An effort to reduce homelessness in Denver through the building of small neighborhood communities has been launched, with the expectation that more such communities will be created in the near future. Mayor Mike Johnston has announced that the first site in his ambitious House 1000 initiative will see housing space, a fully equipped communal kitchen, and laundry facilities built on a fenced and gated property at 2301 S. Santa Fe Drive. That site, located in a primarily industrial neighborhood around 5 miles to the south of downtown Denver, has previously been vetted by city officials regarding zoning, environmental, and public safety issues. In announcing the opening of what is being called a "micro-community," Johnston said that it and future projects of its size will "help get unhoused neighbors off the street and into safe, supportive transitional housing while also helping us close unsafe encampments." Nearly $47 million in city funds is being used to create the micro-communities, as well as purchasing and repurposing hotels that can be used for housing. The Mayor has said that he hopes to create housing for at least 1,000 currently homeless individuals in Denver by the end of this year. While the micro-communities are not envisioned as providing permanent housing, they are seen, at the very least, as a way to get homeless people off the street, with each site offering supportive services and employment assistance. According to the publication Denverite, there are currently just under 1,400 residential units across the city being developed as part of Johnston's effort. To date, the City has "acquired 195 units in a hotel and 200 micro-community units." In a press release, the City of Denver notes that "Mayor Johnston and his team will continue working to identify additional micro-community locations." The release continues: "The work will include evaluating community feedback to deliver the best solution both for unhoused Denverites and for neighbors and businesses." By Garry Boulard
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