The Evidence
Decades of research show what works. Loveland is doing the opposite.
What Works: Housing First
The evidence is overwhelming: Housing First is the most effective approach to reducing homelessness. The model provides permanent housing without preconditions, then wraps supportive services around the individual.
✓ Housing First Works
- 📊 86-98% housing retention rate
- 💰 Saves $12,146 per person annually
- 🏥 Reduces emergency room visits by 80%
- ⚖️ Reduces criminal justice involvement
- ✅ Works for highest-need populations
- 🏠 Reduces chronic homelessness by 50-90%
✗ Criminalization Fails
- ❌ Zero evidence it reduces homelessness
- ❌ 89% remain homeless after sweeps
- ❌ Most expensive, least effective approach
- ❌ Creates barriers to housing and employment
- ❌ Increases crimes against homeless people
- ❌ Traumatizes already-vulnerable populations
The Cost Comparison
| Approach | Annual Cost Per Person | Housing Retention | Evidence Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing First | $13,000 - $25,000 | 86-98% | Strong (100+ studies) |
| Emergency Shelter | $25,000 - $40,000 | Variable | Moderate |
| Enforcement/Criminalization | $35,000 - $150,000 | ~11% | None (ineffective) |
| Emergency Room/Hospital | $50,000 - $150,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Incarceration | $35,000 - $75,000 | N/A | Counterproductive |
Sources: UCSF Benioff Housing Initiative, Urban Institute, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty[1][2][3]
What Loveland Is Doing
Despite the evidence, Loveland has chosen the most expensive, least effective approach: criminalization without alternatives.
The Loveland Approach vs. Evidence
| Evidence Says | Loveland Does |
|---|---|
| Provide permanent housing first | Eliminated overnight shelter capacity |
| Wrap supportive services around individuals | Dissolved homelessness task force |
| Reduce barriers to housing | Criminalization creates more barriers |
| Coordinate regional response | County declined to take operational lead |
| Invest in cost-effective solutions | Spending on enforcement, not housing |
Why This Matters
The Human Cost
- People die from exposure during severe weather
- Criminal records create barriers to housing and employment
- Loss of personal property during sweeps (medications, documents)
- Trauma compounds existing mental health and substance use issues
The Financial Cost
- Enforcement costs more than housing
- Emergency room visits increase (uncompensated care)
- Legal costs from lawsuits (TextGate, ADA violations)
- Jail costs for "quality of life" offenses
"It costs less to house someone than to leave them on the streets. The question isn't whether we can afford to solve homelessness—it's whether we can afford not to."
— National Alliance to End HomelessnessThe Choice
Loveland's council had a choice. They could follow the evidence and invest in solutions that work. Or they could take developer money and criminalize homelessness.
They chose the money.
This isn't about public safety. It's not about fiscal responsibility. It's about clearing the way for development by displacing the most vulnerable—and getting paid to do it.
Do Something About It
The council works for you. Make them answer for these choices.
Take Back Your City