Colorado Coalition for the Homeless Point-in-Time Study

Each January, the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) leads the region’s participation in the federally mandated Point-in-Time (PIT) Count to measure sheltered homelessness across 54 non-Denver metro counties. The 2020 Sheltered PIT Count Report, developed by Omni in partnership with MDHI, documents the number and characteristics of individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night, offering vital insight into the scale and nature of homelessness in the region. This data informs funding decisions, policy development, and coordinated efforts to address homelessness across local jurisdictions.

The 2020 report captures key demographic and population data on individuals and families staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and safe haven programs. It includes breakdowns by age, gender, race and ethnicity, household type, and veteran status. Notably, the report also tracks subpopulations facing specific challenges, such as chronic homelessness, substance use disorders, or disabilities. The findings provide local governments and service providers with a shared evidence base to strengthen system-level collaboration and resource targeting.

Omni’s role involved synthesizing data across providers and jurisdictions to ensure accurate, accessible reporting that meets federal guidelines while elevating local context and equity considerations. The report also reflects MDHI’s ongoing commitment to data transparency and community engagement, laying the foundation for more effective, inclusive strategies to prevent and reduce homelessness throughout Colorado.

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