Dear Partners,

In the metro Denver region and across the country, historically underrepresented communities continue to experience homelessness disproportionately due to longstanding systemic barriers in housing, healthcare, criminal justice, education, and economic opportunity. We recognize that achieving real progress in addressing inequities goes beyond naming disparities, it requires strategic goals, sustainable action, accountability, and collaboration.

As the lead agency for the Metro Denver Continuum of Care (CoC), we are committed to creating accessible and equitable pathways to housing stability by:

*         Building Stronger Community Partnerships – Collaborating with service providers, local governments, and community organizations to develop policies that remove barriers to housing and improve service coordination.

*         Lived Experience Engagement – Advancing leadership, authentic collaboration, and decision-making through the Young Adult Leadership Committee (YALC), Lived Experience Advisory Committee (LEAC), Point-in-Time (PIT) peer advisors initiative, and committee listening sessions. The insight and expertise of these groups inform policies, strengthen programs, and ensure the homelessness response system reflects the needs of those it serves.

*         Expanding Housing Access and Stability – Improving our Coordinated Entry system (OneHome) to make certain individuals and families are connected to housing resources efficiently and fairly.

*         Strengthening CoC Planning and Evaluation – Regularly assessing program effectiveness, incorporating community feedback, and implementing strategies to measure impact and improve housing outcomes.

*         Improving Data and Accountability – Using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and qualitative feedback tools to track disparities, identify service gaps, and inform policy changes.

While policies may change, MDHI’s commitment to housing justice remains constant. We will continue working with our partners to create responsive, inclusive programs that address disparities and expand access to stable housing. This work depends on collaboration, and we remain focused on solutions that make safe and stable housing a reality for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.

In partnership,
MDHI

Community Resources

In addition to these groups, MDHI hosts two Lived Experience Committees:

Training

For a deeper dive, try working with one of these local consultants:

For additional training courses on reducing barriers to services and housing, please visit the following partner organizations that offer education and resources aligned with this work:

 

C4 Innovations 

National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) Center for Learning 

Race Forward 

Land & Cultural Acknowledgement

A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment – Native Governance Center 

We honor and acknowledge that Colorado is located on the traditional territory and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute nations. More than 48 tribes and nations call Colorado home. We recognize that Indigenous peoples are the original stewards of this land.   

We acknowledge and celebrate the continued achievements of Black Americans and their transformational impact on American society.  

This country was founded on stolen land and built by stolen people. We invite everyone in this space to recognize their ancestors and the forces of history that brought you here, as well as the work you are engaged in to support collective liberation and the liberation of future generations.