Centennial State News

The Aurora City Council considered a resolution on Monday to reduce homelessness in the Colorado city by focusing on employment-based programs and conditions-based transitional housing.

In a work session on Oct. 17, Aurora City Council members and Mayor Mike Coffman discussed their findings after visits to a variety of communities to better understand how to handle homelessness in the Denver suburb. 

Coffman believes in building a campus to address the issue. City documents show that the site will include a navigation center, seven-day emergency housing and transitional housing, plus a list of potential services including case management, mental health services and workforce development. 

“What we ought to do on the campus is focus our resources on those that want to change their behavior, those who want to do something affirmative to change their behavior, to participate in addiction recovery and mental health [programs]," Coffman said.

There are three phases in the proposed plan, including offering assistance to those who need food and shelter, addiction recovery or mental health services along with job training and also assistance for those who are working, KDVR reported.  

The station noted that not all of the city councilors are on board.

“Aurora should be pursuing the most cost-effective strategy it can to combat homelessness, and that is permanent supportive housing modeled after Houston’s incredible success,” said Councilman Juan Marcano. “I do not believe a costly campus is in the best interests of Aurorans, housed and unhoused alike. That said, I understand the Republican majority wants a campus, so my hope is that we can implement best practices at the campus to ensure it is as effective as it can be.”