Homelessness in Colorado is out of control. Since we legalized weed we have experienced a population boom. The rents and property values have gone thru the roof that so many people who are natives to this beautiful place can't afford to live here and are out on the street. While this is not a singular contributing factor, it is a significant one.

Another is Mental Health; Colorado is so far behind the curve in treating and providing housing for mental health patience, it now reach critical mass. Many people are in desperate need it has overwhelmed the current system state wide. Our police departments are not trained how to recognize people who have mental illnesses and often jailed for minor offenses and left untreated in the system, and then just turned loose with no help or resources for support. Which leads to another and another incident with the police, rather than being treated for the root cause of the problem.

Most Americans are one pay check away from being homeless. The loss of a job is also a major contributing factor. It affects families and people of all ages. I recently met a woman who is 87 years old who spends her days on the street in a wheelchair and her nights in a shelter, because her Social
Security isn't enough to pay for housing let alone her other basic living expenses.