We need holistic housing solutions

Affordable housing, coupled with supportive behavioral and mental health services, substance abuse treatment, trauma-informed care, employment and education, food, child care and transportation are all foundational to public safety and security.

​We need to build coalitions across sectors — coalitions that imagine a racially diverse Colorado Springs that provides economic opportunity and inclusive housing solutions to its citizens.

     Programs like Housing First, which provide housing to people experiencing homelessness so they are better equipped to handle mental health and substance abuse issues, are working throughout the world.

Bloomberg even reported in 2019 that homelessness in Finland has fallen 40 percent over the last decade, thanks to this model.

     All things are possible. Do we have the will?

DiverseCity Columnist Patience Kabassa