Homelessness pushes out to the Colorado foothills and Denver suburbs

Read the full story at cbsloc.al/3PyVCZb ... CBS News Colorado reporter Alan Gionet caught up with a woman who describes what it's truly like living in the streets of Denver and why she is possibly looking for a change soon.

[@JSMCPN]

Right on camera, you see the root of the problem. "I'll get on the bus and look for work tomorrow". Then tomorrow comes, and she sleeps through it.

[@vglSR007]

Her favorite job was also at 7-eleven

[@danielschear556]

Sounds like a plan.😉

[@mlb6d9]

The more we keep pandering to them, the more they will keep coming

[@thatsright4046]

Listen too ranger Smith don't feed the bears citizens or non citizens they spend their money on what ever and then want hand outs their's a guy from a different state 50 miles away from my town and he comes every weekend and holidays and panhandles and people fall for it every time him and his dog people use children and animals for mercy I don't have a problem helping someone but who is legit it kind of pisses me off cuz I start judging them and I don't want to be that way God bless the less fortunate who really need it

[@JjakeTradesFx]

Lazy ass people, i have no remorse

[@seemenomore8900]

I work at a hospital in Denver, mental illness and drug addiction is the problem. Fentanyl has made things horrific in the streets. Especially at night.

[@know_not_wickedness]

people with mental illness are victims. drug addicts aren't and shouldn't be given help.

[@willx1987x]

I watched a man take a fat shit in the middle of federal last summer. In the middle of the day. in front of 2 Denver police officers who just took pictures and laughed.

[@citizencoy4393]

Volunteer for the needy and most of my clients are working, two parent households that can not afford the high rent! Your biases are not needed in this equation when we have data that shows you exactly where the problem rest.

[@KnucklSandwich]

We have folks in Colorado that really need help, instead Sen. Bennet and Sen. Hickenlooper are sending BILLIONS upon BILLIONS of our tax dollars to corrupt Israel. BTW- the Israeli lobby has been putting money in the back pocket of Hickenlooper and Bennet. Surprise?!

[@zaherbizri996]

My ex girlfriend fell into that world last year and I haven't heard from her since. It's awful when it's someone you know too.

[@ShireIO]

Denver asks Arvada to help by offering new services to homeless. Arvada suddenly gets inundated with homeless. No one could have foreseen that happening right? /facepalm If you go on a picnic and leave food out, you're going to get flies. Anyone who doesn't understand that simple principal has their head in the sand.

[@theweldor757]

Kinda like a bird feeder . At first its just a cpl birds . Suddenly its hundreds of birds ! Poopin all over everything ! Makin a mess . Eventually a cpl bigger birds will take it all over ! Take down the bird feeder !

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

Well stated. Lakewood is invaded also. Very pleasant landscapes, local and available food, friendly and helpful people there to welcome the homeless. 🤷

[@rolisreefranch]

If you build it, they will come.

[@felixcarrasco5964]

I mean folks with jobs r homeless cuz it’s too expensive everywhere.

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@fleabag2mr.151]

You can thank Bidenflation for that. Elections have consequences.

[@geraldbennett7035]

wrong. They may be working but they pocket rental expense and squat in parks and parking lots because you let them.

[@felixcarrasco5964]

@@geraldbennett7035 nah

[@everioke]

To constantly refer to this problem, as *'Homelessness,'* implies that putting a roof over the heads of these people will solve the problem. Call it what it is: an invasion of dangerous street rats, drug addicts, and the mentally ill. Some need to go to jail. Some need to go to rehab. Some need to be cared for in institutions. Unless you see it for what it is, you'll never fix it.

[@GregHalvorson]

BINGO

[@chadr2604]

You didn't see it will Bill Owens was governor. They are working their way east and south. Once they get to 287 Amarillo and Lubbock will be next

[@chadr2604]

@@richardg1426 in casper they shitted over 500 lbs

[@fedorpravov5372]

@@richardg1426 Not in motels. The last announced place City is moving few dozen homeless people is DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton on Quebec St near Stapleton.

[@bigedslobotomy]

It’s not homelessness. It’s a “street culture”. They may whine about how hard it is to sleep on the street and not know where your next meal is coming from, but in the end they do it so that they can live their lives of drug and alcohol addition and absolute freedom from any kind of rules.

[@Scorch1028]

Hordes of homeless in the suburbs? That's when you know that the problem has gotten way out-of-hand.

[@PatrickFoley-vf3lr]

You can show someone down on their luck but 99% of them are druggies..

[@themonkster333]

How is she supposed to hold a job when she wont even come out of her tent to go get free stuff? I can tell that she has chosen drugs over sobriety and that is sad.

[@jacobshank2774]

This is someone’s mom your talking about just be thankful you don’t have these problems I feel for this lady’s son that’s doing great for him self try to be more sympathetic bro!

[@XXXXX8]

@@jacobshank2774 No.

[@robgrey6183]

@@jacobshank2774 No sympathy for loser druggies.

[@ildyivy]

I’m often surprised anyone is sober these days. If your life will never be good there’s no point to sobriety as u will always have a menial job living on the edge of homelessness.

[@journeywithnichole]

@@jacobshank2774 We all have problems. We all have choices. Life is one big choice after another.

[@CarolineKitchen-jd3cg]

What a relief to know the borders are still WIDE OPEN.

[@dianabirchman7540]

There is talk about putting the ILLEGALS in the National Parks for housing them. I see an IMPLOSION heading our way. There is only so much space.

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

Good one! Yes... 😢

[@marioguzman9290]

margorie trailer trash green is that you?

[@clankster0000]

@@marioguzman9290 Truth hurts huh?

[@jeffspicoli2643]

What percent of these homeless people do you think are of Mexican descendants or are from south of the US border? Try very few... I work in construction and the trades. These illegal immigrants you're so worried about crossing the border are the very people that do the work these mentally ill, drug addicts will never do. You must have manure for brains and think the election was stolen. That's my assumption.

[@ctwatcher]

Times up. Take the billions back from the thieves and put these people in a shut down Walmart.

[@armageddonready4071]

I’ve been homeless. It’s a lot easier than the struggle to find good consistent work. Not many want to hire a vet with “ptsd”, even though they say thanks for your service.

[@badgumby9544]

Total BS. Every store and company where I live can't find enough people that want to work. They have to modify their hours because of it. Or sometimes close. There are jobs everywhere.

[@twylacastaneda7117]

@@badgumby9544 the store i work at is always looking for new hires. key word is looking. we never hire anyone its the same 5 people covering corperates ass every damn week. companies say theyre hiring but only hire 1 or 2 every 6 months, they advertise higjer pay then they offer in an interview..and combined my home brings in $57 an hour and were still scratching by..its hard these days. jobs dont equal housing either. i had 2 and was homeless for 2 years in denver. itll hit you too and if it doesent count your blessings..because no one should be homeless in america, so have empathy

[@Ms.NoNo2]

@@badgumby9544do it’s BS because where YOU live is different? You need to pop that bubble that you’re clearly living in. Not everything revolves around you and your surroundings.

[@thebastardgift]

@@badgumby9544, you don't even understand what is PTSD yet sit in judgement of others and that makes you cold-blooded and you don't even know it.

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@rodsbigadventures8150]

They have to make room for the immigrants who are coming there, the next group of homeless

[@geigertec5921]

I guarantee you a greater percentage of the immigrants will get out of homelessness compared to our own homeless.

[@wsmfp7009]

Went to Red Rocks back in June it was incredible. We went to Denver for a day to get lunch and party. We ate lunch and got the hell out of there. It was nasty and the people weren’t very nice either

[@rnettles6241]

Colorado wanted so badly to be the next California. Congratulations. You did it.

[@MattyIcecubes]

Most people don't realize just how easy it is to become homeless. I didn't either until it happened to me. If you are living paycheck to paycheck you are right on the cusp. When it happens it's a whole new world, and it's so hard to climb out of. It places you in a catch 22 situation. You need full time employment to get out of the situation, but many employers will not hire homeless people. Even if you do find full time employment, you were most likely evicted from your last place of residence, which means most landlords will not lease to you. It's a cycle that is easy to fall into and insanely difficult to climb out of. Doesn't matter what your level of education is, you're going to be working at McDonalds or somewhere similar until you save up enough to rent an apartment in a crime ridden neighborhood; and that slumlord will be looking for at least 3 months rent as a deposit. You'll need to complete at least a 12 month lease there without being late once before any landlord in a nicer part of town will consider you. Three days grace doesn't apply to you if you want to improve your situation. that rent needs to be paid on or before the 1st of every month or you will be stuck there until you become consistent on the rent. I call my situation at that point in my life "unhomelessness". Yes, I had a home, but I felt like a hostage in my home. You have to get out of the slum before you can truly start rebuilding your life. As brutal as this sounds, it's your reality if you become homeless. You start at homelessness and work toward unhomelessness, and then you go from unhomelessness back to the civilized world; but it takes a lot of time and effort to get there. It took 4 years from the time I hit the streets until I was once again a common member of society, and that was working really hard at it. Homelessness is so hard to recover from, which is why so many sadly never do.

[@RuleofFive]

Sorry you went through that. I'm glad you're not homeless now. I feel terrible for the lady in the news story.

[@aprendoespanol872]

Hey there, you're absolutely right. A similar thing happened to me. I had a IT management position and got laid off with many of my colleagues in January. I've never done drugs, I only drank wine occasionally at restaurants and I'm in my early 30's. Fit and educated with a Masters degree in Business. The media doesn't like to talk about people like me...anyway, after months, I had to sell my car and then give up my apartment. It was devastating because I did all the things I was supposed to do. Get an education, go to good schools, get good jobs/make the 'good' career field choice...and I still lost it all. But I left the country after that. I've explained on other video comments that you can get a nice Airbnb for less than $600USD outside of the US - for an entire month. Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, etc etc...The food is organic and life is calmer; away from the drama. Americans should just leave the US because the 'dream' is dead.

[@borntobewild9056]

B.S....if it was easy to fall into then why do only LOSERS end up homeless? Why in rural America is homelessness almost non existent? I'll tell you why because those people are proud patriots and don't want govt. hand outs to live...pretty simple

[@centerrightpunk]

​@@aprendoespanol872why did you have to sell your car and leave your apartment?

[@aprendoespanol872]

@@centerrightpunk I mentioned at the beginning of my comment that I was laid off...you run out of money and/or have to make difficult financial decisions when you are laid off from your job.

[@bigkeith41]

Hey politicians make the cost of living cheaper there won’t be as much homelessness and crime

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@pscurti350]

You already voted for the politicians that campaigned on raising the minimum wage to $15 bucks and drove inflation thru the roof. Also the same ones that want to give everything away for free and refuse to prosecute criminals. Maybe next time vote differently.

[@Maki-00]

Most of these people are on drugs or mentally ill. It’s not just people who are “down on their luck”. These people are incapable of even working to even pay rent, no matter what it costs.

[@grumbygrumble2762]

I worked at Rose Medical Center and drove through town to get to the hospital. I always had raisins, crackers and cheese and trail mix tubes to offer the panhandlers on the corners. I had no one accept any food. They all did, however, ask for money.

[@dicksyphilis3914]

All they want is drugs. They’re probably also worried you poisoned the food you were trying to give them. They prefer to poison themselves.

[@debra6513]

The biggest problem is enabling the homeless, they want you to do everything while they sit on their ass doing nothing, experienced this a lot in Portland Oregon, bunch of lazy young people just wanting a handout!

[@mE-zx7pt]

Really, I've helped people get food & they were grateful for it. Maybe we should stop enabling the union busters, outsourcers of jobs & pay people a living wage.

[@notmebutyou8350]

Wow.

[@journeywithnichole]

@@mE-zx7pt Well the living wage is based on the Cost of Living. If the cost of living doubles due to inflation from a corrupt government, is it now the responsibility of the small business to double their payroll budget? That doesn't make sense. Any 12 month cash flow projection shows the impossibility of sustainability. So, please continue to give the food to your grateful takers, but do not say it is because businesses need to bear the responsibility of paying someone 4 times what the job is worth. It really is simple economics.

[@jjohnson8977]

how can you be a jefferson county resident IF YOU DON'T HAVE A RESIDENCE? answer that alan Gionet???

[@maryholloway5487]

Greed caused this!

[@generalbrowser680]

Human greed always does mess things up

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@txcaco1]

Yes greed of a government collecting your tax dollars and giving them to agencies that do nothing to resolve the problem. Why would they as the gravy train they have would stop producing. Disgusting that they perpetuate people living in filth as they line their pockets. Poverty porn really.

[@F-U-CKYTCensorship]

@@generalbrowser680oh, they are anything but human. ✡️

[@galimirnund6543]

Gee, if only they were migrants they would get all kinds of free stuff ... dam. Why don't they just give those homeless AMERICANS a nice hotel to stay in? It's sickening. The mission here holds lotteries to get a bed for the night ... so some people don't get a bed. And here we are giving these migrants all kinds of free stuff...makes me sick!!

[@megarth1]

Stop feeding the bears.

[@jeremys4461]

When will politicians learn? What you Subsidize, you get more of...

[@smitty9733]

When will VOTERS ever learn. Wise up !!!!

[@airman20012001]

Its a tough life but is it tougher than having to be disciplined, staying drug and alcohol free, and getting up everyday and giving up control by performing tasks that someone else designates and judges quality. Its hard to be a functioning citizen, many of these people will tell you that, I said all that to say this, don't give up on being a better version of you.

[@mE-zx7pt]

Those responsible for outsourcing of jobs, poverty wages & insane costs need to learn to become better versions of themselves as well.

[@scott2228]

More proof that we need to save/help our citizens and stop sending millions overseas.

[@sircsolerom764]

This is only going to get worse. I hear it everyday

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

Bring Trump back.

[@yvonneplant9434]

​@@Patrick-yh5ydRight. Like Trump gives a sh!t about affordable housing. That's a big reason for what's going on.

[@txcaco1]

Yes people keep voting for the same old policies and programs and guess what, it only gets worse.

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

@@yvonneplant9434 No Open border bringing millions who need housing. Close the border and have Apts. available.

[@cmc5394oparva]

Yeah, it's going to get worse because the idiots running the state house and the Front Range cities these days don't have a single clue how supply and demand works.

[@jloop_2008]

There is PLENTY of resources available! There is such a thing called personal responsibility.

[@nomadclan3604]

Shhh, people don't like that R word anymore, it's always someone else's fault.

[@kayceeyou]

They never ask these people the tough questions.

[@vicburke8479]

Denver spends 500 million a year on homeless where the hell does that money go

[@ItsNoption]

pockets and in DC asking for more to put in pockets

[@zacharyfair6738]

Unpopular opinion. You literally have to tranquilize people and get then into rehab with forced psych meds, which take at least 6wks to kick in. Then you need roughly 6 months of rehab counseling. Billions of dollars trying to fix childhood trauma.

[@honeybhonest.]

30 dollars an hour is considered low income in Denver. Most parents have to pay rental prices for childcare. Imagine getting paid 30an hour and childcare is 20an hour. Youre working for 10 dollars an hour just with childcare expenses alone, not to mention the cost of food. Its tough out here and people are heartless

[@notmebutyou8350]

Wow. $30 per hour is considered low income??? Dang!!!

[@user-ov7su9bo8u]

Bidenomics and staring into a cell phone most of the day will not get you on your feet. Getting high first thing in the morning is not gonna do it unless its day labor job. Good luck and work is the way out.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Philly is technically the poorest of the 10 largest cities but there is not the level of visible homelessness you see other places. I believe it's because there is still affordable housing.

[@heinuchung8680]

It’s true Philly has some ghetto housing though lol

[@jordanjazz821]

I’ve lived in Glendale/Virginia Village for 6 years and there used to be not a single homeless/junkie in the neighborhood until COVID19. Now I actually see 2-3 per night on average here.

[@gerry.shafer6101]

RENTS. ARE. FORCING. US. ON. THE. STREETS.

[@0leitejesse]

The problem is people pick their dope over a roof.

[@frauleinhohenzollern]

I have an idea... Let's keep bringing in millions of immigrants every year. That'll fix it. 😂

[@susanbrown2578]

Progressive policies! 😡😡😡 Coloradofornia!

[@timallison8560]

would it not be cheaper for the city to purchase a large unoccupied office building and convert it to public housing for the homeless??

[@4hasnain]

Every time average rents increase by $100 , homelessness increases by 9%. Rent control is essential in tackling this problem.

[@cmc5394oparva]

No one running a rental unit is going to deliberately lose money just to make you feel better.

[@4hasnain]

@@cmc5394oparva it's not about feelings, and it seems like you are out of touch. Those who do run rental properties constantly raise rents for years and that is directly contributing to our homelessness problem here in Colorado. But I guess you side with greedy rental owners rather than the homeless who can't afford to live. Many of homeless are Colorado Natives especially in this video and many that I've personally worked with.

[@cmc5394oparva]

@@4hasnain LOL, I'm not out of touch with anything. You're completely disconnected from reality and how basic supply and demand works. Bring in more people than the housing supply can handle, and rents and housing costs rise. These increases aren't happening in a vacuum, no matter what your idiot activist friends tell you. That's the consequence of not incentivizing multi-unit housing development for the last 15 years and just expecting all the new people arriving to simply figure things out, which you'd be aware of if you weren't ensconced in a social bubble that simply blames everyone you don't like when things go pear-shaped. Math doesn't care about your feelings, or your dumb resentments about "greed."

[@4hasnain]

@@ColoRadoSNOWrider did you watch the video, these were natives affected by this. It is the landlord's fault if they keep raising the rent.

[@4hasnain]

@@ColoRadoSNOWrider I actually work with many clients who happen to be homeless in Longmont. Most are natives. For the most part.

[@tootalltam143]

Giving sanctuary while costs rise is killing middle America. Deport some of these people renting all the property and get the fent addicts in treatment. Bad policy makes this happen.

[@WhiteRabbitProphecies]

I grew up poor and almost became homeless at age 11 when my dad was terminal and then when I went for a 2nd degree at College my girlfriend and I just didn't have enough to pay the rent of $ 380.00 in 1983.We went to bed and each of us prayed secretely and in the morningI found a check for more student grant.There was $ 400.00 in the mail and I still can't believe that happened.So, now at 64 and 62 we are rich and retired and I will help any homeless that are sincere and honest with me.We have volunteered with dogs for 11 years and that has been excellent.I'm going to leave hundreds of thousands to the SPCA.

[@cultureal9544]

Solution: HOUSE PEOPLE IN LARGE WAREHOUSES IN COMMERCE CITY AND ASK THEM TO RAISE CHICKEN WITH FEEDS AND WATER

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

Kari's youngest son is having a baby? What can't HE take his homeless mother in? She can babysit.

[@boohere2]

That is what I said. Just speculation, but sounds like Kari has a history of drug abuse or alcohol. That is most likely why her family doesn't want her around them. Can't blame them. She has to want to get clean. If she doesn't then she stays where she at. You would think a grandchild would persuade to get clean and avoid drugs/alcohol.

[@chuckscott-cy7iq]

He's not her husband!

[@karenouye]

Remove Polis now! eliminate urban camping

[@Roevember5]

No . Rich start paying taxes . Landlords make rent reasonable.

[@teegur5394]

@@Roevember5 Polis is rich! He and 3 other rich people got together and made Colorado the test subject on how to turn a city Democratic. They used the bakery guy to rally non thinkers and push an agenda. They also knew to make it work they had to legalize weed. It was a success, they won!!

[@joeknightus8827]

I couldn't imagine homelessness in a Colorado winter. Summer isn't bad but it doesn't last long.

[@FirstLast-dy4gt]

CO winter isn’t bad at all

[@txcaco1]

@@FirstLast-dy4gt LA is better. Cheaper to give people a one way plane ticket to LAX

[@kristy9337]

​@@FirstLast-dy4gtHave you slept in your car with no heat when it's 15 degrees, or 5 below?

[@FirstLast-dy4gt]

@@kristy9337 yeah definitely it was cold af

[@DJ-vj4vi]

I am starting to see a trend of young mothers and divorced older women becoming homeless on the streets and it will get worse. I am blessed in the era to be young and childless.

[@Cucumberflavoredmustard]

Older divorced women have a very high poverty rate. Young mothers have plenty of govt programs they can use to stay off the street, provided they are clean.

[@dicksyphilis3914]

I’ll give you some children and help you take care of them.

[@cbrashsorensen]

Yes being childless in this period is a true blessing. Pretending that the world is not in a pile of trouble and bringing HELPLESS children into it is a huge mistake.

[@txcaco1]

Please continue to feel "blessed". The world does not need more children raised to feel helpless and victims of society.

[@citizencoy4393]

If the women are on the streets the men were there long before. Also many immigrants now sit over government aid and they r kicking Americans off to funnel the money to illegal immigrants

[@billyruben116]

Two questions: Is it a crime to litter in the state of Colorado? If an illegal alien moves to Colorado and is homeless, are they considered a "new homeless" since they had a home south of the border?

[@gregorysagegreene]

All I know is that I've trucked thru' the winters in some of these colder states, seen homelessness personally in more moderate climes that still got very cold, & I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Deadly.

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

Homeless men numbers will only increase. If you can't work due to permanent injury or chronic illness or do not appeal to employers you will be homeless PERMANENTLY until you become a senior citizen.

[@dons3073]

These news people look more deprresd than the homeless

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

Makes me laugh when one story the reporter so sad then a minute later fake joy.

[@mlb6d9]

They have to cover it every. single. day......

[@waynemoseley691]

Richest country in.the world . Look what happens 🤔🤨???

[@Roevember5]

When the top 1% doesn't pay their fair share . Trickle down economics doesn't work .

[@jercasgav]

We would all be better off if govt was smaller and we kept more of our own money to use or help others with as we see fit. Govt is basically coercion...gimme your money or else...they are NOT looking out for our best interests.

[@cmc5394oparva]

LOL, most of that "wealth" is just a guesstimate. Numbers on a paper. It doesn't exist. It's not real, because it hasn't been turned into actual money. And the "wealthy" mostly borrow against that guesstimate to get real money.

[@audieboykin175]

and no one is getting any help getting into safe and affordable housing.

[@thebastardgift]

There will likely never be enough affordable housing and even those residents are being evicted or forced to move given the increase of rent. The best option might be to live with family members, and everyone owns a share of the cost.

[@mrvwbug4423]

@@thebastardgift There's enough vacant houses that sit empty for real estate specualtion in the US to house every homeless person several times over. Maybe its time to take Vancouver, BCs approach and expropriate any homes intentionally left vacant to jack up housing prices.

[@thebastardgift]

@@mrvwbug4423, the new building of houses has not kept up with the population for decades and affordable housing is far worse, thus severely limited. Canada too has homeless people and renters protesting, and mass evictions, and not enough affordable housing and...😑

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@jercasgav]

There is really cheap housing all over America...just not in trendy cities like denver. You could move to a little town in Kansas and buy a nice little rancher for $50-100k or rent for wayyy cheaper. Since you are applying for SSDI, you don't need to worry about being in an expensive city because you work a job. You can live somewhere more affordable.

[@audieboykin175]

I'm disabled. waiting for ssdi, I became homeless when I was forced out of work during covid. I got really sick and was never able to return to work. it cost me everything, and that's not an exaggeration. I now have to move every few months because I'm still waiting on emergency housing nearly one year later. I have spoken to every homeless Liaison in every county that would talk to me . there are not enough social workers, there are not enough processors, and there are not enough advocates. there seems to not be enough people who honestly care. That makes mental health worse. so now, as if I wasn't already working with an impressive mental health file, here is a physical disability. Let's add more damage by taking a Goddamn year or more to help with housing. And good for Denver and their new mayor maybe they'll actually get things done in the promises he madet o get the job, but what about the people who were forced to find (any) housing no matter how questionable the housing even if it puts them hours away from their doctors because really when your sick with 3 autoimmune disorders, your doctors are really at the top of your priorities. The homeless are not just the people you can see on the streets, it's people who are physically disabled who have had to rely on and trust strangers to provide usually free temporary housing with a cot or a couch, trying not to get sick because a cold or rsv can land you in the hospital. it's the guy with a decent job, but rent got too high. It's the single father of 2 who's health tanked, and in order to not drag his children through the stress of shelter after shelter, he loses them too. there's way more homeless sober people out here than you'd think, too, and we need something to change. 3:58

[@twylacastaneda7117]

lots of sober homeless is the truth. lots of working homeless too. i didnt relapes until 6 months of homelessness and that was due to street life being no sleep life, espically when you need 2 people working 2 jobs to get off the street..

[@thebastardgift]

People link all homeless people with drugs and mental illness to feel protected from whatever happened to THOSE people cannot happened to them. Society needs to face an ugly truth; homelessness is a social class and only then we will find out who we really are if the changes needed bloom or not. I suspect there are far more people on the brink of being homeless than those who already are.

[@richardgomez5008]

Sorry for you, there is no solution for homeless Americans. Americans pay plenty of taxes. The government mismanages them. Biden just announced high speed internet for everyone at a cost of 42 billion dollars. Guess you won't get ssdi. 😥😥😥😥😥😥😥 Keep your faith in God. ❤❤

[@twylacastaneda7117]

@@richardgomez5008 foolish man

[@firstlast8258]

@@richardgomez5008gawd bless Murica

[@andrewflanders262]

Pretty obvious that they're on drugs, but this news story doesn't really touch on that fact.

[@mlb6d9]

Not good for the Homeless Industrial Complex

[@rael5469]

Homelessness is a mental illness. America should provide compassionate care to the homeless by housing them in, clean, safe housing with access to mental health care. No one should be allowed to live on the streets. Living on the streets should be prohibited. There should not be anyone living on the streets. They should be institutionalized (away from drugs and alcohol). They would be free to leave any time they could prove they had a job and an apartment lined up.

[@jaybreese7416]

I was homeless and no, mental illness wasn't the cause of it. Excessive rent with nothing but minimum wage that is offered for employment coupled with an unsupportive family were the reasons. I worked 2 jobs while renting a bed for $70 a week in a shelter. I was surrounded by mentally ill people I can attest; however, I consider myself of sound mind and found that the greatest obstacle to climbing out of homelessness was greed and the lack of traditional values.

[@rael5469]

@@jaybreese7416 I hear what you are saying and I am glad you are doing better now.

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@debra6513]

Your wrong, homeless is not a mental illness, some people want to live on the streets, one is they don’t want to follow rules, many homeless people have had housing and got kicked out, I know, I lived right in the middle of it, they made life miserable for the rest of us, when all you do is have a hand out then people have no incentive to Work! It’s the elderly that need taken care of first! Their ISNT a one fix for all!

[@rael5469]

It should be against the law to live on city streets. Get your own housing or be forced to stay in govt run housing. Period.

[@vengenceismine]

THEY HAVE AN ENTIRE EMPTY GOLF COURSE !!!!! HOUSE THEM THERE FFS!!!!!!!!!

[@teegur5394]

Housing does nothing for people that aren't willing to work for what they want. That is why there is no emergency housing now. There are people that have made it a generational thing and never got off of housing. There has to be a limit to how long you can stay on section 8 so resources are freed up for others. Right now the system is built to keep people living this way.

[@Corky2.0]

We need policies that are compassionate to the homeless who are trying to get back on their feet, and beds for those who are mentally ill. We also need polices that are brutal, cold, and ruthless to the bums and druggies who are perfectly capable of functioning in society but simply choose not to. Get rid of the dregs camping out and defecating in the streets, and I bet you would see a lot more public compassion and personal charity towards those who truly need help.

[@TG-fq6vy]

Key word is those who are trying to get back on their feet. The woman that was originally from Florida essentially said she does not know that she wants to go back into regular housing. Bingo

[@Sixty_Five_Pronghorn]

@@TG-fq6vyThat’s where the punishment comes in. We ought to make it so we have lots of free, tax-funded options for unhoused people to choose from, excluding the choice to be on the street. You either have to live with family, go to rehab, a group home, a mental health hospital, a nursing home, or a transitionary shelter with job training and occupational therapy, or you get arrested and forced into one of those programs. But you can’t just spend your life roaming the streets.

[@TG-fq6vy]

@@Sixty_Five_Pronghorn That would be a great plan. Well said.

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@brogonz1658]

​@idekanymore1 most of that sounds perfect. You can't dictate how one lives their life tho and arrest them for not wanting to accept help.

[@java4653]

Nixon went to China while Reagan used our taxes to send jobs there. By 1993 Wall Street & Commerce had declared "we will be a service economy".

[@daryllect6659]

I wish Hinckley had spent more time at the range.

[@voiceofraisin241]

You can thank Clinton for allowing china into the world trade organization. Without that Reagan could not have sent jobs to China.

[@fedorpravov5372]

You hardly find homeless people living on the streets in China. And you hardly find on the streets of Denver homeless immigrants from India, China, Russia, even Mexico. I can hardly be mistaken if I say that 99% homeless people in the tents on the streets are US born people. Could you explain this.

[@thebastardgift]

WOW. China's population is almost a billion and a half and yet you state one can hardly find homeless people? You've not read about coffin houses? I do believe there are more Americans homeless than any other group by default there are, clearly, more Americans in America.

[@firstlast8258]

So move to China?

[@jercasgav]

When you feed the bears they keep coming back for more and forget how to take care of themselves. We are enabling bad behavior largely. The rest of these folks are seriously mentally ill and need to be put in long term insane asylums like they used to have that they closed down in the 70s-80s...we need those asylums back.

[@fedorpravov5372]

@@firstlast8258You seem to be proud with US homeless.

[@firstlast8258]

@@fedorpravov5372 🙏

[@SuperMrpeepers]

Let's open the borders and try to take care of more people. it's just insanity.

[@FiftiesForward]

It's just camping.. leave them alone. If they want to find a way into a house they will especially if it's God's will.

[@twylacastaneda7117]

look up how much in income taxes immigrants contribute. and how much we use their working power, every time we have a boom but when bust comes we always blame immigrants..so dumb.

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@debra6513]

It’s not just camping, it’s tons of garbage and camping!

[@FiftiesForward]

@@debra6513 that's true but not everyone can be a high class citizen. The world doesn't work that way..God has people in their place

[@cycleoflife7331]

Housing costs are out of control.

[@jonnynash364]

Urban camping aka homeless drastically increased after they legalized recreational marijuana in Colorado

[@dawn1913]

Yes it changed drastically the short yrs following. Huge disappointment. Been away 3yrs and i don't think i would recognize it

[@mlb6d9]

I can attest to that, and also after they finished the light rail. Now they can go anywhere

[@robertlarsen6516]

Happy I voluntarily removed my family and my tax dollars from Denver. It’s a shame what lax policy has done to the place we called home for almost a quarter century. Still the most beautiful state in the Union…

[@RIXRADvidz]

President Ronald Reagan closed down all the facilities that helped these people and kept them from being homeless. Two Generations Later, Homelessness is as present as it was when the Homeless first appeared on the streets. It's up to our elected officials to step up and open facilities that can help them cope, give them hope and a home.

[@thebastardgift]

The irony, he closed mental health facilities given Reagan's outcome.

[@davezad]

Thank you for the reminder that should accompany every broadcast on this topic.

[@crb4059]

Do democrats ever own up to the problem they caused? Ot Reagan- bush-trump responsible for every ill in society? Silly woke losers

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@matthewpicard3976]

ALL the facilities? C'mon, you can do better than that.

[@argoneonoble]

What do they do in the winter?

[@TammyVance50]

Times are tough for many Americans! What do you expect if people can’t pay there bills anymore do to increase in bills, food , and ect!

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@firstlast8258]

Muricans

[@Cucumberflavoredmustard]

Work harder. The jobs are out there.

[@firstlast8258]

@@Cucumberflavoredmustard not everyone can work 🤓🖕

[@chuckscott-cy7iq]

@@Cucumberflavoredmustard Not sure if being a bigger and better slave to the grind is the overall solution.🤔

[@BrandonT584]

The perfect way of life ,AMERICAN DREAM ! Wake every morning in a home and go to a job that pays a living OR prevailing wage so you can be productive in society . We can all look at the person and blame or label RIGHT ! But no one will open their eyes to the true failures of American government in its globalization of trade and outsourcing of American jobs! Losing money to our federal,state,counties, municipalities, to cutting Social and civil services for the people. I understand Colorado legalized the use of marijuana and now is getting MUCH needed tax relief for the state . Where are these monies allocated ,not doing enough it seems for common and basic needs for the people? Go back to 1992 presidential race, educate yourself about a business man named Ross Perot . We Americans are now living in the country he described ,TO WE THE PEOPLE ! This by no means is a accident this was clearly intentional and needs to be stopped.

[@curiouspenguin6887]

So what is Boebert doing to fix this?

[@Roevember5]

Complaining about President Biden , writing bogus impeachment articles , probably drinking and driving 1.5x the circumference of the globe , fighting with MToiletGangrene in the middle of the house floor , berating witnesses , talking about urination , playing with her new boy toy , trying to look smart with phony glasses on , grifting, etc. . You know all those important things. 🤪

[@jercasgav]

Denver is not her district. She covers southern Colorado in the rural areas. You NEED to talk to those dems you all love to vote for up in the metro area...they are the ones that tolerate this.

[@cmc5394oparva]

Colorado is run almost entirely by your team, doofy, especially on the Front Range where most of this problem is centered. If you don't like what your seeing, maybe look in a mirror.

[@richardgomez5008]

The government gives billions of taxed dollars to foriegn countries. Cities built civic buildings, museums, libraries, roads, bridges, improve parks, improve neighborhoods, new animal adoption centers with our taxed dollars. Government and cities need to built night sleeping shelters ( Chinese style pods are fine) with showers and toilets availability. Our soldiers should oversee see these facilities. If our soldiers can safeguard foreigners in other countries, they can help homeless Americans. Churches in America should feed the hungry. All Americans deserve a safe place to sleep, shower, and toilet use. With rising prices of everything, cost of housing rise, drugs and mental health, many more Americans will become homeless.

[@twylacastaneda7117]

yes! and wet shelters need to come back with security and counceling at every site. alot of ppl avoid shelters because theyll just be rejected or kicked out for being under the influence, which causes more overdoses and street crime..offer help somewhere they dont have to be better already to access and more will take that help.

[@richardgomez5008]

@@twylacastaneda7117 I not saying to give everyone housing but a safe night shelters for all Americans. We all paid plenty of taxes which are mismanage by government . Having our military around sleeping shelters will keep most addicts away as they avoid law enforcement. Many of our homeless paid taxes, had the families and homes. And for many reasons lost it all! Let's hope we don't become homeless.

[@twylacastaneda7117]

@@richardgomez5008 I was homeless with 2 30 hour a week jobs. Working hard and getting jobs isnt the answer anymore..that hasn't been realistic for 25+ years. Doubly so for those who come from generational poverty. I dont know why everyone shouldn't have a home, free. We work and pay taxes and dont benefit from any of it, due to tax breaks we didnt vote for and crap wages. But without us they are nothing. And vice versa. So IMO, everyone should be fed, educated, access to health care, and housed. Regardless of ability or income. I'd love to see volunteer requirements at elderly facilities and other low staffed jobs, like lifeguards. Stuff people can do without higher education in their community..to kind of "earn" their way so society doesent call them freeloaders. But 200 years ago these people would just go somewhere and build a hone and live from the land..the gov has criminalizedthat tho. .

[@richardgomez5008]

@@twylacastaneda7117 Everyone has their life with problems. I live in Texas and my family was dirt poor. I worked for what I have. Now our housing cost and property appraisals are skyrocketing. More taxes. Everyone is taxed. The American dream is gone. We Americans deserve a safe place to sleep, shower and toilet use from all the mismanaged taxes. (I'm not saying free housing) In Fort Worth, the city built an animal adopt center for over13 millions dollars.... Lots more....too much! For the homeless, little is done.😥

[@davezad]

Israel gets universal health care and its military paid for by our taxes. They get super involved in our gov just for the $.

[@daryllect6659]

Lots and lots of available space out there downwind of Rocky Flats...

[@lickourballs1atatimeok]

It is the Rocky Flatlands. Learn the difference 👍🤭

[@GLORIAADU-dt4iu]

This is a world wide problem. and it is not going to get better.the people in power don't see the small people. the sick and the mentally, ill people it is so sad, to see them out there in all kind of weather. they are humans.

[@belladriver258]

World wide? Lol you only been as far as Arvada Colorado. South American are entrepreneurs we don’t have drug addicts smoking legal pot that’s Colorado and your governor Jared polis demonrats running the worse states

[@sarbantz]

Fentanyl and Tranq horse tranquilizer destroy humans mentally and physically beyond the point of repair very quickly.

[@MachineGunPepe]

Oh they see it. They just don't care.

[@firstlast8258]

@@MachineGunPepeunless it’s voting time 🤓🖕

[@borntobewild9056]

How is it these illegal aliens all seem to find employment and don't live on the streets? Do they change their life style to better suit their income? Todays homeless are that way because they want to live beyond their means..you know..cell phones, computers, the biggest t.v. they can find, steak and eggs everyday for breakfast, they don't want to sacrifice anything to make things work! Good luck living in the elements in a Colorado winter....it won't be fun!

[@JeffreySmith7777]

You get what you vote for. Enjoy.

[@brogonz1658]

Yep exactly.

[@debra6513]

Blame blame blame, grow up and put your big panties on and go to work!

[@ursulasmith6402]

Landlords need to leave Dubai alone and take care of their tenants. They pay rent, go by the rules, that's what they get in return.

[@jedics1]

"If you provide services you don't eliminate homelessness" You do if one of those services is homes duh!

[@ciaojeffitalia]

Supply and Demand. As the population grows, housing prices will rise.

[@mikejohn0088]

NEWS FLASH: The population is declining not increasing.

[@cknorris3644]

most homes now are owned by investors. For example its impossible for a normal family to go find a decent starter home or fixer upper because those are the homes flippers and investors are most attracted to. That's the issue.

[@dianabeurman364]

AGREE !ITS DISGUSTING!

[@christinegonzales6788]

😢 awful heartbreaking 💔😞💔 family members 💔 its awful

[@txcaco1]

Don't feel sorry for people who choose the way they live. Can't throw enough money or services at these organizations to fix anything.

[@viasevenvai]

Austin TX is the same. Groups of people are at every corner downtown. Shirts off, sleeping, shoeless, rambling to themselves. Gee I wonder if drugs are available nearby.

[@firstlast8258]

Drugs are bad mkay

[@SelfHandledRogue]

when i ran for governor i had plans to fix the homelessness issue in colorado. too bad jared didnt copy that part when he ran against me to help his cousins dispensaries. good luck colorado. there are way more issues than ppl trying to solve them in that state.

[@MsTrish3520]

The State needs to reopened closed schools, hotels, build tent city on the outskirts of the city or state, seniors can live in senior housing. Be Live in caregivers for seniors. Alot of homeless are mentally ill they need to live in medical facility. Move out of the state.

[@mxferro]

Denver just took over a former skyrise hotel and is going to reopen it as a large shelter.

[@brogonz1658]

They've had 10 open for the past 3 years and plus the coliseum was full of men. But they're literally kicking em out as we speak to house all the illegal immigrants that are flooding into the state.

[@dawn1913]

Where is this? At Colorado and Interstate?

[@dianabeurman364]

Goody goody!

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

Here in San Diego it's out of f-ing control and it's horrible. What's the solution?

[@rhiannon-bv9rk]

if you stop handing out goodies people's behavior will no longer be rewarded

[@albertogonzalez1746]

Stop voting for democrats. That is your solution

[@2bjjones]

Seriously, I'm starting to think "Are you homeless?", is the mating call of Denver.

[@michelekinsley6814]

Have you not seen AZ?

[@toddstrickland973]

Yes, that electrical outlet will be shut off now.

[@robertlobato2259]

guess they must have been doing drugs and missed the bus

[@twylacastaneda7117]

if i was high and a news crew showed up unexpectidly i wouldnt come out either. ambushed.

[@jims5198]

Colorado should increase tax rate to 50%. People vote for reckless politician and reforms so you get what you deserve. Legalizing pot and soft on crime lead to a majority of these homeless situations. Sure not all homeless are for these reason some are also job loss and higher cost of living.

[@jjohnson8977]

This Arvada shelter has got to be shut down. its bringing these Freecks to my home town

[@fleabag2mr.151]

It's a drug addiction crisis that leads to homelessness.

[@debra6513]

No it’s not, it’s many things, not just one!

[@navigator487]

@@debra6513 Drugs and mental issues mostly. Then there are those who don't want structure and rules and choose this lifestyle. Others say they can't find work, but right now there are more jobs in the USA than there are unemployed. They might have to move around if they have limited skills. Some are willing to work but can't work an 8-hr. day. I wouldn't mind a WPA type of organization. Here in CA they could clear some forest deadwood/brush to prevent forest fires.

[@BlizzardSeeker]

I worked in Denver for 1.5 years, the rent kept going up and was $1,300 dollars plus utilities for a 400 sg. ft. apartment. I'd love to area, but I was not going to pay that amount of money for a space you have to back out of to turn around in. Can't imagine what it costs now.

[@daryllect6659]

"...rent kept going up and was $1,300 dollars..."? $1,300 dollars"? Thirteen hundred dollar dollars?

[@teegur5394]

@@daryllect6659 My son was paying $1600 for a small 1 bdrm in Northglenn Co, not a great area.

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

@@daryllect6659 That is a low rent in Denver, yes.

[@daryllect6659]

@@retirementbootcampoff-grid237 "rent kept going up and was $1,300 dollars..." $1300 dollars dollars? Not too good at reading comprehension are ya?

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

@@daryllect6659 oh, a grammar comment? Try this one: Capitalisation? Oh, now that's spelling! A ver, que mas? Foreign language? oh incorrect missing andaccent. And missing puncuation? Or was it just spell check? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@over07ful]

Keep voting Dem

[@marioguzman9290]

Laziness is a cancer.

[@lynnbaker2336]

Some rents are now over ten grand a month. Will the money addicted gentrifiers ever be satisfied?

[@gerry.shafer6101]

PEOPLE. THAT. RENT. ARE. ALSO. HOMELESS. THERE. NOT. HOME. OWNERS

[@brianblanke2084]

This is caused by the great policies from the Democrats. Just a wonderful world they have made.

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

The idiot reporter said "IF YOU CLOSED YOUR EYES"? Stupid comment.

[@Roevember5]

This is caused by filthy rich who charge to much for rent . Don't pay taxes . Buying and flipping. Stop blaming democrats.

[@debra6513]

Blaming solves nothing cry baby

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

Send them to California. That Governor welcomes everyone.

[@thekilla2885]

Plus they pay you to be homeless in CA,i seen a video on it here.

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

@@thekilla2885 I bet rich people scam that.

[@AFRoSHEENT3ARCMICHAEL69]

Its not a homeless problem its a humanitarian problem. Doesn't matter if youre working full time youre still homeless.

[@newhampshirelifestyle4233]

Denver and all of Colorado used to be a safe, inexpensive, clean, red state. Then a Californians came from the cesspool they created on the left coast and made a new one in Colorado.

[@waltbroedner4754]

People keep blaming people for homelessness because of crime and addiction, not stopping to think that for the majority of people these problems came AFTER they lost their jobs. For the grace of God go you and I. Instead of blaming a government that is incapable of solving the HUGE crime waves we are allowed to live with here in the best country in the world, where our children get murdered weekly in their schools AND the multimillionaire Big Pharama industrial Complex that created FOR PROFIT the drug addiction problem in our country.

[@thomaswipf7986]

Spending didn't work. Repeat after me. Spending didn't work.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

How do they survive in the winter?

[@mlb6d9]

Lots of news pieces like this throughout the winter drumming up sympathy

[@arribaficationwineho32]

@@mlb6d9 but how? Where do they live in freezing weather

[@5525demond]

FJB HE DID THIS

[@kellyhutsler1007]

I believe Denver handled the homeless crisis perfectly when they became a sanctuary city.