DENVER MAYOR MICHAEL HANCOCK IS PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE ISSUE OF HOMELESSNESS IN THE MILE HIGH CITY. THE MAYOR IS ROLLING OUT A NEW PLAN TO FOCUS ON CLEANING UP UNSANCTIONED CAMPSITES AND EXPANDING HOUSING SERVICES. HE SAYS THE PANDEMIC HAS MADE THE HOMELESSNESS ISSUE WORSE.
WE'RE LOOKING AT THE PLAN TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS IN DENVER..... WITH MAYOR HANCOCK ON OUR LIVE LINE.
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-- Hancock said he supports Denver's ordinance on unauthorized encampments and that the city will be using its civilian enforcement team to support those clean-up efforts.
--Hancock said the city will plan to acquire motels and hotels to help the unhoused exit homelessness and find permanent housing, something he said would help people find housing much quicker than the traditional housing approach the city currently employs.
--Hancock said the city would be expanding “innovative solutions” such as safe outdoor spaces that would provide basic amenities, sanitation, rehousing support and other services.
--The city will also be expanding supportive programs such as rental and utility assistance and eviction protection services and will also grow the pipeline of new housing developments and the preservation of existing homes to help people across all income levels.