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Study finds homelessness on rise - A recent survey has confirmed what many area residents have already suspected: homelessness is on the rise.

Study finds homelessness on rise

A recent survey has confirmed what many area residents have already suspected: homelessness is on the rise.

During a cold winter night last winter, Housing Solutions for the Southwest took part in the annual Colorado Coalition for the Homeless “Point in Time Study,” which is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The survey, which was done in every state on Tues., Jan. 24, counts the number of persons residing in emergency shelters and transitional housing, as well as those sleeping in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars or tents. Information collected also includes: where each per- son slept on the night of Jan. 24; incidents of homelessness and shelter use in the past year; number of persons in the family; age; gender; veteran status; disabilities in the house-hold; history of domestic violence; and other factors.

The 2017 homeless survey for La Plata County, which was conducted by Housing Solution’s Programs Director Tami Miller and Transitional Housing Program Manager Lora Sholes, counted 91 homeless people, including 19 children. Of these people, 35 were unsheltered, triple the amount from just five years ago.

In Montezuma County, there were 61 homeless people, with no children counted. In this same five-year timeframe in Montezuma County, the number of homeless in the emergency shelter increased by 75 percent.

Housing Solutions coordinated with other agencies serving the homeless to conduct the survey. Staff and volunteers spoke with each homeless person about their situation.

“I went to the Wednesday evening meal at Manna and spoke to more than 25 men and women, most of whom were camping the night before,” Sholes said. “Everyone participated and shared their unique life story, including the hardships that led them to being homeless.”

Of those surveyed in La Plata County, 45 percent were victims of domestic violence. Both counties have homeless shelters and shelters for victims of violence.

Although numbers are on the rise, more is being done to help people find long-term housing with a recent shift in HUD funding away from transitional housing toward other programs, such as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. The goal of these new programs is to provide affordable, sustainable housing more quickly.

As a result, Housing Solutions has developed a rapid re-housing program that provides rental assistance and case management to homeless individuals and families. “This unique opportunity has truly changed the lives to those it has served, helping people achieve self-sufficiency and end homelessness in their lives,” said Sholes. One of the program’s current participants, “Amy,” was able to find stable housing for herself and her child and re-establish her business after fleeing an abusive domestic situation, Sholes said.

Housing Solutions is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that has helped thousands in the community for over 30 years. For more information, call 970-259-1086, Ext. 32 or email esalkind@swhousingsolutions.com