Topline: A new CSI report authored by CSI Homelessness fellow, Dustin Zvonek, finds that Colorado ranks among the highest states in the nation for homelessness — and that drug use, crime, and policing levels are as strongly tied to homelessness as housing costs. Dustin recently discussed the findings in an interview with Denver7, highlighting why policy responses must reflect the full picture.
THE FACTS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS IN COLORADO
Colorado ranks among the highest nationally:
Colorado ranks 9th in total homelessness
7th in chronic homelessness
10th in unsheltered homelessness
7th in homelessness involving severe mental illness or chronic substance abuse
Denver ranks near the top among major metros:
Drugs and crime show stronger correlations than housing alone:
Bottom Line: Colorado’s homelessness challenge is severe and complex. The data show that addressing housing alone is unlikely to reduce chronic street homelessness without also confronting drug use, crime, and public safety conditions.
Watch CSI Homelessness Fellow Dustin Zvonek’s Denver7 interview ⬇️
