After years of declining numbers, Colorado Springs is seeing a rise in homelessness, according to the latest Point-in-Time survey. The annual count, conducted on a cold day this year, showed a significant spike. More volunteers participated in a broader, more detailed effort to capture the current state of homelessness across the city.
While officials credit the increase partly to better data collection, they say the deeper issue is the growing lack of access to affordable housing.
“On a typical night, 1,277 emergency and transitional beds are available in our region,” said Becky Treece, chair of the Pikes Peak Continuum of Care. But this year’s survey found 1,745 people experiencing homelessness—leaving a gap of nearly 500 beds.
“Demand for services, housing, and support far exceeds the current capacity of our system,” Treece added.
Mayor Emphasizes the Power of Data
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said the new data offers insight into the root causes of homelessness and how to address them.
“The Point-in-Time Count offers more than numbers—it offers insight,” he said. “That is why I chose ‘data’ as the City’s word of the year. Because data helps us move beyond assumptions and into real, measurable solutions.”
He also praised volunteers and community partners for their role in gathering this vital information.
A Personal Story of Recovery
William Brown, once homeless for eight years, shared how city services helped him turn his life around after prison.
“I even got a puppy now,” he said. “I found a job, I got all the IDs I needed… I started saving money. I bought a place to stay and I still have it.”
Brown believes that anyone who can access the city’s support network has a real shot at recovery.
Financial Challenges Threaten Services
Despite success stories like Brown’s, officials worry about the sustainability of support systems amid budget shortfalls. Colorado Springs is facing an $11 million budget deficit, and Treece noted that some vital federal programs are also at risk.
“The concern is great that we do not have the resources necessary to meet the need,” Treece said. “There are programs that are critical to success in our community that are on the chopping block.”
Springs Rescue Mission President and CEO Travis Williams urged the public to stand with outreach groups during this difficult period.
“Now, more than ever, we need the community to continue to stand arm-in-arm with us,” he said. “We’re going to continue to provide care with compassion that empowers people for pathways out of homelessness.”
The Root Problem: Housing Affordability
Aimee Cox, the city’s chief housing and homelessness officer, said the growing homelessness problem is closely tied to housing costs.
“It’s a serious challenge here. It’s a serious challenge across the country,” Cox said. “And we cannot explain homelessness without also understanding the decreasing housing affordability in our communities.”
Cox pointed to local opposition as a key barrier to building more affordable housing in the Pikes Peak region.
“We’ve had a lot of opposition to affordable housing development throughout the community,” she said.
A Call to Action
Cox and Treece say the latest survey results should serve as a wake-up call—not just for officials and outreach groups, but for residents as well.
“What’s next is that we continue the work we are doing and do our best to preserve what’s successful—and grow where we can,” Treece said.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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