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ATTACHMENT C The Denver Post "ENDING HOMELESSNESS NOT EASY, BUT DENVER HAS A PLAN" June $, 2005 3. Prevent further homelessness by assisting people, particularly families, who are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, foreclosure or utility shutoff. Approximately 670 households become homeless for the first time each year. 4. Strategically expand supportive services, including medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment, to help homeless residents secure and maintain housing and otherwise achieve stability. There are currently at least 535 homeless people who need mental health or substance abuse treatment or both, and an estimated 466 who need medical care. These numbers are updated annually, and should decline as supportive services expand. 5. Enhance public safety by expanding homeless outreach efforts that help people access services and leave the streets. The Metro Denver Homeless Initiative 2005 Point-In-Time Survey data show an average of 343 people living in public places in Denver on any given evening, while 10 percent of the homeless report income from panhandling. To accompany expanded, around-the-clock outreach and services, we must have stronger city ordinances forbidding blocking of sidewalks, public passageways and building entrances and disallowing encampments on public and private property. In addition, the city should increase enforcement of its aggressive panhandling ordinance, consider licensing requirements for groups distributing public meals and encourage these groups to move their meals indoors. The primary goal of these efforts must always be to divert people from the streets. 6. Increase access to education, training and employment opportunities in order to break the cycle of homelessness. Specifically, we need 580 jobs annually for homeless residents, and additional assistance to help homeless children stay in school and complete their education. 7. Increase community awareness throughout the metro area regarding the size and scope of homelessness, what it costs us, who~s affected and what individuals and communities can do to help. Homelessness is not Denver's problem alone. The 2005 Point-In-Time survey indicated that 56 percent of area homeless are from the six counties surrounding Denver. The community awareness effort will promote the need for all communities to care for their homeless residents and participate in ending homelessness throughout the metro area. Communities will be able to monitor these efforts by using a new state Homeless Management Information System due to go online soon. 8. Improve emergency shelter and housing capacity by updating Denver's zoning, urban design and land use regulations. Continuing a longstanding commitment by the commission, efforts to establish new shelters would require neighborhood involvement and oversight. Page 2 of 3