Boulder, Colo. — TGTHR welcomed Governor Jared Polis on Nov. 10 to talk about affordable supportive housing and to officially recognize National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.
As part of his effort to make Colorado more affordable and help more people who are living on the streets access safe and stable housing, Gov. Polis highlighted the successful services at TGTHR. This renewed energy around affordable housing comes on the heels of President Biden introducing his Build Back Better Bill, which includes $150 billion for affordable housing and $150 billion for Home and Community-Based Services. In Colorado, Polis’ proposed budget earmarks $200 million to help augment local programs to address homelessness, including drug treatment programs.
While touring 1440 Pine, TGTHR’s 40-unit supportive housing project in Boulder for transition-age youth (TAY) between the ages of 18-24 who were previously experiencing homelessness or on the brink of experiencing it, Polis read a proclamation emphasizing the state’s commitment to raising awareness of the issue of youth homelessness. Supportive housing, Polis noted, is an important step toward helping to prevent chronic adult homelessness, which frequently begins with youth homelessness.
Along with safe, non-time-limited housing for 40 young adults, TGTHR’s 1440 Pine provides a positive community with youth-centered, developmentally appropriate, voluntary supportive services. Transition Specialists help residents build education and employment pathways, continue to learn and use life skills necessary to navigate independent living, foster permanent connections within the community, and exit to independent housing when appropriate.
A growing body of research has found that low-barrier housing for TAY coupled with supportive services increases housing stability and can promote positive outcomes in employment, education, and social-emotional and physical well-being.
In the first two years of operations, tenants at 1440 Pine have proven that with safe and supportive housing, they are able to move on to self-sufficient lives. 35% of tenants have enrolled in an academic institution or program, 34% of tenants have maintained employment for 3 months or longer, and 27% of tenants have exited to safe and stable housing.
About TGTHR
Founded 55 years ago in Boulder, TGTHR (formerly Attention Homes) is building a movement that galvanizes communities, empowers young people, and puts an end to youth homelessness. In addition to its flagship 40-unit supportive housing facility at 1440 Pine in Boulder, TGTHR provides a variety of programs — including a residential program for 12-18 year-olds, a drop-in center for 12-24 year-olds, an emergency shelter for 12-21 year-olds, a transitional living program for 18-24 year-olds, and a street outreach program. In 2020 alone, TGTHR served nearly 500 individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. TGTHR’s 2700 Wewatta Affordable project, its first outside of Boulder County, will open in 2023. For more information or to support their mission, please visit www.TGTHR.org and keep us in mind for CO Gives Day: www.coloradogives.org/tgthr.
