A state study released today estimated that Colorado has 16,203 homeless residents on any given day.

The study brought thousands of volunteers together to interview people in homeless shelters, campgrounds, motels and transitional housing around the state on August 28, 2006. It was the first statewide count of Colorado's homeless in 17 years.

Among the findings:

• Children and teens comprise one-third of Colorado's homeless.
  
  
• More than six in ten homeless persons are part of a household with children.
  
  
• One-quarter of families without any type of shelter includes children.

The study found that the most common causes of homelessness are the high cost of housing, loss of a job, substance abuse, mental illness, and medical disability.

The study counted people living in shelters, transitional housing, staying with family or friends, or living outside.

The report was prepared by the Colorado Division of Housing with the collaboration of several other agencies and non-profit groups.