Jesse Parris, thirty-six, was homeless for nearly a decade before he moved into a one-bedroom apartment at Fusion Studios in Denver, Colorado. But since moving into the permanent supportive housing development in March 2020, Parris says he’s considered moving back onto the streets because of the living conditions.

First came the rats, which Parris said continue to invade his kitchen and contaminate his food today. Then came the bed bugs to rob him of his sleep. Parris added that there were a few times during the past couple of winters where the building lost heat. Hot water has been sporadic, and the building’s poor ventilation has caused infectious diseases to circulate among residents, he said.

Parris added that the building has also lost the sense of community it once fostered, when new residents arrived hopeful about starting their lives over at Fusion Studios. “It’s a glorified homeless encampment,” Parris said. “You get a roof over your head, but that’s about it.”