Colorado homeless numbers increase, local shelter not surprised

The numbers have jumped.  There are more reported homeless in Colorado than in 2011. Now the question is why and what's being done about it.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released the new report, saying last year the nation’s homeless numbers stayed about the same.  That’s not the case in Colorado.

An 11% rise represents a slight uptick in the number of chromatically homeless.

The study suggests in Metro Denver the problem is worse.  The number of people sleeping on the streets there has more than doubled over the past year.

Homeward Bound homeless shelter in Grand Junction says the numbers aren't surprising.

“We’re starting to hear rumors about more people losing their homes and stuff and looking at us for help,” A.J. Johnson, with Homeward Bound, said. “We are seeing increases.”

Homeward Bound says it’s especially busy this time of year.  It doesn't have enough room for everyone seeking shelter so it overflows into local churches.

On a more positive note, in Colorado, the situation of homeless veterans is improving.  That group has decreased 27 percent in the past year.

Five states accounted for nearly half of the nation's homeless population in 2012:  California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Georgia.