State of Emergency Declaration for Homelessness On Denver Mayor’s Second Day

Mayor Johnston of Denver made a state of emergency declaration for homelessness on his second day in office. Reports say Johnston considers homelessness as the most significant problem the city is facing to date.

During his second day in office, Mayor Mike Johnston made a state of emergency declaration on the problems of homelessness and housing insecurity in the city of Denver in Colorado. Johnston stated that he considers homelessness as the most significant problem the city is facing to date.

According to Erblat, during the state of emergency declaration, Johnston announced that he intends to put a roof over the heads of 1,000 homeless individuals by the end of the year. Johnston added that with the help of the state of emergency declaration, the city will gain access to resources from Colorado and the federal government.

Furthermore, Johnston stated that with the state of emergency declaration, the city and its private and nonprofit partners will be more involved in the problems of homelessness. On July 18, during a news conference, Johnston also stated that homelessness is connected with other several issues such as economics, social services, public health and safety, and mental health.

READ ALSO: Biden Administration To Extend American Rescue Plan, Reduces Homelessness By 25%

Plans Mentioned in State of Emergency Declaration

According to Hernandez, during the state of emergency declaration, Johnston also announced the launch of a “78-neighborhood tour” where members of the city council will visit communities and ask residents about what they are in need of assistance for.

In addition, the state of emergency declaration also mentioned assessing lands that can be converted to accommodate housing. Access to bathrooms, showers, kitchens, and all the core services will also be worked on. Lastly, Johnston also stated that 197 public sites and several private areas have already been identified to accommodate “micro-communities”.

READ ALSO: Veteran Homelessness Program Granted By White House With $3.1 Billion