Mass Homelessness, Criminalization, and What We Can Do About It Denver Homeless Out Loud and Western Regional Advocacy Project

Overview -Why do we have mass homelessness? -Are shelters and services the solution to homelessness? -What happens when you are homeless? -Should we respond with police and jails? -What can we do?

Mass Homelessness is a Systemic Problem It was NOT caused by individual homeless people

Market Rate Housing Rises Out of Reach -The average rent for an apartment in Denver as of July 2017 was $1,419.74 a month. -A full-time minimum wage earning Colorado worker makes $1,316.80 per month before taxes. Worker would need to work at least 127.21 hours per week, four weeks a month in order to afford an average-rate apartment within ten miles of Denver, Colorado.

Continued Depletion of Federal Funds and Increasing Rent Burden in Denver

Bandaids Instead of Healing - Treatment Instead of Homes While people experiencing homelessness (like any other population) often do struggle with a variety of personal challenges, which may make getting off the streets more difficult, homelessness was not caused by these individual problems nor will it be ended by focusing on these. We must address the systemic causes of mass homelessness.

What is it like to be Homeless?

CRIMINALIZATION Of HOMELESSNESS/POVERTY IN COLORADO These are the results from DHOL’s survey of 441 people across colorado “No Right to Rest” Report can be downloaded at our website. No Right To Rest Report by Denver Homeless Out Loud: 441 Respondents

Move Along to Where?

Support the Right to Rest! What We Can Do RIGHT NOW! End the Survival Ban! Advocate! Share Land! Support the Right to Rest!

We are working on... Advocate to legislators and to your community As DHOL we are working on solutions to these root causes of homelessness and the harm to people’s lives while homeless right now and we could use your help! Here are just some ways you can help: Advocate to legislators and to your community Research assistance Donate funds Advocate for public bathrooms Support real attainable housing for homeless and very low income people Call for an end to the Survival Ban (aka the Camping Ban) Advocating for the statewide Right to Rest Act Share land for tiny home villages and homes for all Much more…!

www.denverhomelessoutloud.org