Homelessness has increased 150 percent in Adams County in the past two years, and human services leaders say they want the public to better understand the root causes of the problem: low wages and a lack of affordable housing.
“Prevention of homelessness is addressed through affordable housing and jobs that pay a living wage,” said Virginia Longoria, executive director of Access Housing in Commerce City.
Wages in Adams County are lower than the statewide average in almost all industries: an average weekly wage of $840 compared to $932 statewide.
Adams County has a 10-year plan to end homelessness and has convened a blue-ribbon commission to help carry it out, Longoria said.
Mayors from Adams County towns and cities will join with the school superintendent, members of the faith community, homeless service providers, and people who use these services in the first meeting, planned for Feb. 24.
According to a 2009 study of homelessness in Adams County, there is a specific hurdle that will face the commission: “There is resistance to increasing the housing and supportive services options in Adams County because of a fear that a more robust system will attract homeless people from other jurisdictions,” the report said.
Colleen O’Connor: 303-954-1083 or coconnor@denverpost.com
