DENVER (June 30, 2025) — The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) leads statewide efforts to prevent homelessness by supporting people of all ages, particularly those who are most at-risk. CDHS connects Coloradans to housing solutions through programs and partnerships for youth currently or formerly in foster care, youth transitioning out of commitment centers, people with serious mental illness and low-income Coloradans, empowering them to thrive.
“These programs and partnerships demonstrate our commitment to making homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring in Colorado,” said Evan Caster, director of homelessness initiatives at CDHS. “By providing connections to lasting support, people can move from crisis to stability.”
According to Colorado’s First Annual State of Homelessness Report, 52,806 Coloradans experienced homelessness in 2024. Each person reported has their own story to share, and homelessness affects every community in our state.
Reintegrating People with Serious Mental Illness into the Community
CDHS recognizes the importance of expanding the continuum of housing and high-quality behavioral health services for people with serious mental illness. CDHS operates 11 mental health transitional living homes that actively support Coloradans reintegrating into their communities after experiencing a mental health crisis. These homes offer a safe environment and personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs while empowering them to build essential social and life skills, and preventing instances of homelessness.
Support for Youth Exiting Foster Care
Youth aging out of foster care are at a higher risk for homelessness. The Center for Policy Research found that over a five-year period (2018-22), 42,143 youth and young adults ages 14-24 years were known to have experienced homelessness in Colorado. To help fill this critical gap, CDHS partners with the Colorado Division of Housing to administer the Fostering Success Housing Voucher Program. It offers rental assistance and supportive services to youth preparing to exit foster care, as well as to former foster youth working toward independence. '
Since May of 2024, the program has distributed 77 vouchers and spent $612,519 toward supporting housing stability for young people who have experienced foster care and are at risk of experiencing homelessness. This initiative empowers young adults to have safe, supportive housing as they transition to independence, reducing their risk of housing insecurity and setting them up for success.
Stable Housing for Survivors of Abuse
CDHS is committed to sustaining community-based domestic and sexual violence programs across the state that provide no-cost, voluntary and confidential support services. Through this critical effort, CDHS created the Stable Housing for Survivors of Abuse Program, an evidence-based initiative that provides emergency housing support for Colorado Works (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)-eligible families affected by domestic or sexual violence. From Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, the CDHS Domestic Violence Program funded 31 organizations that served 4,495 clients experiencing domestic violence and facing housing insecurity. The program also funded another 15 organizations that served 75 additional clients experiencing sexual violence and facing housing insecurity. This program helps prevent homelessness and reduces the risk of child welfare involvement by offering timely, flexible cash assistance for housing-related needs.
Together, these initiatives reflect CDHS’s holistic approach to tackling homelessness — meeting people where they are, addressing root causes and building sustainable solutions. CDHS is committed to making sure every Coloradan has the opportunity to thrive with the safety and stability that housing provides.
CDHS supports people and families by connecting them with assistance, resources and support at every stage of their lives. We serve Coloradans through bold and innovative health and human services. And together, we empower Coloradans to thrive.
Media contact:
AnneMarie Harper
Communications Director
601.566.9271
annemarie.harper@state.co.us