Council on Tuesday supported Boulder County’s move toward a housing-first approach to homelessness but wanted to slow down the reduction of sheltering services proposed by providers. Leaders also indicated they would be willing to commit more funds to prevent consolidation of Path to Home and Boulder Shelter and continue moving unhoused residents into permanent homes.
Since coordinated entry launched in October 2018, more than 200 residents countywide have found homes, according to Boulder’s online dashboard. But 200 long-term (two years or more) un-housed residents are still awaiting housing.
All of them can be placed in homes next year, said Wendy Schwartz, human services policy manager, with an additional $1 million in local funds. It costs roughly $20,000 a year in rent and supportive services to house a person experiencing homelessness, Schwartz said. But by leveraging other funds, Boulder can provide homes for 200 residents.
Some tradeoffs are being recommended by HSBC in order to put more funds toward housing. The organization has suggested that Bridge House’s Path to Home navigation services be combined with Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. Path to Home is currently run from 2691 30th Street, but that lease expires in May 2020.
Consolidating the two into one physical location would also remove 50 shelter beds from rotation, staff said Tuesday. Priority for beds would be given to residents who have been homeless for more than six months. Everyone else would be directed to “diversion services,” which will be carved out of navigation services.
If Path to Home and Boulder Shelter consolidate, there will be no homes for diversion clients, Schwartz confirmed in response to a question from councilman Sam Weaver. That gave council members pause.
Staff believe that housing shelter-dependent residents would free up more beds. During the first year of coordinated entry, 35 people used two years’ worth of shelter nights. If they were housed, said Deputy Director of Housing and Human Services Kurt Firnhaber, the shelter could accommodate 860 more people (assuming the current average stay of roughly two weeks).
“Are you proposing we can do that in the next year?” Mayor Suzanne Jones asked.
Still, council expressed concern that the remaining 165 beds would not be sufficient. Boulder Shelter reached capacity 10 nights this season when winter sheltering was not available; nine in October and one in December. The severe weather shelter itself filled up twice: February 11 and March 6.
It could also further racial disparities in the county: 7.5% of the homeless population is African American. Choosing to reduce services the same week council held its meeting on racial issues sends the wrong message, he said.
In the end, council voted unanimously to support HSBC’s recommendations but prioritize a search for a new location to house Path to Home navigation. Members also lauded housing and homelessness leaders for their efforts.