Denver’s All In Mile High Initiative Marks One-Year

Denver's All In Mile High Initiative Marks One-Year

Published on July 17, 2024

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston today released a new report detailing the first year of Denver's ambitious and innovative All In Mile High initiative to address street homelessness and connect people to housing. The new report details outcomes and results of the initial year of the program, along with a thorough explanation of the program's operations and approach.

"In Denver, we believe our toughest problems are solvable and we are the ones to solve them, which is why on our first full day in office, we set out to fundamentally change the way Denver approaches unsheltered homelessness. One year in, we've done just that," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "Just one year ago, large encampments existed throughout the city, our unhoused neighbors weren't getting the support they need, and businesses and residents alike faced safety concerns. Today, the transformational change in the city can be seen on every street corner. I'm incredibly proud of the results our city teams and community partners have accomplished, and look forward to continuing this work over the next several years."

Through this initiative, Denver has improved outcomes across the board, from encampment resolution to housing outcomes to public health and safety, while bringing real, lasting changes to the way the city looks and feels. The city has also created a model that other cities experiencing quick growth and rising housing costs can successfully replicate to humanely and effectively address street homelessness in their own communities.

"This spring USICH released a list of 19 strategies to guide communities in their efforts to humanely and effectively respond to encampments. These strategies are based on what is working well in communities across the country, including Denver, which has demonstrated that housing-not handcuffs-is the best way to help people move off the streets and into homes," said Jeff Olivet, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). "Thanks to the urgent and compassionate leadership of the Johnston administration, more than 1,600 Denverites have moved indoors in the last year, away from the deadly risks of unsheltered homelessness. While we have a long way to go to end and prevent homelessness, Denver is showing the nation that homelessness is solvable-especially when we treat people experiencing it with the respect and dignity that they deserve."

"The All in Mile High Program's focus on providing permanent supportive housing through our projects has profoundly impacted the lives of many individuals," said Tammy Bellafato, CEO and Executive Director of Bayaud Enterprises. "The success stories of our participants, who now have a chance at a better life, inspire us to continue striving for more significant impact.  Bayaud is deeply committed to the All in Mile High program's mission and we are excited about being able to contribute to its continued success."

Highlights from today's report includes:

• Data showcasing the outcomes of the program

• Six-prong strategy that led to the program's initial success

• Data collection and dashboard

• Next steps for All In Mile High

• Community support

Beyond the numbers, this effort has been critical, life saving, and completely transformational for the people it has impacted. "It's crippling being out there and not knowing what to do, especially for single women. This kind of an opportunity is an incredible blessing and such a big help," said Tracy, who was part of the first encampment resolution and is now permanently housed.

Mayor Johnston has made addressing unsheltered homelessness a central priority throughout the first year of his administration. After successfully meeting his goal to house 1,000 Denverites previously living in encampments in just six months after taking office, the Denver Post Editorial Board applauded the work, saying "Mayor Johnston transformed Downtown Denver in just six months." Building upon that initial success, Mayor Johnston announced an ambitious goal to bring another 1,000 Denverites inside before the end of 2024 and is on track to deliver those results. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other key organizations, Mayor Johnston also recently announced the city's plan to end veteran unsheltered homelessness by the end of the year.  

Read the full one-year report here.

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• Housing Stability
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