LOCAL STORY or other barriers and life experiences,” Toombs told the VOICE. “One of the most revealing parts of the survey was that 85 percent of youth counted were older than in previous counts, suggesting they are experiencing multiple episodes of homelessness or prolonged periods of homelessness,” Toombs added. The survey also found higher incidences of youths experiencing homelessness with various mental, physical, or behavioral health issues, something the State was making good progress to reduce. Between 2017 and 2019, the prevalence of homeless youth reporting mental health issues dropped by 30 percent, according to the YSS. Similarly, the incident rates for physical health and domestic violence issues dropped 19 percent and 9 percent, respectively. However, the incidence rates in each category increased in 2020. The number of homeless youths experiencing mental health issues increased by 20 percent; physical health issues increased by 7 percent, and domestic violence increased by four percent. While these figures are useful in determining trends, OHYS Program Specialist Paul Vong cautions against using the data to make deductions. The survey only identified 401 homeless youth statewide in 2020, a very clear and obvious undercount. According to Vong, the amount of overlap between YSS data and other youth homelessness counts is unknown to researchers as well. Current privacy laws and the anonymous nature of the survey make it impossible to compare data at the individual level. “There is no conclusive evidence provided from YSS data to determine the spike in youth experiencing homelessness. Much more information is needed regarding the ways youth enter into homelessness and the manner youth exit homelessness into permanent housing,” he said. WHY YOUTHS BECOME HOMELESS Data captured through the YSS does reveal two significant needs and gaps in youth homelessness: affordable housing and access to income. Colorado’s affordability crisis is well-documented, but the impact of the pandemic on youth employment is still coming into focus. According to Mathematica, a data analytics company, Colorado experienced a 20 percent spike in youth unemployment after the pandemic began, accounting for one of the highest increases in the nation. Economists at the University of Colorado Boulder anticipate Denver’s economy to fall short of a full recovery in 2021 as well. Industries most primed for growth include hospitality, transportation, and finance, according to the Leeds School of Business Research Division. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows more than 20,000 workers were shed from Denver’s workforce in the first four months of 2020. The workforce has since nearly returned to its January 2020 totals, but the city’s available job stock remains low. In practice, this means homeless youth are competing with adults for part-time and entrylevel positions. The pandemic’s economic impacts have also increased the number of households facing housing instability. Federal and state funds are available for Colorado renters facing eviction, but a report by The Colorado Sun found many landlords aren’t accepting the assistance. As a result, the Denver County Court may hear tens of thousands of eviction cases if the state moratorium ends. Meanwhile, many low-income and homeless youths can’t participate in city-run youth employment programs because they transitioned to a virtual setting. FORGING A PATH FORWARD An easy solution the YSS data points to is helping unaccompanied youth enroll or stay in school. Only 44 percent of YSS participants said their last stable residence was in Colorado. Sixty-nine percent of those who reported a stable residence in the state attended school, which speaks to the important role schools play in providing children and their families with necessary services. YSS data also shows that school attendance correlates with a greater quality of life. Homeless youth who attend school often have a connection with their family but live doubled up with relatives or friends. On the other hand, a majority of homeless youths not in school are more connected to caseworkers and often sleep on the streets or in shelters, the survey found. Another solution is to increase supportive housing and social services. One way is to build permanent supportive housing and pass rental assistance policies for homeless and low-income youth, the survey said. For example, in 2020, the City of Fort Collins built a 34unit apartment complex for homeless and at-risk teens known as the House. The House serves as a temporary shelter for kids aged 13 to 20. Social support services should also address the overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ youths experiencing homelessness, the survey recommends. YSS data shows nearly 30 percent of survey participants who disclosed their sexual orientation reported being LGBTQ+. However, there is still so much researchers don’t know about youth homelessness in Colorado, according to the survey. The questions volunteers ask do not address whether the experiences with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems are a result of homelessness, or if the system’s involvement contributed to the experience of homelessness. “The report certainly highlights what some homeless youth have in the past, or are currently experiencing across Colorado. However, the highlight really is on areas where we need to learn more,” Toombs said. ■ The Denver VOICE is looking for volunteer board members to help lead and strengthen our programs to provide economic empowerment and education tools to those experiencing homelessness or poverty in our community. If you are looking for a meaningful way to participate in advocating on behalf of those we serve, email your resume or CV to president@denvervoice.org Ideal candidates will have non-profi t development and or fundraising experience and have a passion for making a difference in traditionally marginalized communities. BOARD MEMBERS WANTED! CREDIT: GILES CLASEN March 2021 DENVER VOICE 7
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