Denver plans to allocate as much as $74 million to provide housing for 94 homeless Indigenous individuals over the next two decades.
On Monday, the Denver City Council made a significant decision to allocate up to $74 million over the next two decades for 94 housing vouchers aimed at supporting homeless Indigenous individuals, who will be residing at 901 Navajo St.
City staff have indicated that the funding will be sourced from the Homelessness Resolution Fund.
“The City does not by this agreement irrevocably pledge present cash reserves for payment or performance in future fiscal years,” according to memo from city staff to the council. “This Agreement does not and is not intended to create a multiple-fiscal year direct or indirect debt or financial obligation of the City.”
The initial year’s expenses are projected to reach $2.3 million. Future years are expected to see an increase in costs as rental prices escalate. The memo states that the project will receive reimbursement rates from the State of Colorado Division of Housing, which will be updated each year.
An extraordinary advancement
A memo from city staff in September addressed to the Safety, Housing, Education and Homelessness Committee of the council reveals that the project by MHMP 21 Navajo LLLC will mark a significant milestone in Colorado, as it aims to offer a unique blend of supportive and affordable housing alongside a health clinic dedicated to the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals and families. A new health center run by Denver Indian Health and Family Services is set to tackle the challenges of housing and health inequalities….
According to the memo, units will be accessible to individuals earning between 30% and 60% of the average median income for Denver. The annual amount is approximately $27,400 for an individual or $62,640 for a household of two. A total of 94 units will be available at 30% AMI, with 44 units set at 66% AMI, while the rest will be allocated at 40% and 50% AMI.
A commitment will ensure that the 190-unit building stays affordable for 99 years, as stated in the memo.
Voting on the lease for the hotel designated for the homeless has been delayed by the council.
On Monday, the council decided to delay the payment of $11.6 million to Quebec Hospitality LLC for the next 23 months regarding the lease of the Comfort Inn located at 4685 Quebec. The hotel is currently serving as accommodation for individuals facing homelessness when other shelters reach capacity.
Shontel Lewis, a member of the council, proposed postponing the vote to December 9. She expressed concern that the hotel will likely continue the trend of insufficient investment for residents in her area, which has seen an influx of accommodations for those facing homelessness. She is eager to gather additional details from the mayor’s office regarding the provision of services at the hotel. She mentioned that constituents have been describing the homeless hotels in her district as a form of “warehousing” for homeless individuals.
