DENVER — The number of people using emergency shelters on a given night in metro Denver increased 40% last year as the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time nearly doubled, according to a new report.
The second State of Homelessness report, released Thursday by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, also showed that people of color represent a disproportionally high percentage of the homeless population.
> Video above: Denver approves safe outdoor space on city property
The report gives insight into the pandemic's impact on the homeless population by providing data that lays out a comprehensive view of the situation within seven metro counties.
Officials used data from the metro area's Homeless Management Information System, which collects and tracks data on people experiencing homelessness; from the Colorado Department of Education; from a Vulnerability Index — Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool, which providers use to enter potential clients into the homeless information system; and from point-in-time data that officials collected in February.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.