C.R.S. § 24-32-3902: Proposal for a statewide strategy on homelessness prevention and resolution - definitions.

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) "Continuum of care organization" means one of the continuum of care organizations established pursuant to 24 CFR 578, including the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, the Colorado Balance of State Continuum of Care, the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care, and the Pikes Peak Continuum of Care.

(b) "Department" means the department of local affairs created in section 24-1-125.

(c) "Operational service" has the same meaning as set forth in section 39-22-548 (2)(h).

(2) In January 2027, as part of the department's "SMART Act" hearing required by section 2-7-203, the department shall submit and present a proposal for the development of a statewide strategy on homelessness prevention and resolution. The proposal must include a plan that sets forth a timeline, an estimated budget, and a process for developing and implementing a statewide strategy on homelessness prevention and resolution. The proposal must set forth the following components that must be included in the statewide strategy on homelessness prevention and resolution:

(a) Identification of gaps and barriers that impede access to operational services for individuals experiencing homelessness;

(b) Identification of state agency-provided housing resources, including utilization rates;

(c) Recommendations for collaboration between state and local partners to facilitate homelessness response;

(d) Recommendations for funding and policies that could be implemented at the state level to support homelessness prevention and resolution;

(e) Recommendations that have been proposed in coordination with continuum of care organizations to improve the implementation of the homeless management information system, data reporting, and coordinated entry systems; and

(f) Updates on regional navigation campuses created pursuant to section 24-32-727.

(3) When developing the proposal required by subsection (2) of this section, the department shall seek and incorporate feedback from a diverse array of stakeholders.