In a landmark development, Douglas County has reached what is known as Functional Zero for Veteran homelessness, an achievement that suggests homelessness among Veterans can be effectively managed and minimized. A recent report details the tools and collaborations that made this possible, with an emphasis on the quality data and coordinated region-wide efforts that Douglas County and the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) have put forth since April 2021.
Speaking about the success of the county’s approach, Commissioner Abe Laydon said, “Our approach to homelessness is working in Douglas County.” Having reached Functional Zero, Laydon credits municipal, nonprofit, faith-based partners, and Sheriff Darren Weekly for their collective triumph. Functional Zero, it should be noted, does not signify the complete eradication of Veteran homelessness but rather maintaining homelessness at levels that the community can promptly respond to with housing solutions, according to
Douglas County
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As reported by
Douglas County
, Sofia Vigil, Regional Coordination Manager with MDHI explained, “Functional Zero isn’t about achieving a ‘finish line’ but about maintaining ongoing efforts to serve Veterans with dignity and timeliness.” This stance on Functional Zero highlights an understanding that the issue requires sustained vigilance and resources.
The success story in Douglas County revolves around crafting a comprehensive and regularly updated list of every homeless Veteran, a standard known as Quality By-Name Data. Achieved in October 2023, the list provides a real-time snapshot of the community’s homeless Veterans, aiding in their swift assistance. “This incredible accomplishment by Douglas County is the result of their active engagement and prioritization of this work for over two years,” Missy Mish, Homeless Section Chief for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System said, as per
Douglas County
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Part of Douglas County’s strategy includes the HEART (Homeless Engagement Assistance and Resource Team) program, which partners navigators with law enforcement to offer personalized, on-the-street support. According to a statement obtained by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, Tiffany Marsitto, HEART supervisor, shared an account of a Veteran who, with the help of the program, quickly secured housing vouchers in the summer of 2023. Sheriff Weekly also emphasized the importance of “compassionate policing” through HEART, recognizing the duty to serve Veterans with respect and care.
Statistics illustrate the efficiency of these initiatives, with 64% of homeless Veterans in Douglas County housed within 98 days of identification from Jan. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024. This outcome underscores the potential effectiveness of the framework for other communities eyeing similar goals. As Vigil puts it, Douglas County is a beacon, showing that “homelessness is solvable” with the right combination of resources, partnerships, and data-guided strategies.
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