Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on Tuesday appointed a new director for the city’s primary agency tackling the homelessness crisis.

Johnston appointed Jamie Rife, executive director of the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, to become the next director of the city’s Department of Housing Stability.

The department oversees the city’s affordable housing efforts, plus rental and homeowner assistance for Denver residents.

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The appointment is pending formal City Council approval.

“I want to thank the Mayor for entrusting me with this role and for his dedication and vision on the issues of homelessness and housing affordability,” Rife told The Denver Gazette on Tuesday.

“These are our community’s most pressing issues, and while they are not simple ones to solve, I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaboratively create solutions to these challenges,” she said.

At Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, Rife focused on strategies to reduce the number of veterans who are homeless.

“A city is defined by how it cares for its most vulnerable residents, and Dr. Jamie Rife has been a tireless advocate for those experiencing homelessness,” Mayor Johnston said in a statement. “She is a proven leader who has spearheaded significant collaboration and advocated for accountability and transparency across the city. I am confident she will continue to drive positive change for our community.”

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Johnston’s initial budget for next year earmarked $242 million for homelessness and housing initiatives. The city council added more than $17 million in rental assistance funding.

The mayor vowed to house 1,000 homeless people by year’s end.

“It’s really important to understand that homelessness is a really diverse spectrum of people,” Rife said in a previous interview. “There are a lot of people living in encampments that are working, they’re working full time, they’re employed, like probably all they really need is just a safe place to call home.”

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In 2018, Rife was a member of a collaborative that launched the statewide Homeless Management Information System.

Rife was also the state coordinator for a program on educating homeless children and youth at the Colorado Department of Education. She also oversaw the state’s response to homeless students.

“The most effective strategy is getting people into housing and then providing the support that’s needed for that person after they’ve stabilized,” Rife said previously.

Rife’s first day as agency director is Jan. 2.