Behind the Numbers: Housing and Homelessness

The Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS) is a report produced by the Colorado Health Institute. Beginning in 2009, the CHAS has captured issues faced by Coloradans across the state including information such as health coverage, access to health care, and factors that influence health. The information within the survey is intended to serve as a data source for policymakers, grassroots organizations, researchers, and others in an effort to identify key issues and assess health policy needs across the state.

The 2023 CHAS surveyed nearly 10,000 households from March to September 2023. This year’s survey provided important data and insight as to how the COVID-19 pandemic and related policies impacted the health, health access, and social stressors of Coloradans.

In addition to the 2023 CHAS, the Colorado Health Institute has published a series of stories titled “Behind the Numbers” that gives Coloradans the space to describe how the Pandemic and related policy changes have impacted their lives.

Following the federal eviction ban lift in 2021, rent skyrocketed for many people across the U.S.. For Charlie and her family, this meant that they were no longer able to afford their home. In this story, Charlie describes how working a full-time job is not enough to cover the costs of life as well as how her and her family have had to rely on various assistance programs to make ends meet.

Source: Deanna Geldens, Colorado Health Institute