The economic downturn affects people in various ways. But for the homeless, the effects can be as serious as a heart attack.
So far this year, 140 people in the metro area have died from conditions related to or made worse by being homeless, homeless advocates say. That’s a 38 percent increase over last year’s 104 deaths, with more arctic weather to come.
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has scheduled a news conference for 10:30 this morning to declare a state of emergency for Colorado’s homeless families and individuals, calling the situation “bleak.”
Caregivers to the homeless say they’re seeing not only more people becoming homeless, but also donations and support for the homeless dwindling. Demand is up, and supplies are down.
Denver’s Department of Human Services has told the Coalition for the Homeless that it plans to cut its homeless assistance budget by 24 percent, effective March 31, said John Parvensky, coalition president. He said he’s been told that DHS has shifted its priorities ever so slightly away from the homeless toward its child-welfare budget.
DHS spokeswoman Benny Samuels said she couldn’t confirm or deny the shift, and director Pat Wilson Pheanious was unavailable Tuesday.
Jaimie Van Leeuwen, project manager for Denver’s Road Home program to end homelessness in a few years, said the city has been meeting with homeless caregivers and providers, trying to reduce any shortcomings.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
