University of Denver Evaluates Our Approach
The University of Denver recently published a study measuring the efficacy of Colorado Village Collaborative’s Beloved Community Village in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood.
In the study, researchers used data from current and former residents of Beloved Community Village to determine whether the tiny home model has thus far proven effective in Denver. As part of the study, a number of BCV residents were asked to share their emotional and financial positions, and whether each had improved or declined since joining the community. These results were then compared with a control group of homeless individuals who were unaffiliated with the BCV program.
View a Full Breakdown of the Findings
This control group allowed researchers to demonstrate more effectively the areas in which the Beloved Community Village helped to promote stable, positive outcomes for residents.
Highlights of the Study
Employment: Villagers were 4x more likely to be working compared to the people in the control group who reported being unhoused.
Neighborhood Perspective: More than 85% of neighbors report having positive or neutral feelings about Beloved Community Village’s overall impact on their neighborhood.
Police Activity: During the year that this study occurred, not one person in the neighborhood called the police about the village.
Villager Well-Being: Villagers reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness and higher levels of happiness and satisfaction when compared to people experiencing homelessness who did not live in the village.
Stable Housing: All former residents that participated in the study were stably housed 12 months after leaving the Beloved Community Village.
Finances: Beloved Community Village residents reported an increase in being able to save money, pay bills, and make payments on debt in the last six months as well as decreased theft of personal belongings.
This is the second study of BCV’s efficacy performed by the University of Denver. In both instances, the data have pointed toward a realization of our mission to effectively bridge the gap between the streets and stable housing for those experiencing homelessness in Denver.