Denver has one of the largest homeless populations in the United States, according to data from 2025. A report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development names only three areas — New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle — that boast larger homeless populations than the Mile High City.
The issue is ongoing, but with Denver’s street engagement team’s help, real work is being done to tackle homelessness across the city. In a July 15 presentation to Denver City Council’s Health and Safety Committee, representatives from the mayor’s office underlined the efforts being taken to balance support for those experiencing homelessness with support for residents, businesses, and homeowners with complaints. Among their most ambitious stated goals was to completely end unsheltered homelessness across Denver. They did not give a precise timeline for this goal.
Addressing homelessness across Denver continues to present major challenges to the teams tasked with resolving the issue. Erin Atencio, director of Roads to Recovery, a mayoral initiative that “supports individuals with complex mental health and substance misuse needs,” addressed the committee alongside Director of Mayoral Initiatives Megan Rohrer. Both women underlined the ongoing challenges faced by a smattering of Denver organizations working to improve the situation for homeless and unhoused people…