HOUSING, CAMPING TO HELP THE HOMELESS

The coronavirus has spurred an unprecedented response in Denver: a roughly $24 million investment in emergency funding to find safe spaces for people experiencing homelessness.

Mayor Michael Hancock’s team has added 600 beds for men at the National Western Complex, about 300 beds for women in the Coliseum, and another 600 beds in motels across the city for those who either have the virus or are at highrisk for death and serious illness if they were to contract it. Every night, a large percentage of those beds are being used, even as Coloradans have been able to slow the spread of the virus through hard work and sacrifice.

As tragic as the outbreak has been around the globe, the fact that it has spurred a resolve to find safe housing and living options for people is incredibly good news.

Denver’s response has been impressive and, with any luck, the massive effort to provide safe, sanitary housing for the homeless will continue even if someday we find a vaccine that reduces the imminent risk of COVID-19.

Denver’s new resolve to provide campsites for individuals who are unwilling or unable to use the city’s expanded shelter facilities is also the right step at this critical moment in time. The city’s official position is that these campsites will be temporary but, let’s be honest, it’s one of the best ways to provide critical services to some of our most at-risk residents who often refuse shelter services.

There’s evidence that the virus may be much less likely to spread outside than indoors, and it’s far easier to socially distance outside than in a group-living setting. That at least partially explains why encampments that have long existed in Denver’s right-of-way areas are growing. It would be callous and wrong to simply tell those folks that they cannot camp when there’s the possibility that it is the safest option for them right now.

Hancock’s model has always been housing first when it comes to helping folks living in poverty. It’s a good model that has increased shelter beds in the state and also created a successful day-labor program run by the city.

However, there have always been individuals who, for very legitimate reasons, have been unwilling to use the city’s shelters: Some have pets, others have loved ones they don’t want to shelter apart from, some have PTSD and shelter spaces can exacerbate their condition, and others are simply not ready for housing, whether it’s substance abuse or mental health issues keeping them outdoors.

Hancock’s administration is in the process of trying to identify several locations that can serve as campsites for around 50 tents with secure entry and exit points, sanitary bathrooms and other services.

Wisely, the mayor sent a letter to the city council asking for its input about appropriate locations in their districts. The trick to finding locations is finding spaces that are safe for the campers and neighbors, but also that are close to transit so folks can get services they need.

There will understandably be concern among those who live close to the sites identified, but these camping facilities can be set up with care to ensure the safety of both residents and neighbors.

If we set up these facilities with care, then perhaps they won’t have to be temporary and we’ll always have safe, secure places where people can camp until hopefully, someday soon, they are able to find housing.