DENVER -- Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper has asked city councilmembers to approve $2.3 million in funding for the homeless.

Hickenlooper wants to build 500 apartments for the homeless and increase funding to its welfare programs.

District 2 councilwoman Jeanne Faatz said it doesn't make sense.

The city has laid off 176 employees, delayed contracted pay increases to various public safety departments, reduced library hours and is requiring city employees to take five furlough days.

"There are ways to help the homeless without going into the city's general fund," said Faatz.

Faatz said the city already has 1,500 apartments set aside for the homeless but she said they are funded through block grants and private donations. She said the city has never built housing for the homeless with money from the general fund.

She said she is also concerned about the message the mayor is sending when people are packing up their offices and public safety employees have agreed to hold off on raises.

"It is not the responsibility of the city to build homeless housing," said Faatz.

Councilman at-large Doug Linkhart said he supports the mayor's proposal. Linkhart said money invested in the homeless today will save the city money later.

"For every $12,000 we put into a homeless person to get them off the street, we save $40,000 on the back end. We save money in human services, emergency rooms, public safety expenditures. We can't stop investing in people," said Linkhart.

Councilmembers will vote on the budget Nov. 2. The city will hold a public hearing on the budget Oct. 26th.