Denver CO Built for Zero

Denver CO Built for Zero
Colorado implements statewide model with Built for Zero - Community Solutions
Team Organizations	Metro Denver Homeless Initiative
Team Leaders	Jason Johnson
Participating Municipalities	Denver CO
Status	Implemented
Initiative	Built for Zero
Document	None

Description

Denver, Colorado participates in the Built for Zero program, a national movement dedicated to measurably ending homelessness, using a data-driven approach. The Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) leads the region's efforts, which involves seven counties and 40 municipalities, by coordinating local planning and utilizing a shared Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to gather real-time data. The region aims to reach "functional zero," meaning the number of people experiencing homelessness is less than or equal to the community's capacity to house them, starting with veterans as a proof point. Denver focuses on using this data to understand the dynamics of homelessness in the region, improve strategies, and address racial inequities within the homeless response system.

Challenges

Denver's decision to implement the Built for Zero program was driven by a confluence of challenges, including a rising homeless population, particularly among veterans, despite increased spending and efforts to address the issue. The city and surrounding metro area struggled with fragmented data collection and a lack of coordination among the numerous agencies and organizations working on homelessness, hindering a clear understanding of the problem and effective resource allocation. Additionally, limitations within the existing Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) made data access and reliability difficult, further impeding efforts to develop and implement targeted strategies and track progress towards ending homelessness.

Solutions

The Denver Built for Zero program tackled the challenges of rising homelessness and fragmented systems by implementing several key solutions. Firstly, it established a unified, data-driven approach, using a shared Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) across seven counties and 40 municipalities. This allowed for real-time, reliable data collection, providing a clear picture of the region's homeless population and enabling targeted, evidence-based interventions. Built for Zero also facilitated coordination between agencies and organizations through shared goals, data, and resources, ensuring a more efficient and impactful response to homelessness. Furthermore, the program focused on reaching "functional zero," starting with veterans, by matching individuals experiencing homelessness with the appropriate housing and services as quickly as possible. This approach emphasized the Housing First model, prioritizing permanent housing solutions. The real-time data also enabled Denver to track its progress, measure the effectiveness of various interventions, and continuously improve its strategies, while also addressing racial inequities within the homeless response system. By fostering a collaborative, data-driven, and solution-focused environment, Denver's Built for Zero program sought to transform its approach to homelessness, working towards making it rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Denver, CO uses Bitfocus's Clarity Human Services as their Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for their Built for Zero program. This software is utilized by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI), the lead agency for the region's Built for Zero efforts.

Major Requirements

The Denver Built for Zero program requires a community-wide commitment to measurably ending homelessness, utilizing a data-driven, coordinated, and equitable approach. This involves establishing a shared definition of "functional zero," which signifies that the number of people experiencing homelessness is less than or equal to the community's capacity to house them. To achieve this, communities must maintain a real-time, by-name list of individuals experiencing homelessness, collaborate across agencies and organizations, implement evidence-based interventions, and track progress through continuous data analysis and system improvement. Furthermore, a focus on racial equity is crucial, ensuring that the system addresses and eliminates disparities within the homeless response system.

Performance Targets

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Measurement Methods

Actively Homeless: The number of individuals currently experiencing homelessness within a specific population (e.g., veterans, chronically homeless, all singles). Inflow: The number of individuals entering homelessness each month. Outflow: The number of individuals exiting homelessness into permanent housing each month. Length of Time Homeless: The average length of time individuals remain homeless before exiting into permanent housing. Return Rate to Homelessness: The percentage of individuals who exit homelessness into permanent housing and then return to the homeless system within a specified timeframe (e.g., two years). Racial Equity Indicators: Measures to assess and address racial disparities within the homeless response system.

Tracked through a real-time, by-name list (BNL) maintained in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and updated monthly. Tracked through the HMIS, recording new entries into the homeless system based on program enrollments and outreach data. Tracked through the HMIS, recording exits from the homeless system to permanent destinations (e.g., permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing). Calculated using HMIS data, tracking the duration between the start of homelessness and the exit to permanent housing. Calculated using HMIS data to identify exits to permanent housing followed by a return to homelessness within the defined timeframe. Requires analyzing data on homelessness and housing outcomes by race and ethnicity, as well as assessing system policies and practices for potential inequities.

Standards, Replicability, Scalability, and Sustainability

Denver's Built for Zero program adheres to a set of standards focused on achieving "functional zero" for homelessness through data-driven, collaborative, and equitable practices. These standards emphasize the importance of a real-time, by-name list of individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring data quality and reliability. Collaboration and coordination among agencies and organizations are essential to streamline processes and maximize resources. The program promotes Housing First principles, prioritizing permanent housing solutions and offering supportive services as needed. Furthermore, Denver's Built for Zero initiative actively incorporates equity, striving to eliminate disparities in the homeless response system and ensure that all individuals, regardless of race or background, have equal access to resources and support.

Cybersecurity and Privacy

Denver's Built for Zero program, which relies on the collection and sharing of sensitive data related to individuals experiencing homelessness, incorporates several cybersecurity considerations to ensure data privacy and protection. The program utilizes a shared Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) that adheres to HUD's data security standards, including encryption of data both in transit and at rest. Access to the HMIS is restricted through role-based permissions and strong password policies, along with multi-factor authentication. Regular security audits and penetration testing are conducted to identify and address vulnerabilities. Additionally, staff training and awareness programs focus on recognizing phishing attempts and adhering to data handling protocols to mitigate human error risks.

Impacts

Denver's Built for Zero program has demonstrated significant impacts in addressing homelessness by fostering a more coordinated, data-driven, and equitable system. The implementation of a real-time, by-name list and shared HMIS has improved data accuracy and enabled more targeted interventions, leading to reductions in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly among veterans. By emphasizing Housing First principles and facilitating collaboration among service providers, the program has streamlined processes, improved access to housing and supportive services, and ultimately helped individuals exit homelessness more efficiently. Furthermore, the program's focus on racial equity has initiated efforts to address disparities and ensure fairer outcomes within the homeless response system. While challenges remain, the data-driven approach allows for continuous improvement and a more effective and humane response to homelessness.

Colorado’s First Annual State of Homelessness Report 2024

Demonstration/Deployment