The National Alliance to End Homelessness will release a report today stating that the number of homeless people nationally has dropped 10 percent.
However, the data used in the report is at least 2-years old and local shelters report their numbers are up 30-35 percent in the past year.
The alliance, whose “Road Home” program attracted Mayor John Hickenlooper to join in the 10-year fight to end homelessness, reports that homeless numbers in Colorado have dropped by 35 percent, and that Denver has seen a 14 percent decrease.
That finding is based on data collected in January 2007 and January 2005.
Jamie Van Leeuwen, project manager of Denver’s Road Home Program, said he couldn’t provide figures any more current than the national organization’s.
He said Denver will conduct another point-in-time survey Jan. 27, during which the number of homeless in the metro area will be counted in a 24-hour period.
The Denver Rescue Mission reports a 36 percent increase in meals and beds it has provided between October 2007 and October 2008, director Brad Meuli said.
