This council priority aims to review the effectiveness and outcomes of current homelessness programs and strategies.

Project Overview

The city's 2017 Homelessness Strategy was built around the belief that Boulder community members should have the opportunity for a safe and stable place to live. The strategy expands pathways to permanent housing and increases access to programs and services.

As part of Homeless Solutions for Boulder County (HSBC), a collaboration between the City of Boulder, the City of Longmont and Boulder County, the city has worked to expand housing opportunities and supportive services, maximize efficiency and effectiveness through partnerships, increase public information and create safe and welcoming public spaces.

The Homelessness System Evaluation comprised an evaluation of the HSBC system and an update to the city’s 2017 Homelessness Strategy.

Timeline

  • Jan. 2025: HSBC system evaluation completed
  • Q1 2025: Clutch Consulting begins strategy update
  • Feb. 13, 2025: Presented HSBC System Evaluation findings at City Council Study Session
  • April/May 2025: Complete draft framework, second round community engagement
  • Late Q2: Strategy review with City Council
  • July 2025: Updated Homelessness Strategy Complete

HSBC System Evaluation

HSBC contracted Public Policy Associates to conduct an evaluation of the HSBC system of care. The evaluation design encompassed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, integrating diverse data sources and perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of the system’s assets and challenges

The evaluation of the Homelessness Services for Boulder County system has been completed and will inform the update of the City of Boulder Homelessness Strategy.

Key findings include:

  • Opportunities for improvement include enhancing data systems for better decision-making, addressing equity disparities, expanding housing and support services, and building on crisis response efforts.
  • Recommendations include integrating data systems, prioritizing culturally competent and equitable services, expanding affordable housing, strengthening collaborative governance, and increasing community education to reduce stigma.

Public Policy Associates presented their findings to City Council at the Feb. 13, 2025, Study Session.

2025 Homelessness Strategy Update

The City of Boulder contracted with Clutch Consulting to review and evolve the 2017 Homelessness Strategy, developed in 2016. Clutch delivered a draft framework outlining a renewed vision, guiding principles, goals, and strategies, collaborating with city staff to refine the plan.

The 2025 Homelessness Strategy Update discusses current conditions, core strategies, implementation priorities and next steps for single adult and family homelessness.

This update does not replace the 2017 Homelessness Strategy but instead expands on the original strategy and serves as a roadmap to guide resource allocation and program design over the coming years.

Current Homelessness Strategy Goals

The city’s current homelessness strategy goals were developed as part of the 2017 Homelessness Strategy.

  • Expand pathways to permanent housing and retention.
  • Expand access to programs and services to reduce or prevent homelessness.
  • Support an efficient and effective services system based on best practices and data.
  • Support access to basic services as part of a pathway to self-sufficiency and stability.
  • Support access to public information about homelessness and community solutions.
  • Create welcoming and safe public spaces.

Other Homelessness Resources

Accessibility Statement

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