FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Denver Department of Housing Stability Releases Draft One-Year Action Plan

Draft plan available on city website; comments sought via survey

DENVER ­— Thursday, September 24, 2020 — Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) is releasing a public comment draft of its 2021 Action Plan today. The one-year plan serves as a bridge from existing strategies set in Housing an Inclusive Denver and the Three-year Shelter Strategy to a forthcoming five-year strategic plan set for development in 2021.

The draft plan is available for public comment on the HOST website through November 9, 2020. Through an online survey, individuals can submit feedback regarding the draft plan. Spanish translation of the draft plan and survey will be posted on the HOST website by early October. All comments and feedback will be evaluated in partnership with HOST’s Strategic Planning Executive Committee, and the final plan is expected to be posted online by year-end.

“2020 has demonstrated that there are many people who need our help,” said HOST Executive Director Britta Fisher. “We’re pleased to put forward a plan that brings together many facets to assisting people in Denver.”

The draft Action Plan outlines HOST’s goals for 2021, including:

• Serve at least 2,000 households in housing stability programs
• Assist 5,000 households through homelessness resolution programs
• Assist 4,000 households through housing opportunity programs
• Create at least 610 affordable housing units; preserve approximately 300 units

Strategic planning for HOST kicked off in January, with participation from over 100 stakeholders. However, the emerging pandemic and the department’s focus on emergency sheltering during that time resulted in a pause on strategic planning and input gathering. In order to ensure that HOST’s long-term plan is informed by robust community input, the Strategic Planning Executive Committee and stakeholder group recommended drafting the one-year Action Plan to guide the department through 2021. The plan also outlines the makeup of the Housing Stability Strategic Advisors group, which will support implementation of the Action Plan and work with the Strategic Planning Executive Committee to guide the development of the longer five-year strategic plan, which will cover 2022 to 2026.

###

The Department of Housing Stability is committed to ensuring all of those who call Denver home have a roof over their heads. The department invests resources, creates policy, and partners to provide housing stability, resolve episodes of homelessness, and create housing opportunities.