DENVER—Denver Mayor Michael Hancock says he’s requesting a comprehensive review of Denver’s homeless shelters following concerns raised by businesses, residents, Occupy Denver protesters and the homeless community.
He said Friday that an outside agency or agencies will be sought to analyze the locations, conditions and capacity of city shelters. He also wants a review of shelters’ referral processes, services, client restrictions, average lengths that people stay in shelters, exit strategies and alternative options.
The city has a plan known as Denver’s Road Home for helping people out of homelessness. Denver officials say shelters are just one, short-term strategy that must be coupled with long-term strategies of transitional housing, permanent affordable housing, support services and other tactics.
