Denver's homeless problem has reached such dire levels that one frustrated resident, Jon Caldara, resorted to dumping human excrement on the steps of City Hall.
Caldara, the owner of a libertarian think tank, used this shocking act to draw attention to the city's homelessness crisis. Despite being a Democrat, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston sympathized with Caldara's frustration and acknowledged the need for urgent action.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Mayor Johnston expressed his shared goal with Caldara: to provide housing for the homeless and restore clean, safe public spaces for everyone. He highlighted the lack of access to public bathrooms and trash pick-up as contributing factors to the problem. Johnston emphasized that living in tents and encampments is not a viable solution, as it is inhumane and detrimental to the city.
As a nonpartisan mayor, Johnston has been working tirelessly to address Denver's homelessness crisis. The city, known for its deep-blue political leanings, has been grappling with rising living costs and a corresponding increase in homelessness.
According to the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, Denver had the 10th-largest homeless population among American cities in 2022, with nearly 7,000 individuals affected. The city's homelessness issue has had a significant impact on local businesses, leading to a decline in foot traffic, revenue loss, and even closures.
Upon taking office in July, Mayor Johnston declared homelessness a public emergency and unveiled a $50 million plan to provide transitional or semi-permanent housing for 1,000 people by the end of the year. His ultimate goal is to permanently close the homeless encampments that have plagued the city's streets.
Johnston stressed that the high commercial vacancy rates in Denver, comparable to those in San Francisco, are directly linked to the homelessness crisis. The presence of encampments affects the overall perception of downtown areas, discouraging visitors, tourists, and businesses from operating in the city center.
The mayor acknowledged that drug use, particularly the fentanyl epidemic, and mental health issues contribute to homelessness. However, he emphasized that the primary cause is the exorbitant cost of living in Denver. Johnston's approach focuses on stabilizing individuals by providing housing and wraparound services, including mental health support, addiction treatment, and workforce training.
The city has converted hotels into micro units and established tiny home villages on vacant lots to offer transitional housing. The aim is to provide individuals with a temporary residence where they can rebuild their lives, find employment, save money, and eventually move into permanent housing.
Mayor Johnston believes that if Denver can successfully house all unsheltered individuals and eliminate encampments, it can serve as a model for other cities struggling with homelessness. However, Caldara, the think tank owner who resorted to the viral stunt, dismissed Johnston's approach as another "housing first" plan that throws money at the problem.
Caldara suggested enforcing the camping ban, arresting individuals, and cleaning up the streets as a more effective solution. He pointed to Colorado Springs as a model city that enforces laws against drug use, theft, assault, and public defecation.
In response to Caldara's criticism, Mayor Johnston's spokesperson emphasized the city's commitment to enforcing the law for everyone. However, she acknowledged that law enforcement faces challenges in responding to the high volume of 911 calls. To address this issue, Johnston's 2024 budget includes funding for the largest police recruit class since 2005, aiming to reach the full authorized strength of the police department.
While some cities, like San Francisco, have implemented mandatory drug testing and treatment programs for individuals receiving welfare, Mayor Johnston's office clarified that there would be no such requirements for living in Denver's micro-communities. Each community will be operated by service providers who establish and enforce community rules that residents must follow.
Mayor Johnston's ambitious plan to address Denver's homelessness crisis reflects the urgency and complexity of the issue. By prioritizing housing and providing comprehensive support services, he aims to stabilize individuals and ultimately eliminate encampments.
While critics like Caldara advocate for stricter enforcement of laws, Johnston believes that a compassionate and holistic approach is necessary to address the root causes of homelessness. As Denver continues to grapple with this crisis, the city's efforts may serve as a blueprint for other communities facing similar challenges.
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