 33% increase within the city during that time.
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A Permanent Solution
In June, the Denver City Council voted to incorporate the homeless sites into the city’s zoning code, allowing them to exist beyond the originally planned end date of December 2023.
As of now, the Denver City Council and CVC have not responded to a request for comment from The Washington Examiner.
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