A third-party analysis of local government homeless services, Homeless Solutions for Boulder County (HSBC), was released last week, identifying strengths and weaknesses of the system adopted in 2017.
Among the changes recommended by Michigan-based consultant Public Policy Associates were:
- Connecting the local data management system with the system used by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI). “The disconnect between data systems makes tracking an individual’s experience with homelessness over time and across geographic shifts nearly impossible,” report authors wrote.
An interface to connect the two systems in its process, according to the report. The county did not respond to a request for comment or confirmation.
- A quarterly analysis of racial disparities, along with other changes to address the persistent over-representation of marginalized populations among the unhoused. The issue is not unique to Boulder, but local leaders have struggled to provide effective solutions or even grasp the scope of the problem, the report’s authors noted.
“There was a general sense from all the groups included in the qualitative analysis (governing bodies, service providers and people experiencing or with lived experience of homelessness) that services are provided equitably,” authors wrote. “However, they struggled to point to actual evidence of equity.”
While HSBC was praised for its collaboration, report authors also noted “the lack of cohesion across the elected officials and policymakers within Boulder County and the City of Boulder and the City of Longmont” when it comes to policies and funding, which “complicates collaboration and hinders effective service provision.
“As a result, it can be challenging for HSBC to maintain common collaborative goals and ensure that programmatic decisions and resource allocations are aligned with system wide priorities. A more formalized and clearly articulated region-wide purpose is necessary to foster a unified approach and maximize HSBC's potential impact.”
Authors also recommended expanding basic needs services for the unhoused, along with increased case management and outreach. “HSBC should expand the availability of these services including accessible restrooms, showers, laundry facilities and secure storage options, and work to ensure they are accessible, safe and welcoming.”
HSBC was praised for its funding of and focus on peer support and services to help people retain housing: “This is a trend worth continuing as rental and utility assistance, counseling and wraparound services are essential to prevent evictions and support long-term housing success.”
In a press release, county officials touted the analysis as showing “that HSBC is on the right track.”
“The systems that exist today exist due to a scarcity of resources, which have been significantly underfunded for decades,” Heidi Grove, Division Manager of the Division of Homeless Systems and Coordinated Response, was quoted as saying in the release. “We’ve addressed this crisis before, and we can do it again.”
Homelessness increased 51% in Boulder County between 2017 and 2024, according to Point In Time (PIT) counts conducted on a single night each January. The report noted that the county’s 84% increase between 2022 and 2023 far outpaced the nation (11%) and Colorado (39%).
“According to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to congress, the State of Colorado also experienced the fourth largest total increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2023 (behind New York, California and Florida) despite only being the 21st most populous state,” authors noted.
Point in Time Counts
The number of people experiencing homelessness on a single January night in Boulder County
2017: 480
2018: 592
2019: 623
2020: 689
2022: 457
2023: 839
2024: 727
Source: Metro Denver Homeless Initiative
*Note: Data for 2021 has been excluded because it did not included unsheltered individuals