Commissioned report from Public Policy Associates sought to gain a holistic understanding of the system’s assets
and challenges

Key Points:

• A report that looked into the work of Homeless Solutions for Boulder County (HSBC) found that HSBC is on the right track with their efforts.

• Emergency help is available and helping more people, however, there is not enough permanent housing to meet the growing need.

• Most of the new funding went to emergency services, not long-term housing.
• Recommendations were made to build on the good work already being done at HSBC.

Boulder County, Colo. – At the direction of the Executive Board for Homeless Solutions for Boulder County (HSBC), and the cities of Boulder, Longmont and Boulder County, an external evaluation of HSBC was solicited. The result is the Findings from the System Evaluation of Homeless Solutions for Boulder County report. The report looks at numbers and data about homelessness from 2022 to 2023, including how money was spent during those years. It also includes feedback and opinions from important people involved in the issue. The team looked for common ideas and lessons in those responses. They also conducted a literature review to identify best and emerging practices across the country and globe to find out what works best in helping people who are homeless in Boulder County, and to see how HSBC compares to similar programs.

The report shows that HSBC is on the right track. It supports their focus on helping people get housing with supports, working together as a team, using data to make decisions, and making sure everyone has a fair chance. These ideas were also supported by the people who gave feedback and by research on what works best, including those residents currently experiencing homelessness in Boulder County.

“The systems that exist today exist due to a scarcity of resources, which have been significantly underfunded for decades,” said Heidi Grove, Division Manager of the Division of Homeless Systems and Coordinated Response. “We’ve addressed this crisis before, and we can do it again. After each world war, the country took a stand and declared housing and homelessness a national crisis. This allowed federal funding for affordable housing and homelessness. Now, it will require all systems working together to invest in housing, behavioral health services and wraparound services.”

Key points from the report include:

Homelessness increased faster in Boulder County (and across Colorado) than in the rest of the U.S. from 2022 to 2023.

• Data shows a growing need for support services and more permanent housing options.
• Causes include high housing costs, unstable job markets, and more people moving into area.
• Understanding these causes helps improve prevention strategies and local services.

Two reasons for the rise in homelessness in Boulder County:

• More people are becoming homeless for the first time.
• More people are coming into the county from other areas.
• Older adults are becoming homeless more often and may need special types of support.
• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) are overrepresented among people experiencing homelessness, which may point to gaps in services.

HSBC’s crisis services (like emergency shelters, intake help, and outreach) have been able to help more people.

• But the number of permanent housing options hasn’t grown fast enough to meet the rising need.
• From 2022 to 2023, overall funding for services increased by 22%:

• 27% more went to emergency response services.
• Only 17% more went to housing and long-term support.

Recommendations for HSBC to consider in response to the report include:

• Improve how data systems work together
• Focus on fairness and include everyone
• Help the community better understand homelessness
• Provide more housing and support options
• Help people stay in housing long-term
• Be careful with new shelter options
• Keep improving emergency services
• Make leadership and teamwork clear and open

To learn more about the work of Homeless Solutions for Boulder County, visit https://bouldercounty.gov/departments/community-services/homeless/

• Contact the Board of County Commissioners
• View the Commissioners' Meeting Documents and Records
• Visit the County Commissioners' webpage

Americans with Disabilities Act Notice

Special Assistance
Boulder County wants to ensure that everyone has equal access to our programs, activities, and services. To request an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accommodation, please email the ADA Coordinator, or call 303-441-1386. Submit your request as early as possible, and no later than two business days before the event. Boulder County's ADA Policy

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