Denver, Colorado, is providing a total of about $1,000 in cash a month to more than 140 homeless people to help them to find stable housing, the city officials announced last week.
According to Fox News, Denver City Council has approved a $2 million contract with the Denver Basic Income Project that will give cash assistance to women, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, and families living in shelters to find stable houses in the city. Financial assistance is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Just as important as housing and shelter is a regular source of income for those experiencing homelessness,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock told Fox News.
“This direct cash assistance will help more than 140 women and families currently in shelters move into stable housing, and provide support, so they can stay housed while opening space in our shelters to serve more people,” he added.
The Denver Basic Income Project is an organization that provides direct cash payments to 820 people and families experiencing homelessness. The organization provides basic income to individuals experiencing homelessness. The goal is to build a healthier society grounded in social justice and centered around improving human thriving.
University of Denver’s Center for Housing and Homelessness Research will evaluate the program. Researchers will use a randomized control trial. They will measure housing outcomes, utilization of shelter and other homeless services. Improvements in psychological health and substance use will also be offered for those who opt- in.
Numbers
Homelessness is getting worse in metro Denver, and new numbers show the extent of the issue’s growth.
According to data released by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative in January, 6,888 people were experiencing homelessness in the city. At least 784 more people in the Denver area lack permanent housing than during the last survey, up 13%.
