Decode Colorado: A Conversation

>>> GOOD EVENING, I'M VANESSA CLARK.

DENVEREST FINAL TWO MAYORAL.

I'M A FORMER JOURNALIST.

ONE OF DENVER'S LARGEST HOMELESS PROVIDERS.

>> I'M TOM HEAD OF CONTENT AT PBS12.

WE HAVE A LOT TO COVER TONIGHT.

BEFORE WE BEGIN.

I'D LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE WHY WE ARE HERE.

THERE ARE PEOPLE IN DENVER WHO NEED A HELPING HAND TONIGHT.

WE ARE HERE BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE A WAY TO BE THAT HELP.

THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF TALK ABOUT NUMBERS, STATISTICS, POLICY.

LET'S KEEP IN OUR MIND AND IN OUR HEARTS THAT PEOPLE ARE AT THE CENTER OF THIS CONVERSATION.

UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS AND THOSE AT RISK BEING THERE.

>> NOW WE WILL TURN OUR ATTENTION TO THE STAGE.

WELCOME OUR TWO CANDIDATES.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE THIS EVENING.

>> THANK YOU.

>> TOM AND I ARE HERE TO INTRODUCE TOPICS AND ASK QUESTION.

WE WILL BE JOINED BY AN EXPERT PANEL.

I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE THEM NOW.

CHRISTINA KARLSON.

THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF SAFE OUTDOOR SPACES WITH WRAP AROUND SERVICES.

FORMALLY UNHOUSED AND SHARED WITH US HER STORY IN HER DOCUMENTARY.

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LAND IN COLORADO.

AND FINALLY STEVEN SHEPHERD THIS IS A TRADE ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING THE COMMERCIAL REALIZE INDUSTRY.

>> OKAY.

TOGETHER WE EXPERIENCED DECODE COLORADO HOMELESSNESS.

A DOCUMENTARY PRODUCED BY PBS12.

THE DOCUMENTARY IN CONVERSATION TONIGHT IS PART OF PBS12'S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO GIVE VOICE TO ALL THE STORIES THAT IMPACT US ALL.

HOMELESSNESS IS THE TOP ISSUE IN THIS MAYORAL RACE.

MIKE JOHNSTON AND KELLY BROUGH WHAT PARTS OF THE FILM RESONATED.

WHAT DID YOU FIND COMPELLING?

MIKE, WE WILL START WITH YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US.

THANK YOU FOR THAT INCREDIBLE STORY.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY.

I THINK WHAT RESONATED WITH ME THE TRUTH THAT THE STORIES TOLD.

BEING ABLE TO BACKTRACK WHERE YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER US.

WE GOT THEM THERE.

AT THE SAME TIME THEY WERE LIVING A LIFE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.

YOU HAD A JOB, YOU HAD ACCESS AND SERVICES AND HAVE EACH ONE OF THOSE PIECES CAN BEGIN TO FALL APART WHETHER IT IS THROUGH ADDICTION, WHETHER LACK OF HOUSING.

AND ALSO, THE POWER OF WHAT INDIVIDUAL TO HELP YOU GET BACK ON TRACK WHEN YOU FEEL UNSEENED, UNSUPPORTED, UNWELCOMED.

THAT WAS INSPIRING TO ME.

>> KELLY?

>> WHEN WE WERE FIRST COMING ON THE STAGE.

A FEW OF US SAID BEING REMINDED OF THE POWER OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT.

WE SAW IT.

I BELIEVE IN IT TOO.

WHILE IT IS SO HARD TO WATCH YOU ARE ALSO REMINDED WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF COMING THROUGH.

I WILL ADD A FEW THINGS.

THE FILM REMINDED ME WE COMMITMENTED SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES THAT CREATE WHAT WE FACE TODAY AND CREATE THE INNECKTIES.

PROVIDE PEOPLE A PATH BACK AND TO PROVIDE THE SUPPORTS NEEDED.

I LOOK FORWARD TO TONIGHT'S CONVERSATIONS.

THANK YOU FOR SETTING THIS UP.

>> THANK YOU BOTH.

LET'S QUICKLY GO OVER THE FORMAT BEFORE WE DIVE IN.

TOM AND I WILL PROMPT YOU WITH A TOPIC AND YOU WILL HAVE A MINUTE TO ANSWER.

OUR EXPERTS WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

>> THROUGHOUT THIS CONVERSATION YOU WILL HEAR US REFER TO PEOPLE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE, PEOPLE CONSPIRACYING HOMELESSNESS.

YOU SAW IN THE DOCUMENTARY THREE IN TEN HOUSING IS UNSTABLE.

THOSE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN LIVING IN AN EMERGENCY SHELTERS, STAYING IN A FRIEND'S BASEMENT.

INTENT OF BEING INCLUSIVE OF ALL HOMELESSNESS.

LET'S DIVE IN.

>> IN DECODE COLORADO WE HAVE DECIDED AS A COUNTRY IT IS NOT OKAY FOR PEOPLE TO STARVE TO DEATH.

WE HAVE NOT DECIDED THAT ABOUT HOUSING.

OUR FIRST QUESTION DO YOU BELIEVE THAT HOUSING IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT.

WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION THAT ALL CITIZENS ARE HOUSED, IF SO WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE IN YOUR ADMINISTRATION?

WE WILL START WITH YOU KELLY.

>> I APPRECIATED WHEN JOHN REMINDS IT IS A HUMAN RIGHT.

WE DO HAVE AN OBLIGATION.

WHAT WE ARE REMINDED TODAY, WHEN WE FAIL WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE FOR ALL OF US AND FOR OUR CITIES.

I THINK THE PASS BACK IS -- I THINK WE ALMOST HAVE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT WE LOOK AT THIS ISSUE SOMETIMES TODAY, I THINK WE WANT TO BELIEVE THAT YOU MADE A CHOICE, THAT YOU DID SOMETHING.

YOU COULD HAVE CONTROLLED THE OUTCOME.

I THINK PEOPLE WANT TO BELIEVE THAT BECAUSE YOU WANT TO BELIEVE IT CAN'T HAPPEN TO THEM.

I THINK WE WANT TO CHANGE THAT CONVERSATION.

THE RISKS AND THE CHALLENGES WE FACE HOW EASY LIFE CAN GO WRONG.

IT BECOMES AN EASIER CONVERSATION TO AGREE.

WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO HOUSE, TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE, TO PROVIDE SHELTER FOR PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.

MIKE?

>> YES, I DO BELIEVE HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT.

IT REQUIRES ALL THE URGENCY WHICH YOU THINK THINGS THAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS.

FOR ME THAT LOOKS LIKE HOW DO WE TREAT THIS AS IF IT WERE A CRISIS?

ON THE NIGHTS WHEN IT DROPS 5 DEGREES OR BELOW ZERO WE SEE IT THE URGENT CRISIS.

WE TRY TO EMERGENCY MOVE INTO STORAGE.

WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THAT AS ONGOING SET OF CRISIS.

FOR ME IT IS ABOUT HOW DO WE PUT IN PLACE THAT HOUSING QUICKLY?

HOW DO WE RALLY ALL THE RESOURCES?

HOW DO WE TREAT IT AS THE CRISIS IT IS.

GET PEOPLE INTO SAFE DIGIT -- DIGNIFIED STABLE HOUSING.

>> THOUGHTFUL BOTH OF YOU.

LET'S TALK ABOUT PREVENTION.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGING IS TURNING DOWN THAT FAUCET SO TO SPEAK.

THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE FALLING INTO HOMELESSNESS.

HOW WILL YOU ADMINISTRATION OFFER THE PEOPLE THE DIGNITY OF REMAINING IN THEIR HOMES?

>> ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE CAN DO THAT STOP PEOPLE GETTING PUSHED OUT OF THEIR HOMES AND IN THE STREETS.

I GOT TO WORK ON A PROJECT OF A GROUP OF NON-PROFIT THAT FOCUSES ON SOLVING THIS PROBLEM.

YOU MIGHT HAVE SOMEONE $300 BEHIND IN RENT.

THE LANDLORD IS PROBABLY GETTING NEW RENT.

THAT PERSON WILL BE PUT OUT ON THE STREET.

HAVE NO PLACE TO GO AND SERVICES THAT WILL COST MORE OF KEEPING HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE.

A NON-PROFIT LENDS THAT MONEY TO HAVE SOMEONE TO STAY IN THEIR HOME.

MAKE SURE YOU CAN PROTECT SOMEBODY'S ABILITY TO STAY HOUSE.

AND THEN BE ABLE TO AVOID THE RISK OF PEOPLE BEING MADE TO HOMELESS AND ALL THE COSTS.

THAT IS WHAT I WILL FOCUS ON.

HOW DO WE EXPAND THESE RESOURCES SO THEY CAN STAY IN THEIR HOUSES AND AVOID ENDING UP ON THE STREETS.

>> I THINK WE HEARD THE NUMBER ABOUT THE ESTIMATED PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS THAT ARE HOLDING DOWN JOBS.

WE KNOW IT IS HIGH.

I HAVE HEARD AS HIGH AS 40%.

SOMEONE MAY HAVE A BETTER NUMBER FOR POPULATIONS LIVING WITH US.

BUT WHAT STRIKES ME HOW QUICKLY YOU STABLE OTHER CITIES HAVE DISCOVERED THIS.

THERE IS A PROGRAM THAT I FOUND IN CHARLOTTE THAT I FOUND THAT WAS INTERESTING WE CAN MORE SUCCESSFULLY ENGAGE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.

THAT IS THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

IN THIS PROGRAM IT IS A NON-PROFIT.

THEY UNDER RIGHT THE RISKS OF SOMEONE WHO IS UNHOUSED.

THEY WILL PAY THE DEPOSIT.

THEY WILL PAY THE RENT.

THEY WILL PAY IF YOU HAVE TO BE EVICTED.

I THINK WORKING ACROSS OUR SYSTEM TO LOOK AT HOW MANY PEOPLE WE CAN REHOUSE QUICKLY WITH THOSE KINDS OF MODELS AND FOCUS ON PREVENTION WITH THE SAME STRATEGY.

>> THANK YOU, BOTH.

LET'S GO DEEPER ON THE TOPIC OF PREVENTION.

LET'S START WITH YOU.

>> WE TALKED ABOUT PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

HOW DO WE DO THAT UPSTREAM WORK AND WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?

ONE OF THE PIECES I'M INTERESTED OF HEARING AS WE THINK ABOUT PREVENTION, HOW ARE WE GETTING SERVICES TO THEM BEFORE THEY ARE FALLING INTO HOMELESSNESS.

WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?

THOSE SERVICES LIKE CASE MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT AND ALL OF THOSE KINDS OF THINGS WE ARE DOING FOR PEOPLE AS WE ARE REHOUSING THEM?

HOW CAN WE THINK ABOUT DOING THAT.

KELLY WHY DON'T YOU GO FIRST.

>> I HAD A CHANCE TO MEET WITH THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AT WASHINGTON, D.C.

THEY WERE FOCUSING ON THIS ISSUE COULD THEY START TO FORM RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE WHO WERE RECEIVING ASSISTANCE.

THEY KNEW THEY WERE AT GREAT RISK IF ONE MORE THING WENT WRONG.

AND WHAT THEY DISCOVERED THEY WOULD START FORMING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THOSE SERVICES WHEN YOU WERE COMING IN TO GET YOUR WIC OR FOOD STAMP SERVICES YOU KNEW TO GO BEFORE THINGS GOT TOO DIRE OR TOO WRONG.

I ALSO SAW -- WE DO THIS A LITTLE BIT.

PARTNERING WITH LANDLORDS.

WE COULD NOT ONLY ASSIST WITH RENT BUT WE COULD IDENTIFY WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT COULD WE GET TO THAT FAMILY TO HELP STABILIZE.

>> MIKE?

>> THANKS SO MUCH.

I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL WE HAD KIDS THAT WERE IN AND OUT OF HOMELESSNESS.

WE CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT.

I THINK WE OUGHT TO HAVE THE SAME NOTIFICATIONS FOR ADULTS.

I LIKE THE IDEA WE CAN HAVE A PARTNERSHIP WITH LANDLORDS.

YOU ARE CONSIDERING TAKING ACTION, YOU SHOULD LET US KNOW FIRST SO WE CAN PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THAT PERSON UPFRONT.

SYSTEMS WHERE YOU KNOW HAVE HEAVY VALUE.

YOU ARE ONE OF THE CENTERS THAT I WORKED IN.

WE KNOW THERE IS A PIPELINE.

CONNECT TO YOUNG PEOPLE EARLIER AND GET THOSE BRIDGED LONGER.

DRIVING DOWN OUR YOUTH POPULATION THAT IS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

THAT IS SOMETHING WE KNOW IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.

>> I WANT TO TALK ABOUT EXPERIENCE WE HAD WITH THE SAFE OUTDOOR SPACE.

WE HAVE PEOPLE HOUSING THE PROPERTY.

THAT IS A LITTLE MORE LENIENT ON BACKGROUNDS.

WE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE HOUSED THERE RECENTLY.

THIS LANDLORD IS OPERATING SUB STANDARD PROPERTIES.

THESE PEOPLE ARE WITHOUT HOT WATER.

THEY ARE GETTING NOTICES.

WE HAD GOT THEM IN THEIR APARTMENT.

THEY ARE IN FEAR OF BECOMING HOMELESS AGAIN.

HOW WOULD YOU HOLD LANDLORDS ACCOUNTABLE?

KELLY.

>> YEAH, I THINK, YOU KNOW, THE CITY PASSED A PROVISION WHERE WE INSPECT EVERY PROPERTY SOMETHING LIKE 13% OF THE LANDLORDS HAVE REGISTERED THROUGH THE REGISTRATION PROCESS.

MY GUESS IS THE CITY IS WAY BEHIND.

WE PROBABLY DON'T HAVE THE STAFF.

I WOULD LEAN TOWARDS WHERE IT IS A SPEEDY FOLLOW-UP BASED ON THE COMPLAINT.

WE PRIORITIZE WHEN WE HAVE AN ISSUE.

HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CONDITION THAT THE PROPERTIES AND ISSUES THAT TENANTS ARE HAVING.

MY FEAR WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW IS ACTUALLY WORSE.

JUST TO THE EXAMPLE YOU SHARED.

THERE ARE PROBABLY SOME OTHER THINGS WE CAN DO.

FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS.

THERE ARE MUCH MORE FINANCIAL BURDENS TO PLACE ON THE LANDLORD TO REQUIRE THEM TO IMPROVE THAT PROPERTY OVERALL.

>> MIKE?

>> THIS IS ONE OF THE EQUITY ISSUES THAT GOES TO OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS WHO NEED MORE RESOURCES ARE EXPECTED TO DO THE MOST TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

AND SO, I THINK THIS IS ONE WHERE WE HAVE MUCH MORE AGGRESSIVE WHEN THERE ARE COMPLAINTS FOLKS THAT ARE TRYING TO GET ACCESS.

PARTICULARLY IF THE STATE IS FINANCING.

WE OUGHT TO HAVE HIGHER EXPECTATIONS.

OFTEN THE COLLEGES THAT OFFER THE MOST ACCESSIBLE TUITION HAVE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF SUPPORT.

OTHER HOUSING NEEDS THEY MIGHT HAVE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE MOST SUPPORT THAT HAVE PEOPLE WHO NEED THE MOST SUPPORT AT THAT TIME AND HOLD THOSE LANDLORDS ACCOUNTABLE.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO SERVE OUR MOST VULNERABLE, YOU OUGHT TO MEET A HIGHER STANDARD.

THAT MEANS QUICK RESPONSE.

THE ABILITY TO REMEDY THAT.

>> THANK YOU.

>> GOING BACK TO PREVENTION.

DURING THE PANDEMIC, LOTS OF JURISDICTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY DEPLOYED AMOUNT OF FEDERAL DOLLARS IN THE FORM OF RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

WE WERE ABLE TO ENSURE THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES WHO ARE NOT UNHOUSED.

TO MAKE THAT WORK, WE CREATED SOME PARTNERSHIPS.

AND FRACTURE TO DEPLOY IT.

MY QUESTION IS, I'LL GO TO MIKE FIRST.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT TOOL RENT ASSISTANCE?

WILL IT SURVIVE YOUR ADMINISTRATION.

GIVEN THE FACT THOSE ARE FEDERAL DOLLARS THAT FUNDED THAT EFFORT?

>> I GOT TO SPEND A COUPLE OF YEARS WORKING AROUND THIS PROBLEM.

WE GOT TO LOOK AT ALL THE STAGES, THESE THING ARE ALL CONNECTED.

SOMEONE WHO IS UNHOUSED, YOU WANT TO GET THEM TO PERMIT HOUSING.

THOSE UNITS AREN'T AVAILABLE.

AND SO AS PART OF THAT IT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR MORE ONGOING RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

SO, I THINK WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO USE THE LAST BIT OF FEDERAL DOLLARS TO DO SOME OF THE ONE TIME COST LIKE BUILDING TINY HOMES SO WE CAN GET SOME OF THE CAPITAL COST BUILT.

THE ONGOING ARE GOING TO NEED FROM CITY AND STATE DOLLARS THAT WOULD DO THINGS LIKE SERVICES AND WRAP AROUND SUPPORT.

THOSE ARE THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF HOMELESSNESS ON THE PREVENTION SIDE AND GET ACCESS TO SERVICES ON THE TRANSITION SIDE.

OUR RESOURCES MATTER THE MOST.

>> KELLY?

>> I THINK THIS IS FUNDAMENTAL.

IT HAS TO BE PART OF OUR STRATEGY I'LL CALL THEM BUY THEM COST OF RENTING.

WE GOT TO FIGURE OUT TO DO IT.

I WILL BE INTERESTED WHETHER YOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY OR NON-PROFIT WE MIGHT CREATE CAN HELP US BUY DOWN SOME OF THE RENT.

ISSUE AN RSP.

I WANT TO TAKE SO MANY UNITS FOR SO MANY YEARS.

IT HAS PREDICTABILITY FOR OUR RESIDENTS.

THEY DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT RENT GOING UP SIX MONTHS.

WE BUY A LITTLE TIME.

THE OTHER THING I LIKE ABOUT IT BECAUSE YOU ARE A SIGNER ON THAT LEASE WE GOT THE PHONE CALL BEFORE ANYONE IS EVICTED.

I WOULD EXPLORE HOW WE MASTER LEASE PROJECT.

>> WE ARE APPROACHING THE TERMS OF THE DOLLARS DRYING UP.

KELLY YOU SAID YOU WOULD END ENCAMPMENTS IN YOUR FIRST YEAR.

>> MIKE SAYS YOU WILL END IT IN YOUR FIRST TERM.

HERE IS THE QUESTION.

MIKE FIRST AND THEN KELLY.

HOW WILL YOU ADMINISTRATION PAY FOR THESE INITIATIVES?

>> THANK YOU.

THIS IS THE WAY I WOULD APPROACH THIS.

WHAT WE HOPE TO DO AND WHERE THOSE DOLLARS COME FROM.

AND SO FOR ME THERE ARE A COUPLE OF COMPONENTS FOR ME.

WE WILL USE OUR CITY BUDGET.

THE CURRENT NEED IS ONE DOING A LOT MORE OF THE MICRO COMMUNITIES WE WILL BUILD AROUND.

THEY CAN INCLUDE HOTEL CONVERSIONS.

THOSE ARE SAFE AND DIGNIFIED AND STABLE.

I WOULD USE THE FEDERAL DOLLARS TO BE ABLE TO BUILD OUT THOSE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT COSTS FOR THOSE UNITS.

THE ONGOING COSTS ON THOSE SITES WHAT WE WILL USE FROM PROPOSITION.

ABOUT 10 MILLION OR 50 MILLION CAN BE USED FOR FOLKS THAT ARE UNHOUSED.

YOU WILL NOT SEE IN MY ADMINISTRATION WE WILL CUT RESOURCES.

WE WILL TRY TO EXPAND THOSE RESOURCES THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE.

>> KELLY?

>> NOT JUST SIMILAR TO WHAT MIKE IS JUST DESCRIBING.

THE SOCIAL IMPACT BOND EXAMPLE WE DID IT IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW WE END UP SAVING MONEY BY HOUSING PEOPLE ON ALL THE OTHER COSTS THAT WE ARE SPENDING TODAY.

I WOULD START DUPLICATING THE SOCIAL IMPACT MODEL THAT I FEEL PROVED IT OUT AND KUDOS TO THE TEAM.

THE STATE IS LIKELY TO GET THOSE STATE DOLLARS.

I THINK THERE ARE $138 BILLION.

I MET WITH SEVEN MAYORS AND THEY HAVE SAID WE ARE IN.

WE HAVE TO DO THE WORK TOGETHER.

THERE IS THREE LOCATIONS.

HUDSON, ARAPAHOE COUNTY AND LOGAN ARE THREE THAT WILL HELP CREATE A CAMPUS.

WE KNOW IN DENVER TODAY MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING INTO OUR CITY BECAUSE WE OFFER THE MOST SUPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR FOLKS.

WE HAVE TO DO THIS TOGETHER AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

LET'S GO BACK TO OUR PANEL.

>> IT MAKES ME HAPPY YOU TALKING ABOUT TEMPORARY PROGRAMS RIGHT NOW.

MIKE THERE IS A PATH FOR HOMES.

THEY HAVE TO MOVE EVERY THREE TO FOUR YEARS.

WE HAVE TO MOVE THE PLATFORM.

LAY ELECTRICITY AGAIN.

THAT IS COSTLY EVERY TWO TO FOUR YEARS.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO PAY FOR THESE PROGRAMS, THE MOVES THAT GOES WITH THESE PROGRAMS AND KEEP YOUR EYES IN THE FUNDAMENTAL SOLUTIONS?

>> MY HOPE IS I DON'T HAVE TO MOVE THEM EVERY TIME.

THAT WON'T SAY WE WON'T BE FLEXIBLE.

WE DON'T WANT TO BE MOVED OUT JUST TO MOVE TO A NEW SITE BECAUSE THERE IS NO GOOD REASON TO MOVE.

MY FOCUS WILL BE TO FIND SITES WE CAN BE MORE PERMIT AND BE WORKING AT OTHER PARTS.

PEOPLE CAN MOVING ON TO AFTER THAT.

I THINK THEY WILL BE THE TOP PRIORITIES, THE FIRST COSTS ON THE SIGNING OF THOSE UNITS WILL BE ON THE FEDERAL DOLLARS AND MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT AND STAFFING OF THIS SITES.

THAT IS WHAT WE WILL PAY WITH THE STATE DOLLARS.

THOSE HAVE TO BE THE TWO ONGOING REVENUE SERVICES.

>> KELLY, HOW DO YOU PLAN ON SCALING SAFE OUTDOOR SPACES.

WITH THOSE SAFE OUTDOOR SPACES AND KEEPING THE EYE ON THE PRIZE.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO PAY FOR THEM?

>> THIS PIECE IS USING -- WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE BUDGET.

THE ESTIMATE, I THINK IS 100 MILLION OF THAT.

PROBABLY ONE TIME ONLY AND 150 MILLION ONGOING.

I WILL LOOK AT THAT 100 MILLION AND FIGURE HOW MUCH OF THAT CAN WE USE, WE WILL BE DIVERTING IT.

I ALSO DON'T SEE THEM IN DENVER.

I SEE THEM SHARED THROUGHOUT OUR REGION.

WE HAVE TO DO THIS TOGETHER.

I THINK THERE ARE COSTS WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO BRING DOWN.

WE PARTNERSHIP WITH CHURCHES AND PRIVATE PROPERTY WE HAVE A SITE THAT CAN MEET YOUR NEEDS.

INVITING PRIVATE SECTORS WITH THINGS LIKE THE RUNNING WATER AND TAB LINES THAT WE NEED.

MY HOME THAT DENVER WATER WILL CHIP IN A FEW TIMES.

I GET THE CHALLENGE.

FOR ME WHAT DRIVES ME IN THIS DECISION IS THE 170 PEOPLE WHO DIED LAST YEAR.

THE 269 THAT DIED THE YEAR BEFORE.

TODAY ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN OUR CITY AND GET THEM TO A SAFE LOCATION.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.

MY QUESTION WILL TAKE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

JUST FIGURE OUT WHAT WE CAN DO AS A COMMUNITY TO PUT WORK ON THIS CHALLENGE.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE WORKED ON REALLY HARD WAS HOUSE BILL 153.

THAT WAS PASSED BY CHAMBERS AND THAT MEANS THAT IT IS GOING TO PUT A FEASIBILITY THAT WILL CREATE ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY THAT ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

THAT TYPICALLY END UP INCARCERATED BECAUSE OF DRUGS, THEY ARE STEALING FOOD.

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK DENVER'S ROLE IN WORKING THROUGH THAT.

HOW WOULD YOU WORK WITH THE STATE ENSURING WE CAN CREATE SOME KIND OF INCREDIBLE PROGRAM THAT WILL WORK AND BE SUCCESSFUL?

>> YOU WANT ME TO GO?

>> KELLY, SORRY.

>> I THINK ABOUT THE EXPERTISE THE CITY BRINGS FROM HOST TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

TO COME TOGETHER AND REALLY WORK WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE -- OR ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

TRY TO DEVELOP THE PATHWAYS BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCES.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO PEOPLE THAT UNDERSTAND THE LIVED EXPERIENCE.

I THINK HOW WE CAN HELP IS HELPING FACILITATE.

ENSURE WE ARE BEING TRUE TO LISTENING TO PEOPLE AND BUILDING THE RIGHT SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE SO IT ACTUALLY WORKS.

>> SAME QUESTION.

>> HOW THIS CRISIS IS BECAUSE OF THREE COLLAPSE SYSTEMS.

OUR ADDICTION SUPPORT COLLAPSE IN THE WAY OUR HOUSING CRISIS SKYROCKETED.

HOW DO WE REBUILD THE INSTITUTIONS.

I LOVE YOUR PHRASE.

IT IS NOT ABOUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU.

WHAT WAS SO POWERFUL HER TALKING ABOUT HER SENSE OF COMMUNITY.

WE KNOW THIS IS WHAT WORKS AROUND COMMUNITIES.

TO A COMMUNITY THAT OFFERS THE SAFETY AND ABILITY YOU CAN KNOW YOUR STUFF IS TAKEN CARE OF.

YOU ARE MUCH MORE LIKE TO TAKE THAT SERVICE WHEN YOU FEEL THAT SENSE OF COMFORT.

AND FOLKS THAT HAVE ACUTE NEEDS WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT ACCESS TO MORE INTENSE SERVICES.

>> I GOT EXCITED AND FORGET ABOUT THE CLOCK.

>> I'LL BE THE BROKEN RECORD THAT I'VE DONE WITH BOTH OF YOU.

WITH THE CARES ACT COMING TO AN END, THAT MONEY IS PAYING FOR WHAT WE ARE CURRENTLY ABLE TO DO.

WE ARE DOING A LOT OF HARD WORK.

AS THAT MONEY DRYS UP AND AS WE SEE THE NEED INCREASING AND WE KNOW THAT TEMPORARY SOLUTIONS ARE EXPENSIVE.

AND HOUSING IS EXPENSIVE.

TAKES A LONG TIME.

HOW DO YOU PAY FOR ALL THOSE THINGS?

WHERE DOES THAT MONEY COME FROM?

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DEPLOY IT?

MIKE YOU WANT TO GO FIRST.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS AGAIN.

>> I WANT TO NAME ACKNOWLEDGE.

I KNOW YOUR SYSTEMS ARE OVERWHELMED EVEN BY THE NEW ADDITION.

WE COULDN'T PREDICTED FOR THAT.

I THINK FOR ME WHAT I HAVE CARE ABOUT WHAT DOES IT REQUIRE TO BUILD THE TRANSITIONAL CAPACITY.

$40 MILLION OF ONE TIME ALLOCATIONS.

THAT WE WILL USE FROM THE CURRENT STATE FINDS AVAILABLE.

THE ONGOING SERVICE PROVISION BE ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR PROPOSITION 123 FUNDS.

FOR THIS IS WHY THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE.

THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST ISSUE THE CITY FACES.

THE CITY IS READY AND INSPIRED.

IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU DOING ALL THE WORK ON YOUR OWN.

HOW DO WE ENGAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

HOW DO WE ENGAGE FEDERAL RESOURCES?

>> WHEN YOU RUN FOR OFFICE PEOPLE ASK YOU QUESTIONS CAN YOU TELL ME HOW YOU WILL SOLVE WORLD PEACE.

>> THAT IS THE NEXT QUESTION.

>> AND, YOU KNOW, I LOOK AT THIS ISSUE FOR THE URGENCY IT IS.

THE FOCUS OF FUNDING AND THE YEAR PLAN FOR ME WAS ABOUT CAN WE KEEP PEOPLE.

THIS IS WHERE WE WILL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER.

ONE PLACE I AGREE WITH MIKE, OUR CITY, OUR REGION, OUR COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS WE HAVE MORE WORK TO DO.

WE NEED A BETTER STRATEGIES, MORE RESOURCES, MORE HEALTH TO DO THE WORK YOU HAVE BEEN CARING ON FOR SO LONG.

BUT I DON'T WANT TO PRETEND THAT THE COMPLEXITY AND CHALLENGE BEFORE US IS AS SIMPLE I CAN PUT ON MY WEB SITE.

I UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT IS.

I WOULDN'T BE RUNNING IF I DEPARTMENT THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE.

BLESS YOU.

NOT ONLY DO I THINK IT IS POSSIBLE TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES.

I KNOW IT IS.

WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE WITH US WHO PROVE EVERY SINGLE DAY THE POWER OF OUR HUMAN SPIRIT AND THE POWER OF OUR COMMUNITY.

I'M ALL IN.

>> LET'S MOVE TO FUTURE STATE WHERE WE ARE LOOKING AT A FULL SPECTRUM OF PERMIT SUPPORTING HOUSING SOLUTIONS TO MOVE DENVER OUT OF THE SITUATION?

WHAT WILL YOU DO TO PRIORITIZE FUNDING OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

>> THIS IS WHAT I TALKED EARLIER WHEN WE WERE TALKING WITH RODNEY.

AND SO I ABSOLUTELY IS PART OF THE STRATEGY TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS BUT ALSO TO HELP ACTUAL RENTS BE MORE STABLE IN OUR CITY.

I THINK THERE ARE SOME OTHER THINGS AND ONE OF THEM THE CITY IS INEFFICIENT TODAY.

IT DOES COST US MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WHETHER WE TRY TO HOUSE OR TRYING TO BUILD AN APARTMENT IN OUR CITY.

THERE ARE TWO THINGS TO MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT.

WE CAN MAKE SURE ALL THE RESOURCES ARE SAVED AND LOWER RENT.

ONE IS I WOULD OUTSOURCE AND HIRE CONTRACTORS.

AND THE SECOND IS I WOULD RESTRUCTURE THE DEPARTMENT.

WE WOULD HAVE ONE TEAM THAT FOCUSES ON APPROVING AND GETTING PEOPLE IN THE GROUND AND WE CAN QUALIFY FOR PROP 123 MONEY AND BRING IT HOME.

>> THIS IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT THIS.

THIS IS WHY SO MANY PEOPLE WORK TOGETHER.

TO FUND IT AS A CONTINUUM.

NOT ONLY PROVIDE AFFORDABILITY BUT STABILITY.

I WOULD USE THOSE DOLLARS.

JOHN DESCRIBED ON THE VIDEO.

BEING THE AFFORDABILITY GAP 30% WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN NO ONE PAYS 30% OF WHAT THEY MAKE TO RENT.

IF YOU ARE A FIRST YEAR TEACHER.

THAT MEANS YOU ARE NOT PAYING MORE THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS.

>> RENT.

YOUR RENT CAN'T GO UP UNLESS YOUR INCOME GOES UP.

IF YOU ARE HAVING SOMEONE MOVING OUT OF THE EXPERIENCE OF HOMELESSNESS.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY KNOW WHAT THEIR RENT IS AND HAVE STABILITY WHICH IS WHERE I WILL FOCUS ALL OF OUR EFFORTS.

>> WE WILL TURN BACK TO THE PANEL, RODNEY.

>> I'M CURIOUS TO UNDERSTAND HOW DO YOU VIEW THIS OBSTACLE?

IS IT A BIG ELEPHANT?

SMALL?

WHAT DO YOU INTENT TO DO TO ADDRESS IT.

>> THANKS.

EVERY VIEWER WHO WERE THE PROBLEM.

IT IS A BIG PROBLEM.

I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD A NUMBER OF YEARS.

I WAS THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD LAST YEAR FOR THE ORGANIZATION.

THERE IS A FOR SALE HOUSING.

WE HAVE TO BUILD MORE DENSELY.

WE HAVE TO BUILD AFFORDABILITY.

WE HAVE TO HAVE TO HAVE IT IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD.

I CAN SEE WHY THE GOVERNOR RAN A BILL TO SAY YOU ARE NOT QUITE GETTING THERE COLORADO.

WE WILL TRY TO NUDGE YOU.

I'M GLAD IT IS MAYOR.

IING WE ARE CAPABLE OF DOING THIS.

IT REQUIRES LEADERSHIP, YOUR MAYOR TO SHOW UP.

BE AT THOSE HEARINGS AT CITY COUNCIL.

BEING AT COMMUNITY.

I WILL DO IT.

>> FOR ME -- IT IS HUMBLE.

FOR ME THIS IS A CHALLENGE OF COALITION BUILDING.

I KNEW THE OBSTACLE THE GOVERNOR WAS GOING TO FACE BECAUSE WE FACED THOSE SAME CHALLENGES.

WE HAD TO BUILD A COALITION OF 260 INDIVIDUALS TO PUT THEIR SHOULDERS BEHIND US.

WHAT YOU NEEDED YOU ARE GOING TO GET THAT RESISTANCE.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE A MUCH STRONGER BASE.

ALL ARE SAYING THIS IS A FUNDAMENTAL SERVICE RIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, EQUITY ISSUE FOR ALL OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE TEACHER CANNOT LIVE IN THE CITY ANYMORE.

THE ENVIRONMENTALIST MEANS MORE CARBON IMPACT.

A BUSINESS WHO WANTS TO RECRUIT THAT EMPLOYEE IS GOING TO LOOSE THEM.

IF WE DON'T GET THIS RIGHT, THEY KNOW WHAT THE UPSIDES WILL BE.

>> JUST A QUICK FOLLOW-UP TO MAKE IT MORE CHALLENGING.

>> WE WERE SO CLOSE.

>> I JUST WANT -- WE ARE TALKING ABOUT POWER.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS DIFFERENT OF POWER.

WHO ARE ON OUR STREETS AND ARE HERE NOW AND TO CREATE PLACES FOR THEM.

AND SO I UNDERSTAND THE CAPACITY TO BUILD COALITIONS.

HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THAT?

I'LL GO BACK TO YOU.

>> YOU DESCRIBED ITs A PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING.

THE TRUTH IS WE ARE DENYING A RANGE OF HOUSING.

FOR ME, THIS IS -- I HAVE SAID AS MAYOR I'LL BUILT THAT PRODUCT.

WE ARE NOT GETTING IT BUILD IN OUR CITY.

41% OF BLACK FAMILIES OWN A HOME.

AND 73% OF WHITE FAMILIES DO.

AND SO WE HAVE TO DO IT.

THIS IS FOR ME I SHOW UP IN PERSON TALKING TO THAT POWER ABOUT WHY WE HAVE TO DO IT AND THAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IT.

>> THIS IS ABOUT POWER.

I THINK THE CHALLENGE THERE ARE A SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE -- THEY WANT A DIFFERENT OUTCOME THAT ARE NOT ORGANIZED.

WE LOSE THIS ARGUMENT OVER AND OVER.

FOLKS ARE VERY VOCAL AND VERY STRUCTURED.

WHEN YOU ACTIVATE THE VOICES OF EVERYONE WHO HAD SOMETHING AT STAKE.

WE ARE FAR GREATER.

WE ARE RUNNING BUSY LIVES.

WE TRY TO FIND OUT A WAY TO CARE OF OUR KIDS.

THAT'S WHY I THINK THE COALITION MATTERS MATTER SO MUCH.

PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT THIS RAISE THEIR VOICES TOGETHER.

>> SO I'M GOING TO BRING THIS KIND A BACK A LITTLE BIT TO THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THE COMMUNITY.

COMMUNITY IS A WORLD THAT WE HAVE BEEN USING.

COMMUNITY IS WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO FEEL THE LOVE, TO FEEL THE EMPOWERMENT TO MAKE BETTER TUNS FOR THEMSELVES.

I THINK ONE OF THE GROUPS -- PART OF THE COMMUNITIES THAT IS NOT ALWAYS ENGAGED IS THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

I FEEL IT IS US VERSUS THEM.

I DON'T KNOW THAT IS REALLY THAT'S THE WAY IT IS.

I'M GOING TO READ THIS CAREFULLY.

I WANTED TO MAKE SURE I SAID IT EXACTLY.

HOW DO WE FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN HUMANITY AND THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE UNHOUSED.

I THINK A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THAT THAT I'M VERY PROUD OF WE HAVE WORKED WITH A COUPLE OF ORGANIZATIONS.

WE BROUGHT IN SOME OF THEIR CLIENTS, OUR MEMBERS HELPED THEM PICK OUT SOME CLOSE THEY CAN INTERVIEW.

WE HAD HAIR STYLIST.

HEAD SHOTS.

LINKIN PROFILES.

IT WAS A WAY TO HELP SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY AT HELPING THEMSELVES GET TO THOSE NEXT STEPS THAT WE WANT THEM TO GET TO.

>> HOW CAN YOU WORK WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY?

INCLUDE THEM OF ACHIEVING THE RESULTS.

IT WILL BE MUCH EASIER TO DO WHEN WE ARE ENGAGED.

>> THIS IS WHY I'M SO OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THIS.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE FACT THE VOTERS HAVE SAID THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING -- THERE MIGHT BE DIFFERENT IMPLICATIONS FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE.

IT MIGHT BE FOR FOLKS EXPERIENCING IT RIGHT NOW.

FOLKS SUPPORTING THEM.

FOLKS TRYING TO NAVIGATE ENCAMPMENTS.

THEY HAVE THREE APPROACHES TO THE PROBLEM.

SO FOR ME, THAT MEANS THERE IS A RARE ALIGNMENT.

WE HAVE THE SAME SHARED INTEREST.

PEOPLE ARE FRUSTRATE TO GET THERE.

WE HAVE SEEN FROM THE PROVIDERS WHAT IT IS REQUIRED TO GET FROM HERE TO THERE?

IF WE CAN SHOW THAT THIS IS A PATH IT WILL TREAT PEOPLE WITH DIGNITY.

HELP YOU HAVE AN EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR.

THAT IS A SHARED INTEREST.

WE HAVE TO RALLY PEOPLE AROUND THAT VISION AND SHOW THEM HOW TO GET FROM HERE TO THERE.

>> YEAH, THIS IS AN INTERESTING ONE.

WE KIND OF STARTED THIS CONVERSATION BY TALKING ABOUT JUDGMENT.

ABOUT SOMEONE WHO MAYBE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

US HAVING TO UNLEARN THAT PEOPLE MAY ASSUME THAT.

THE SAME THING HAPPENS HERE.

WHEN YOU SAY I WANT TO HELP THIS PERSON LIVING OUTSIDE OF MY BUILDING UNHOUSED.

I WANT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE.

YOU ARE KIND OF A JERK YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT THEM, YOU JUST WANT YOUR BUILDING CLEANED UP.

WE ALSO WANT THE SAME THING.

PEOPLE ARE SAVED.

HOUSED.

THEY CAN FIND A PATH TO OPPORTUNITY.

I'M GOING TO TIE THIS TO RODNEY'S QUESTION.

HIS QUESTION HOW DO YOU TRY PEOPLE'S MINDS.

THE REASON WE NEED TO BUILD THIS HOUSING THAT IS AFFORDABLE.

MY -- I NEED MY TEAM TO MAKE A LIFE HERE.

WE SHARE MORE IN THE GOAL WHAT WE.

>> TRYING TO ESTABLISH.

IF WE CAN LEADERSHIP THAT PUTS DOWN OUR ASSUMPTIONS AND PROJECT WE CAN MAKE PROGRESS TOGETHER.

>> I GET TO ASK AN IMPORTANT QUESTION RIGHT NOW.

>> HOW DO YOU INVITE PEOPLE TO THE DECISION MAKING TABLE?

HOW DO YOU AMPLIFY THEIR VOICES AND CONCERNS?

KELLY?

>> I CAN TELL YOU HOW I TRIED TO DO IT DURING MY CAMPAIGN.

I TRIED TO FIGURE OUT A PATH FORWARD.

TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE.

I WENT DIRECTLY TO ENCAMPMENTS AND TALKED WITH PEOPLE.

AND, YOU KNOW, FOR ME THIS WAS POWERFUL FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS.

YOU WERE REMINDED HOW SELF-AWARE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE.

ASSUMPTIONS YOU MAKE UNTIL YOU GET THERE.

AND THEY REALLY HELPED INFORM THE URGENCY THAT I FEEL TO GET PEOPLE TO A SAFER LOCATION.

I TRY TO DO THE SAME THING, I PROBABLY RELY MORE ON SERVICE PROVIDERS AND OUTREACH WORKERS TO TELL ME HOW BEST TO DO THIS.

THE OTHER THING I'M SENSITIVE BUILD SOMETHING AT A TIME IN THEIR LIFE WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO REFOCUS ON REBUILDING THEIR LIVES.

I ASKED FOR HELP TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO IT RIGHT.

>> MIKE?

>> IT IS FINDING EVERY CHANCE YOU CAN TO HAVE AN CONVERSATION.

WHETHER IT WAS SOMEONE AT A SHELTER, WHETHER SOMEONE IN A TINY HOME.

I FIND THAT IF YOU TALK TO ONE PERSON HOMELESSNESS.

EVERY SINGLE PERSON HAS A DIFFERENT STORY, A DIFFERENT SET OF NEED.

NOT SOMETHING CONTINUE TO DO ALL THE TIME AS MAYOR ELECTED.

YOU DID WANT THEM INSTITUTIONALIZE STRUCTURE.

YOU DO HAVE PEOPLE WHO CAN HAVE PERMANENT ROLLS THE WAY THAT PROVIDERS DO THE SAME WAY THAT BUSINESS LEADERS DO.

THE SAME WAY THAT PHILANTHROPY DOES.

WHO CANNOT ONLY TELL US WHAT THEY WANT US TO DO BUT GIVE US FEEDBACK EVERY MONTH AND HOW IT IS GOING.

WE TRIED TO DEPLOY THE FIRST STRATEGY.

STILL CAN'T GET ACCESSES TO SERVICES I NEED BECAUSE THEY ARE COMING TO THE SAFE HOUSE.

I WASN'T ABLE TO BRING MY PETS OR PARTNER TO THIS SITE.

THAT IS WHY I WOULD STRUCTURE THAT AS PERMANENT.

>> AS A FOLLOW-UP, ARE YOU PLANNING TO HAVE -- KEEP POSITIONS OF POWER?

>> HOW DO YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT LIVED EXPERIENCE AND YOU CAN BE KEY ADVISORS WHETHER THEY ARE ADVISORY.

I THINK THIS IS A CRITICAL PART OF DENVER.

I WANT A TEAM THAT REPRESENTS ALL OF LIVED EXPERIENCE.

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THAT COMPONENT.

>> YES, THAT IS ONE OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES THAT WILL BE IN MY ADMINISTRATION.

THE CHALLENGES WE FACE TODAY ARE SUCH A RANGE OF -- SOMEONE WHO IS EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS, PEOPLE WHO STRUGGLED WITH ADDICTION.

STRUGGLED WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND LACK OF ABILITY TO GET SUPPORT.

WHICH I THINK IS A DISTINCTION.

THIS IS PROBABLY A HUGE LESSON MANY ANY OWN LIFE.

I MARRIED A MAN FROM AN INDIGENOUS TRIBE.

I LEARNED EARLY ON THE PRIVILEGE OF WHITE WOMAN.

RACE AND EQUITY BEING CENTRAL.

FOR THAT I MEAN SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED ADDICTION AND A PERSON OF COLOR WHO HAS STRUGGLED WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE PERSON OF COLOR.

I THINK THAT IS DIFFERENT AS WELL.

>> OKAY.

THANK YOU ALL FOR DIGGING IN, SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS AND SOLUTIONS.

WE KNOW THERE IS CONFLICT.

PERHAPS WE ARE FEELING A LITTLE MORE HOPEFUL.

WE WILL SEE.

MIKE AND KELLY YOU HAVE BEEN AT THIS NEARLY SIX MONTHS.

DENVER ASKING WHAT YOU WILL DO THE ISSUE OF HOMELESSNESS.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM THE PEOPLE OF DENVER?

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BE THE COACH RALLYING THE TEAM.

LOOK INTO THAT CAMERA WHICH IS RIGHT OVER THERE AND TELL US WHAT YOU NEED.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO MAKE IMPACTFUL AND CHANGE IN DENVER?

>> I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I WILL NEED AND WE WILL NEED AS A CITY IS FOR US TO SEE AN OPPORTUNITY AND A CHALLENGE THAT WE ALL SHARE.

I THINK THERE ARE TOO MANY TIMES WE HAVE COME TO THE IDEA WALKED IN DOWNTOWN DENVER SLEEPING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

YOU SEE SOMEONE WHO MAY NOT BE MOVING.

YOU SEE SOMEONE WHO MAY NOT BE RESPONSIVE AND KEEP WALKING.

WE HAVE GOTTEN ACCUSTOM.

IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE.

IF THAT WAS OUR OWN DAUGHTER, OUR OWN SON.

WE WOULD NEVER ALLOW THAT TO CONTINUE.

WE HAVE TO HAVE THAT COMMITMENT NOT ON OUR WATCH DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN.

NO ONE HAS TO BE HOMELESS IN DENVER.

WE HAVE IS A MORAL OBLIGATION INTO SERVICES AND HELP THEM GET BACK THE BEST LIFE WE WANT.

THAT MEANS WE NEED YOU TO FEEL PART OF THIS OBLIGATION.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS?

I DO WANT TO MAKE SURE I CAN SUPPORT RESOURCES.

I DO WANT MY BUSINESS TO DO A CLEAN UP DAY OR SUPPORT DAY.

WE CAN MAKE DENVER THE FIRST CITY THAT IS ABLE TO MEET THE GOAL A NUMBER OF FOLKS ENTER THE HOMELESSNESS COME OUT.

WE WILL BE THE PRIDE OF THE COUNTRY.

LOOK WHAT THEY DID IN DENVER.

THAT IS A PLACE WHERE NO ONE HAS TO BE HOMELESS.

WE CAN DO THAT IF YOU COMMIT DOING IT WITH US.

>> KELLY?

>> WHAT I WILL SAY TO DENVER RESIDENTS I THINK WHAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF MY LIFE.

IT WAS MY ABILITY TO BUY A HOME THAT MY HUSBAND AND I COULD BUY A HOME AND MAKE A LIFE HERE AND SEE OUR FUTURE.

AND TODAY, THAT OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM SO MANY PEOPLE IN OUR CITY.

AND NOT ONLY CAN'T YOU AFFORD A HOME TODAY.

MANY OF US SAY I CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE I COULDN'T DO IT.

YOU KNOW THAT IS TRUE FOR YOU.

WHEN YOU LOOK AROUND OUR CITY YOU KNOW PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING AND NEED HELP.

AND YOU CAN BE IN THAT SITUATION.

IF YOU WOULD HAVE COME TO DENVER IN A DIFFERENT TIME IN YOUR LIFE.

SO I LOOK AROUND OUR CITY TODAY.

I AM MAKING A COMMITMENT.

A COMMITMENT THAT SAYS I WILL MAKE EYE CONTACT, THAT I SEE THEM.

IS THAT I WILL NEVER WALK BY SOMEONE BUT I WILL STOP AND MAKE SURE THEY WILL GET OUR HELP AND ASSISTANCE.

IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE.

IT DOES REQUIRE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US TO CHANGE OUR BEHAVIOR AND TO SAY WHEN PEOPLE LIVE IN THIS CITY, WE WILL MAKE SURE THEY FIND A PATH TO THEIR FUTURE.

OUR COMMITMENT AS THEIR COMMUNITY WE ARE PART OF THAT PATH.

>> THANK YOU TO OUR PANELIST, OUR AUDIENCE.

ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US HERE AT PBS12.

GOOD NIGHT.

[ CAPTIONS PROVIDED BY VZP DIGITAL ]