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Homelessness is a complex problem that goes beyond just not having a place to live. It is most often intrinsically tied to factors such as financial barriers, a shortage of affordable housing, mental health issues, and family conflicts. People who are homeless often have faced severe trauma, and experiencing homelessness itself is traumatizing. The combination of all of these circumstances can make it extremely difficult for individuals to navigate into secure and permanent housing. Helping homeless individuals means understanding these challenges and finding solutions that address both their immediate needs and the underlying systemic issues that may be causing and perpetuating their homelessness.
In 2020, the City of Wheat Ridge launched the Homeless Navigation Program to address the issue of rising rates of homelessness in the area. The Program joined the larger Jefferson County Homeless Navigation Collaborative, an initiative that brings together Homeless Navigators from municipalities in Jefferson County. This county-wide collaborative effort supports a cohesive and effective approach to coordinating care for those experiencing homelessness.
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Homelessness is a complex problem that goes beyond just not having a place to live. It is most often intrinsically tied to factors such as financial barriers, a shortage of affordable housing, mental health issues, and family conflicts. People who are homeless often have faced severe trauma, and experiencing homelessness itself is traumatizing. The combination of all of these circumstances can make it extremely difficult for individuals to navigate into secure and permanent housing. Helping homeless individuals means understanding these challenges and finding solutions that address both their immediate needs and the underlying systemic issues that may be causing and perpetuating their homelessness.
In 2020, the City of Wheat Ridge launched the Homeless Navigation Program to address the issue of rising rates of homelessness in the area. The Program joined the larger Jefferson County Homeless Navigation Collaborative, an initiative that brings together Homeless Navigators from municipalities in Jefferson County. This county-wide collaborative effort supports a cohesive and effective approach to coordinating care for those experiencing homelessness.
Subscribe to this page to stay updated on the Homeless Navigation Program!
Many of our survey respondents felt food security was a significant issue for many of those experiencing homelessness, meaning they don’t have adequate access or the means to acquire food. We have the Feed the Future backpack program enabling school children to take food home on the weekend during the school year, the new free community fridge at Wheat Ridge Meat & Poultry, and a variety of free food banks; however, families still go hungry in Wheat Ridge.
What are some additional ways of utilizing existing City resources and the expertise or funding of non-profit organizations to address this concern in the City?
Some residents believe that the best way to help those experiencing homelessness is to offer clothing, food, water, and money to those camping and/or standing beside City streets. Safety concerns for those who are untrained in mental health and drug abuse/misuse is just one of the reasons why donating to someone on the street is not the most effective way to support people experiencing homelessness.
In addition to donating items or money to the Action Center,Family Tree, the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation to support our Homeless Navigator program or to organizations like Goodwill, what other ideas do you have for providing support for basic needs that once met may ultimately lead to someone being able to find permanent housing?
One of the other top priorities respondents believed should be supported with resources by the City of Wheat Ridge is employment. Jefferson County supports employment through its Business and Workforce Center, but there may be options available here in Wheat Ridge as well. With the one-on-one support from the Homeless Navigator two significant barriers to employment might be overcome; 1) meet basic needs and 2) secure permanent housing.
What ideas could you offer for how someone might go about a successful job search?