Housing and Homelessness Guide

In Denver, we believe that everyone in our community deserves to be healthy, housed, and connected. We know that when someone is housed stably, they are better able to connect to resources. Housing makes it easier to find and keep a job, get and stay healthy, address behavioral and mental health issues, and feel safe and secure.

The path to getting people re-housed isn't linear. Each of us has a unique set of circumstances that influence which resources might be needed or available. Denver's goal is for episodes of homelessness to be rare, and when they do happen, for them to be brief and one time. Find resources to help if you are on the verge of losing housing, are experiencing homelessness, or are trying to help someone else.

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Housing

Everybody needs safe and stable housing to thrive. Find long-term housing resources, such as affordable housing. You will also find resources to prevent eviction and foreclosure. Plus, get help with rent and utilities.

Shelter Assistance

Find how to get into a short-term option, like a shelter, motel room, or Safe Outdoor Space. We have options that work whether you are single, want to stay with your partner, have minor children, or have a disabling condition.

Children and Parents

Are you navigating homelessness as a parent or family? Find childcare and education resources. Plus, find out how to get free access to recreation centers, swimming pools, and cultural facilities.

People With Disabilities

We offer support to help you maintain your health, safety, and independence.

Financial Resources

Get the resources to gain long-term financial stability, such as getting help paying rent and utilities. You'll also find property tax relief, financial planning, and cash assistance.

Health & Medical

Get help navigating your medical needs and health insurance. Learn how to apply for Medicaid or other low-cost insurance options. Plus, get rides to your medical appointments, counseling, and mental health services. You can also get help with a disabling condition, substance misuse treatment, and more.

Food Assistance

Get connected with food pantries and other food assistance. Resources include before- and after-school food programs and nutrition support.

Jobs & Employment

Let us help connect you with organizations hiring in the Mile High City. This includes jobs geared toward groups like youth, veterans, and people with disabilities. Resources also include job training and help with resumes and interviewing.

Older Adults Assistance

Get connected with old age pension, long-term care, and other assistance benefits. Plus, get free access to Denver's recreation center and pools.

Pet Needs

Navigating homelessness with a pet can be challenging. Find temporary shelter for your pet, and get free veterinary care, pet food, and supplies. We also offer some limited shelter options that allow pets to stay with you.

Veterans

There are several specialized programs and resources for veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Get connected with the Denver Veteran's Administration (VA), and get help with employment, shelter, and housing.

Other Resources

We've got even more resources! Find more information on property storage/removal, resources for domestic violence, access to computers, hygiene and clothing referrals, laundry facilities, and more.

How We're Helping

All in Mile High

On July 18, 2023, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an emergency declaration on unsheltered homelessness and set a bold goal: to move 1,000 people experiencing street homelessness indoors and permanently close their encampments by the end of that year. Through the House1000 initiative,1,000 people moved indoors and the city’s 10 largest encampments permanently closed at the end of 2023.

Building on the success of House1000, Mayor Johnston launched All In Mile High (AIMH) in 2024 as the city’s long-term initiative to end unsheltered homelessness. AIMH has now evolved into a system-wide approach. This includes citywide efforts to engage people on the streets and connect them to services and shelter before encampments form, a dedicated focus on families experiencing homelessness and the alignment of services through Roads to Recovery.

Latest News: All In Mile High

ICYMI: Denver’s Progress on Homelessness Offers Promising Path

Published on August 27, 2025

In case you missed it, a report from Urban Institute found Denver’s All In Mile High program to be a model for other cities seeking to solve homelessness. Urban Institute, a nonprofit focused on economic and social policy, will continue its evaluation of All In Mile High through 2027.

Tagged as: , Housing and Homelessness, Mayor, News

ICYMI: Denver Has Largest-Ever Reduction of Street Homelessness in US

Published on June 16, 2025

Mayor Mike Johnston announced that Denver successfully reduced street homelessness by 45% between 2023 and 2025, the largest ever two-year reduction of any U.S. city.

Tagged as: , Housing Stability, Mayor, News

More news and updates

All In Mile High

Five-Year Strategic Planning

Volunteer talking with a disabled homeless person In a city where more than 115,000 households are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and in which more than 5,000 people are experiencing homelessness, it is more important than ever for us to prioritize our citywide commitment to affordable housing.

The Denver Department of Housing Stability (HOST) has spent more than a year engaging our community to help set the direction for our work over the next five years, from 2022 to 2026.

STAR Program

Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program

Denver Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is expanding the Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program, which has been piloted by the Denver Department of Safety since 2020. The STAR Program deploys Emergency Response Teams that include Emergency Medical Technicians and Behavioral Health Clinicians to engage individuals experiencing crises related to mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse.

To request support from the STAR team, please call 9-1-1 if in Denver, or call the Denver Police Department's non-emergency line at 720-913-2000 and an operator will dispatch the most appropriate, available response.

Learn more about the STAR Program