Denver making progress regarding homelessness and mental illness
Denver is both target and hero in the areas of homelessness and mental illness. "Target" because of sweeps to make people pick up their survival gear and move away from certain public thoroughfares. "Hero" because some recent developments offer hope to those who struggle with these issues.
There are three new shelters are north of downtown, and are separately operated by the city, the Denver Rescue Mission, and Catholic Charities. The Catholic Charities shelter is exclusively for women, and between the three they raise the number of beds to 1,800 from 1,454. (1)
Many people who experience homelessness are reluctant to use shelters, citing objections such as not feeling safe, and concern about drugs. Denver is trying to remedy those objections and make shelters more welcoming. The new shelters include necessary services such as charging stations, beds (rather than palettes on the floor), and showers. The Denver Animal Shelter will provide up to two weeks' care for a pet when the owner experiences homelessness.
Mental illness and substance abuse are issues that can lead to homelessness and incarceration. Mental illness is a factor in 40% of incarcerated persons, and substance abuse is a factor in 74%. (2) The state of Colorado is creating a diversion program that can help.
Mental health clinicians go out with police on calls that are related to substance abuse or mental illness. The clinicians provide support that leads to positive outcomes such as deescalation and the individual seeking treatment. Deescalation occurs when a qualified clinician recognizes when mental health or substance abuse are the root of the issue, and employs appropriate communication skills and techniques to help the individual through a crisis.
These options are much less expensive than jailing someone who needs help. According to the Denver Post, "State officials estimate the [existing] program in Boulder County costs about $600,000 annually but saves about $3 million annually, primarily by reducing jail costs due to fewer incarcerations." (2)
The ride-along program is a compassionate and utilitarian response to a deep need in US society. Our country has the largest per-capita rate of incarceration in the world. "The [Council of Europe's Annual Penal Statistics Data] 2013 report shows that the median European prison population rate was 133.5 inmates per 100,000 people. In the United States, the rate was 478 per 100,000 — three and half times the European rate. The United States also far exceeded Canada (188 per 100,000), Australia (130 per 100,000), New Zealand (192 per 100,000) and Japan (51 per 100,000)." (3) Diversion programs help us to reverse the trend. We can be both economical and humanitarian at the same time.
The recent tragic death of officer Zackari Parrish (4) highlights how much more our society needs to balance the needs those suffering from mental illness with those charged with public safety. Two critical factors are continued awareness and action. Every success in one area is offset by a challenge in another. Let's stay the course and continue to work toward a society worthy of our aspirations. Please support organizations that work to help others. And, please thank your state legislators for choosing to help those in need.
There are three new shelters are north of downtown, and are separately operated by the city, the Denver Rescue Mission, and Catholic Charities. The Catholic Charities shelter is exclusively for women, and between the three they raise the number of beds to 1,800 from 1,454. (1)
Many people who experience homelessness are reluctant to use shelters, citing objections such as not feeling safe, and concern about drugs. Denver is trying to remedy those objections and make shelters more welcoming. The new shelters include necessary services such as charging stations, beds (rather than palettes on the floor), and showers. The Denver Animal Shelter will provide up to two weeks' care for a pet when the owner experiences homelessness.
Mental illness and substance abuse are issues that can lead to homelessness and incarceration. Mental illness is a factor in 40% of incarcerated persons, and substance abuse is a factor in 74%. (2) The state of Colorado is creating a diversion program that can help.
Mental health clinicians go out with police on calls that are related to substance abuse or mental illness. The clinicians provide support that leads to positive outcomes such as deescalation and the individual seeking treatment. Deescalation occurs when a qualified clinician recognizes when mental health or substance abuse are the root of the issue, and employs appropriate communication skills and techniques to help the individual through a crisis.
These options are much less expensive than jailing someone who needs help. According to the Denver Post, "State officials estimate the [existing] program in Boulder County costs about $600,000 annually but saves about $3 million annually, primarily by reducing jail costs due to fewer incarcerations." (2)
The ride-along program is a compassionate and utilitarian response to a deep need in US society. Our country has the largest per-capita rate of incarceration in the world. "The [Council of Europe's Annual Penal Statistics Data] 2013 report shows that the median European prison population rate was 133.5 inmates per 100,000 people. In the United States, the rate was 478 per 100,000 — three and half times the European rate. The United States also far exceeded Canada (188 per 100,000), Australia (130 per 100,000), New Zealand (192 per 100,000) and Japan (51 per 100,000)." (3) Diversion programs help us to reverse the trend. We can be both economical and humanitarian at the same time.
The recent tragic death of officer Zackari Parrish (4) highlights how much more our society needs to balance the needs those suffering from mental illness with those charged with public safety. Two critical factors are continued awareness and action. Every success in one area is offset by a challenge in another. Let's stay the course and continue to work toward a society worthy of our aspirations. Please support organizations that work to help others. And, please thank your state legislators for choosing to help those in need.
Support organizations that help others
Catholic Charities Donate online
Denver Rescue Mission Hope Starts With You
Denver's Road Home Denver Human Services
Mental Health First Aid Colorado Promotes and supports mental health education and wellness for Coloradans
Denver Rescue Mission Hope Starts With You
Denver's Road Home Denver Human Services
Mental Health First Aid Colorado Promotes and supports mental health education and wellness for Coloradans
Related links
(1) Denver Post Charging stations, beds and showers: Denver opens 3 shelters that aim to be more welcoming to the homeless
(2) Denver Post Mental health professionals join police on patrol
Denver Post Homelessness rises in Colorado in 2017, but Denver’s count dropped
(3) Washington Post Yes, U.S. locks people up at a higher rate than any other country
World Justice Project Rule of Law Index
(4) Denver Post Psychologist explains why the Dougco shooter wasn't involuntarily committed before attack
Denver Post Homelessness rises in Colorado in 2017, but Denver’s count dropped
(3) Washington Post Yes, U.S. locks people up at a higher rate than any other country
World Justice Project Rule of Law Index
(4) Denver Post Psychologist explains why the Dougco shooter wasn't involuntarily committed before attack
