Senate Approves Legislation to Help Local Communities Address Homelessness

HB22-1377 directs $105 million to help launch innovative programs supporting Coloradans experiencing homelessness

DENVER, CO - The Senate today approved legislation aimed at reducing the rate of homelessness by supporting communities to develop and implement support systems that effectively respond to the barriers that people experiencing homelessness face.

HB22-1377, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, directs $105 million in flexible grant funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of Coloradans experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Those initiatives may include wraparound supportive services, care coordination, emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing and property conversion.

“We've seen clearly over the past few years that crisis exacerbates inequality. As our state's housing issues have worsened significantly, even more Coloradans find themselves without a place to call home,” said Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This legislation is critically important, and will help local communities connect unhoused Coloradans to essential support and resources. It’s only a start - but providing these resources will help folks get back on their feet by expanding access to the housing, care and support services that they need.”

“The crisis of unhoused Coloradans has only grown, and we must take action,” Kolker said. “This bill will enable local communities to better tackle this crisis, and arm them with resources to implement innovative, community-driven strategies that address and prevent homelessness and get more Coloradans the help they need.”

HB22-1377 now moves to the Governor’s desk. Track the bill’s progress HERE.