$1M In State Funds Directed To Homeless Youth, Runaway Housing

DENVER, CO – More then 800 young people in Colorado are currently experiencing homelessness, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs said Friday. The agency observed November 2018 as "Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness Month" with an announcement that the department will devote $1 million for agencies to apply for funding that is specific to housing programs for homeless youth.

The idea is to encourage cooperation amongst agencies such as the Department of Education, the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Public Health and Environment to raise awareness of youth homelessness statewide.

The grants will come from the agency's Homeless Solutions Program (HSP) funds, said Irv Halter, executive director of the department.

“We are excited to be able to provide funding to other agencies to help with housing some of Colorado’s most resilient people,” said Halter, in a press release.

Governor John Hickenlooper recognized November 2018 as Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

“By raising awareness, we can decrease barriers and achieve greatness in Colorado," Hickenlooper said in a statement.

Find out more about the grants here.

Image via Shutterstock

Stay up-to-date on Denver news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook