She pointed out that the availability of low cost housing is a major problem. Community based organization and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless are working on housing issues. Transportation is another problem. Mothers getting their children to child care, for example and to a licensed home provide problems in the transportation arena. There is a transportation assistance program that will assist clients.
Child care is another issue.
Ms. Sparrow said that Denver is continuing to provide innovative approaches with the Educare Program with the child care program. She spoke about long-term barriers and how Denver deals with the most difficult to employ individuals. She talked about Incentive payments to persons for complying with certain requirements and completing the program. Other areas that Denver has put effort into is the Mayor's Office of Employment and Training, diversion payments, teen pregnancy reduction, improving access to health care and health insurance. Senator Linkhart asked about the amount in Denver's reserves and whether the county was making efforts to spend this amount.