$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE RECIPES FOR HAPPY GATHERINGS DENVER VOICE VENDORS, UNVEILING THE 2024 DENVER VOICE WRAPPING PAPER! 2024 Special Issue Check out this year’s 100% recyclable wrapping paper insert with designs inspired by Denver VOICE vendors. BOARD MEMBERS, AND STAFF SHARE FAVORITE RECIPES FOR ALL OCCASIONS. PAGE 4 LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD NONPROFIT CREATED BY SENATOR JAMES COLEMAN GIVES YOUNG ATHLETES A SECOND CHANCE. PAGE 8 HELP US IMPROVE THE DENVER VOICE ANNOUNCING OUR 2024 READERS’ SURVEY. PAGE 2 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 5, 6 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 11 RESOURCES PAGE 10 DECEMBER 2024 | Vol.29 Issue 12 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: ORIGINAL ART BY LANDO ALLEN

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK DEAR DENVER COMMUNITY, If there’s one word to describe 2024, it would be “impactful.” We overcame multiple leadership ROBERT DAVIS BOARD PRESIDENT changes, funding gaps, and internal consternation about the sustainability of our organization. Through it all, we learned a lot about the value of our work and the impact it has on the Coloradans we serve. As we look ahead to 2025, I can say with confidence that the Denver VOICE is not going away any time soon. So far, the Denver community helped us raise more than $100,000 to continue operating. That money is going to rebuild our award-winning paper by adding new contributors, hiring new vendors, and fostering new partnerships to tell the stories that other publications overlook. But we’re not stopping there. We also want to create more income-earning opportunities for our vendors. That’s why we are working to launch a merchandise line of t-shirts, prints, greeting cards, and other artworks created by our vendors. We are also creating new partnerships with service providers. This will help us position the Denver VOICE as a bridge for our vendors to find stability. As the calendar turns to 2025, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am also thankful for all the love and support of the Denver community that has gotten us this far. We couldn’t do this work without it. Happy holidays and Happy New Year! President, Denver VOICE Board of Directors THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTOR ADRIAN MICHAEL is a Denver-based photographer who specializes in editorial, portraiture, documentary, and street photography. He’s been creating images for over 15 years and has a passion for capturing the true essence of people`. DENVER VOICE SURVEY Please take 5 minutes to complete our Denver VOICE Reader Survey! Your input will help us rebuild the Denver VOICE vendor program and improve our street paper. To participate, scan the QR code below. DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Giles Clasen ART DIRECTOR Andrew Fraieli WRAPPING PAPER INSERT DESIGN Hannah Bragg PHOTOGRAPHERS/WRAPPING PAPER ARTISTS Lando Allen Rea Brown Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Adrian Michael Jerry Rosen Larmarques Smith Charles Spring WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. WRITERS/RECIPE PROVIDERS Lando Allen Albert Bland Rea Brown Giles Clasen Robert Davis Andrew Fraieli Raelene Johnson Mackenzie Langley Adrian Michael Jamie Miller Elisabeth Monaghan Charles Spring BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Antonio Diaz, Treasurer Michael Burkley Mackenzie Langley Eduardo Platon Charity Von Guinness Cabal Yarne @OCE With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2 DENVER VOICE December 2024 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US WINTER WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: • Socks • Toiletries (individual or travel-size) • Toothpaste, deodorant • Chapstick, sunscreen • Hand warmers HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: • Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) • Men’s jackets (sizes L, XL, XXL) • Women’s jackets (sizes M, L, XL) • Backpacks, carrier bags • USB-C charging cables 1 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductible. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 3 VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 5 SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! @DenverVOICE 4 December 2024 DENVER VOICE 3

HOLIDAY RECIPES Enjoy these recipes from Denver VOICE vendors, volunteers, contributors, and staff to celebrate the holidays with the people you love. CHOCOLATE PIE By Mackenzie Langley, Denver VOICE Board Member INGREDIENTS: ☐ 2 T cocoa ☐ ¾ c sugar ☐ 2 egg yolks (slightly beaten) ☐ 2 T margarine ☐ 4 T fl our ☐ 2 c milk ☐ 1 t vanilla STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 300 °F. 2. Sift together cocoa, fl our & sugar, add egg yolks. Put the mixture in a pan. Add milk, & stir the mixture over medium heat constantly until thickened. 3. Remove pan from the heat. Add margarine & vanilla & stir until smooth. 4. Pour into a 9-inch baked pastry shell. 5. Top with meringue & bake in the oven at 300°F until golden brown. POLISH HOLIDAY COOKIES By Robert Davis, Denver VOICE Board President INGREDIENTS: ☐ 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature ☐ 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature ☐ 2 c all-purpose fl our (plus a little more for rolling) ☐ Powdered sugar, for rolling & sprinkling ☐ 1 can Solo apricot pastry fi lling ☐ 1 can Solo cherry pastry fi lling ☐ 1 large egg, lightly beaten with a splash of water STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 350° 2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, combine the cream cheese & butter. Gradually add the fl our while continuing to beat until a soft, sticky dough forms. Bring the dough together into a ball in the bowl with clean hands, then cover with plastic wrap. Let chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours. LANDO’S HOLIDAY ROAST By Lando Allen, Denver VOICE vendor INGREDIENTS: ☐ 3 to 3 ½ lb boneless rump roast ☐ ¼ c virgin olive oil ☐ 1 T each of fresh herbs (minced garlic, thyme, rosemary) or your favorite rub for seasoning ☐ 4 t salt ☐ 1 t ground pepper STEPS: 1. Put your uncooked roast into the freezer overnight. 2. The next day, take the roast out of the freezer. 3. Preheat oven to 425°F. 4. Mix the herbs and olive oil in a small cup or bowl. 5. Place the roast in a roasting pan with a rack. 6. Rub the herb mix all over the meat. 7. Cover the roast, put it in the oven, and cook at 425°for 15 minutes. 8. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and cook the roast for 2 hours. 9. Remove the roast and let it sit 15-30 minutes before serving. 3. Divide the dough into quarters. Dust a clean work surface with fl our & powdered sugar & roll out the fi rst quarter until 1/8 inch thick. Using a 1½- to 2-inch square cutter, depending on how big you want them, cut out little squares. Take any scraps & roll them out again to make as many squares as possible. Arrange the squares on a rimmed baking sheet. 4. Scoop ½ teaspoon of the apricot fi lling into the center of the fi rst square. Bring two of the opposite corners together & pinch to seal. It will look like a tiny tube. Repeat until all of the squares are fi lled & formed. Repeat the process with the next quarter of the dough, but use the cherry fi lling for the second batch. Brush the squares with the egg wash to help seal. 5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown. 6. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar. Let cool completely. Repeat process with the last half of the dough, making one tray of apricot & one tray of cherry. CURRY CHICKPEAS AND SWEET POTATOES By Giles Clasen, Denver VOICE Development Manager When My partner and I were traveling, we found a small vendor serving bowls of curried chickpeas with cabbage. I have been trying to recreate the dish ever since. This is my best effort. The crisp cabbage adds an excellent texture to the soft chickpeas and sweet potatoes. We usually double the recipe and eat the leftovers for a week. The dish holds up very well in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, or want to simplify the recipe for a lighter meal, you can leave out mushrooms and sweet potatoes and still have an excellent dish. INGREDIENTS: ☐ 2 T extra virgin olive oil ☐ 1 medium white onion, diced ☐ 3 cloves garlic, minced ☐ 1-2 bird’s eye chilis, or 2-3 jalapeno peppers, or crushed red pepper fl akes (add sparingly to achieve your desired heat level) ☐ 4 oz Panang or Red Curry Paste ☐ 1½ t cumin ☐ 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes ☐ 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk ☐ 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed ☐ 1 large sweet potato cubed ☐ 1 lemon, juiced ☐ ½ T brown sugar, or ½ teaspoon stevia ☐ 8 oz sliced white mushrooms ☐ Salt to taste ☐ 1-2 t curry powder (optional) ☐ Chopped fresh red cabbage (optional, but highly recommended) ☐ Lime wedges (optional) ☐ 1 c basmati or other long-grain rice STEPS: 1. In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion & garlic. After fi ve minutes add sweet potatoes & cook for 10 additional minutes. 2. Add the curry paste & cumin & stir until toasted, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes & lemon juice & gently scrape onions from bottom. 3. At the same time boil chickpeas in separate pot for 8-10 minutes to achieve a soft texture. When chickpeas reach your desired texture, drain the water & add chickpeas to Dutch oven. 4. Add coconut milk & brown sugar. Stir & reduce to low heat. Let simmer until the sauce is thick & creamy, between 1015 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, peppers & curry powder to taste. You can create a strong or mild curry to meet your taste. 5. Garnish with cabbage & lime wedges over rice. 4 DENVER VOICE December 2024 ROASTED CHICKPEAS By Elisabeth Monaghan, Denver VOICE Managing Editor SWEDISH MEAT LOAF SUPPER By Raelene Johnson, Denver VOICE Vendor INGREDIENTS: While gathering the recipes submitted for this issue, I noticed a couple of them have chickpeas/garbanzo beans among the ingredients – which inspired me to share this recipe for roasted chickpeas. They’re great on salads, as a garnish for soup, and as a healthy snack. INGREDIENTS: ☐ 1 15 oz. can of chickpeas (preferably no salt) ☐ ¼ c extra virgin olive oil ☐ ¼ t Sea salt ☐ ¼ t spices of your choice (If you prefer spicy, use a pinch of chili powder. For sweet chickpeas, use ¼ t sugar & ¼ t cinnamon) STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Rinse the chickpeas & lay them out on a sheet pan. Pat dry. 3. Mix the olive oil, salt, and spices in a small bowl. 4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chickpeas. 5. Once the chickpeas are coated, spoon them onto a baking sheet & spread evenly. 6. Bake for 30 minutes or until crunchy. 7. Remove the roasted chickpeas & let them cool. INGREDIENTS: Meat Loaf ☐ I can (4 oz) mushroom (pieces & stems) drained & fi nely chopped ☐ ½ c onion, fi nely chopped ☐ ¼ c fresh parsley, snipped ☐ 1 c fresh rye or white bread crumbs (about 2 slices bread) ☐ 2/3 c milk ☐ 1 egg ☐ ¼ t salt, ¼ t black ground pepper, ¼ t ground nutmeg or allspice ☐ 1 lb lean (90%) ground beef ☐ 1 lb lean ground pork Noodles & Cream Gravy ☐ 1 package (12 oz) uncooked egg noodles ☐ 1 jar (12 oz) mushroom or beef gravy ☐ 2 T milk ☐ ¼ c sour cream ☐ ½ T Earth Balance vegan “butter” ☐ 1 T lemon juice ☐ 1 t vanilla extract ☐ ½ c unsweetened vegan coconut yogurt (SO Delicious is a good brand for this) ☐ ½ c creamy peanut butter ☐ ¼ t baking powder ☐ ½ t sea salt ☐ ¼ c cane sugar ☐ 1 ½ T - 2 ½ T all-purpose fl our ☐ ½ t baking soda ☐ ½ c vegan chocolate chips STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Mix the fi rst group of ingredients in a mixing bowl, then add the second group. Mix thoroughly. 3. Place the mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool. 4. After 10 minutes, roll the cookies out. 5. Using a scoop spoon or your hands, place the dough at least two inches apart on a baking tray. 6. Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes or until desired doneness. SWEET POTATO PIE, A NUTRITIOUS HOLIDAY DESSERT By Albert Bland, Denver VOICE Vendor INGREDIENTS: ☐ 3 raw sweet potatoes ☐ 1 graham cracker pie crust ☐ ½ stick butter ☐ 1 egg ☐ 1 t cinnamon ☐ 1 t nutmeg ☐ ¾ c dark brown sugar ☐ ¾ c 2% milk STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F – 400°F degrees. 2. Peel the hull of sweet potatoes & chop them into half or quarter-sized pieces. 3. Place in a midsize pot. Fill the pot 2/3 full with water. 4. Place the pot on the stovetop & bring the water to a boil. 5. Once the potatoes are soft, strain the water from the pot. 6. Add the butter until it’s melted, then stir the potatoes & butter until it becomes until it is a smooth consistency. 7. Remove from heat. 8. Add the egg, nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar & milk. 9. Stir until the mixture is fl uffy. 10. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. 11. Bake the pie in the oven for an hour or until the top of the pie is slightly crisp. 12. Let cool. STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. For the meatloaf, fi nely chop mushroom & onion 3. Transfer to 2-quart mixing bowl 4. Add parsley, bread crumbs, milk, egg & seasoning to mixing bowl. Mix well 5. Crumble ground beef & pork into mixing bowl & mix lightly but thoroughly 6. Place into a loaf-shaped pan 7. Bake 1 hr & 15 min – to 1 hr & 20 min, until meat is no longer pink. (Use meat thermometer to make sure the loaf has reached 160°F.) 8. Remove the meatloaf & let it stand for 10 min 9. Meanwhile, boil the noodles until done then drain them. Whisk in sour cream & remove from heat. Cut meat loaf crosswise in half & serve with the noodles. 7. Let cool. 8. Make sure no one saw you make these, fake sleep, and then, when they’re not watching, eat the cookies. PZZZZZZ COOKIES By Rea Brown, Denver VOICE Vendor THIBODEAUX’S BLUEBERRY CRUNCH By Charles Spring, Denver VOICE Vendor INGREDIENTS: ☐ 2 ½ c fresh blueberries ☐ 1 ½ c sugar ☐ ½ c black walnuts ☐ 2 eggs ☐ 1 c fl our ☐ ½ c melted margarine STEPS: 1. Preheat oven to 125°F. 2. Spread the berries evenly in 10-inch pie plate/pan. 3. Sprinkle ½ cup of sugar, along with the black walnuts, over the berries. 4. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar with the eggs, fl our, & melted margarine. 5. Blend well and pour over berries & nuts. 6. Bake for 45 minutes at 325°F. 7. Let cool for 2 minutes & serve warm with ice cream of your choice. (Best with vanilla ice cream.) December 2024 DENVER VOICE 5

DANISH BROWN COOKIES By Andrew Fraieli, Denver VOICE Art Director HEARTY CHICKPEA STEW Jamie Miller, Denver VOICE Contributor This recipe, called Brunekage in Danish, is from my Danish partner’s grandmother. A classic for Christmas in Denmark, the cookies come out just almost crunchy, but keeping a hint of softness with more Christmas spices throughout than our normal U.S. holiday cookie fare. Together, the recipe makes two rolls of dough which is enough for about 50 cookies, though they are thin and easy to dash right through. INGREDIENTS: ☐ 125 g Brown Syrup (Harder to fi nd in the U.S., it is called Mørk Sirup in Danish and is cane sugar syrup mixed with beetroot sugar syrup.) ☐ 250 g butter ☐ 250 g sugar ☐ 62 g blanched almonds, fi nely chopped ☐ 17 g candied citron (Easy to fi nd at Safeway closer to Christmas, this looks like small pieces of green gummy candy.) ☐ 3.5 g clove powder ☐ 17 g candied orange peel (Similar to the candied citron, except orange.) ☐ 10 g cinnamon ☐ 8 g baking soda ☐ 375 g fl our STEPS: 1. Combine the syrup, butter, and sugar in a medium-sized pot and melt over burner until it reaches boiling. 2. Once boiling, remove from burner and let cool until next day inside the pot. 3. Preheat oven to 320°F. 4. Blanch the almonds by quickly dunking them in boiling water and then squeezing them, slipping off the almond’s outer skin. Chop fi ne, and stir into the butter/sugar/syrup pot. 5. Finely dice the candied citron and orange peel and stir into the pot. 6. Dissolve the baking soda in a few tablespoons of boiling water and stir in. 7. Finally, mix in the fl our. 8. We are aiming to make the dough into about 2 inch thick rolls, the number of which will depend on the size of the freezer ziploc bags, or others larger similar bags, we use to shape them. Pour about 2.5 inches of dough into the bag, and roll the bag of dough into a sausage shape sizing up to about 2 inches thick. Do this until the dough is out, about 2 bags, take out the air and seal them, then put them in the fridge. 9. Take a stick of butter and grease a bare cookie sheet. 10. Once the dough has fi rmed up from the cold, take out the dough sausage and cut thin, 1/8 inch thick slices and lay them out on the pan. If it becomes diffi cult to cut, place the sausage back in the bag and in the fridge to cool down and fi rm up again. 11. The cookies only bake for about 6-7 minutes, but they must be watched. They will rise slowly, and eventually fall down again. Once they have fallen completely, remove them from the oven. 12. Let cool on the sheet for a minute, then transfer to cooling rack. This stew is great for days after especially since the fl avors all marinate with time! INGREDIENTS: ☐ ¼ c olive oil, plus more for serving ☐ 4 garlic cloves, chopped ☐ 1 large yellow onion, chopped ☐ 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, fi nely chopped ☐ Kosher salt& black pepper ☐ Garlic salt ☐ Cinnamon ☐ 1 ½ t ground turmeric, plus more for serving ☐ 1 t red pepper fl akes, plus more for serving ☐ 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed ☐ 2 (15 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk ☐ 2 sweet potatoes ☐ 1 c vegetable or chicken stock ☐ 1 bunch Swiss chard, kale, or collard greens, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces ☐ 1 c mint leaves, for serving ☐ Plain yogurt for serving (optional) ☐ Toasted pita, lavash, or other fl atbread, for serving (optional) STEPS: 1. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large pot over medium. Add garlic, onion & ginger. Season with salt & pepper,& cook, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent& starts to brown a little at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes. 2. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric, 1 teaspoon red-pepper fl akes, & the chickpeas, & season with salt & pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, so the chickpeas sizzle& fry a bit in the spices& oil, until they’ve started to break down& get a little browned& crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove about a cup of chickpeas & set aside for garnish. 3. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, further crush the remaining chickpeas slightly to release their starchy insides. (This will help thicken the stew.) Add coconut milk & stock, & season with salt & pepper. 4. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits that have formed on the bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until stew has thickened, 30 to 35 minutes. (Taste a chickpea or two, not just the liquid, to make sure they have simmered long enough to be as delicious as possible.) If after 30 to 35 minutes, you want the stew a bit thicker, keep simmering until you’ve reached your desired consistency. Determining perfect stew thickness is a personal journey! 5. Divide among bowls & top with mint, reserved chickpeas, a sprinkle of red pepper fl akes & a good drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside yogurt & toasted pita if using; dust the yogurt with turmeric if you’d like. 6. As stew thickens, preheat oven to 400°F. Cut 1 sweet potato. Season with cinnamon, salt, garlic salt & pepper to your liking. Once oven is preheated, cook sweet potatoes for 35 minutes or until soft. 7. Add sweet potatoes & greens & stir, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cook until they wilt& soften, 3 to 7 minutes, depending on what you’re using. (Swiss chard & spinach will wilt & soften much faster than kale or collard greens.) Season again with salt and pepper. 6 DENVER VOICE December 2024 WRAPPING PAPER 2024 Special Issue This ninth-annual wrapping paper insert is perfect for wrapping your holiday gifts or using for a special DIY holiday decoration. It features art inspired by the original designs of our vendors. CHARLES SPRING JASON MARTIN & JERRY ROSEN LANDO ALLEN LARMARQUES SMITH RAELENE JOHNSON REA BROWN December 2024 DENVER VOICE 7

COMMUNITY PROFILE SENATOR JAMES COLEMAN (D) POSES FOR A GROUP PHOTO WITH TRACK COACHES AND YOUTH ATHLETES OF HIS CHANCE SPORTS ORGANIZATION. | CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL CHANCE SPORTS LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD BY ADRIAN MICHAEL ON A THURSDAY EVENING IN NOVEMBER, at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College in Denver, Colorado, State Senator James Coleman (D) watches his daughter and other teen athletes race against each other during track practice. Coleman stands along the race sidelines wearing a lapel pin on his suit that says Chance Sports while his daughter wears a shirt with the same message. Chance Sports was launched with the vision of creating opportunities for all children to be able to play competitive sports by providing scholarships to those in financial need. “We provide scholarships to kids who are 350% or below the federal poverty line. Our scholarship range is on a tiered system from $500 to $5,000 a year per athlete, and we have just over almost 500 athletes on scholarship,” said Coleman. In 2022, Coleman and former Colorado Representative Colin Larson (R) founded Chance Sports after Coleman learned teammates on his son’s basketball team were quitting the team due to not being able to afford sports fees and other costs. Recognizing a problem, Coleman sought solutions and reached out to the Daniels Fund, an organization that provides funding for sports programs. “I was told to go bigger than just funding my son’s sports team; [that I] should create an organization to help more kids out,” Coleman said. “We partnered with the Daniels Fund, which provided our organization with $500,000. Additionally, the sale of the Broncos team provided funding for local Denver Metro Municipalities to fund sports. We were blessed to get $200,000 from the City of Denver in 2022, $500,000 from the City of Aurora in 2023, and funding from corporate partners and individual donors. “When we talk about sports, we always say kids deserve a chance, and it was simple. We want to help level the playing fields for as many kids to have a chance to be able to compete, and so that’s how we came up with the name,” said Coleman. “The beautiful thing about Chance Sports is we are strictly funders,” said Coleman. “We partner with our clubs, but we directly scholarship athletes. We give funding to the athlete. The way it works is we raise money, and if an athlete qualifies for a scholarship, we give them a digital card that allows them to be able to use it at pre-approved vendors (such as Dick’s Sporting Goods). We cover travel costs, including gas, flights, and hotels as well as club dues and fees, and the beauty of this is it makes our program highly scalable, and we can get dollars out quickly to families on a digital card, and it gives families dignity,” he added. Service has been part of Coleman’s entire life. He grew up attending church and doing nonprofit service-oriented work. “That’s part of why I ran for office. What I love about this TWO FEMALE ATHLETES RUNNING DURING TRACK PRACTICE. | CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL 8 DENVER VOICE December 2024 COMMUNITY PROFILE NATIONAL STORY COMMUNITY PROFILE Coleman knows the benefits of playing sports besides just the physical aspect. There is peer-to-peer relationship building, mentorship with coaches, and mental health aspects. “A lot of our kids are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Kids are committing suicide. I don’t want to be negative, but that’s just a reality,” said Coleman. “Sports have so many benefits; the biggest is safety. I always say, ‘When I know where a kid is, I know where a kid is not.’ When I see these kids out here, I know they’re not doing something else they should not be doing. These are tangible benefits that you may not learn unless you’re playing a sport.” According to the United Nations, Transforming our TWO ATHLETES NEAR THE FINISH LINE DURING TRACK PRACTICE. | CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL is it’s an immediate impact. The work I do in public office is very important. I get to see this and help implement something with my own hands, and that’s also another reason why I love doing this,” said Coleman. Being the second youngest legislator in the Senate and having been in office for eight years — four years in the House, four years in the Senate — Coleman is often asked, “How can you do the legislative work and do this, too?” Coleman’s answer: “I have no choice. I have an obligation to pay it forward and pay it back to the people who raised us, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to support our community. T]he vision of Chance Sports is to help one kid at a time and be able to have an opportunity that [kids] otherwise wouldn’t have,” said Coleman. “We know [our program is] working by seeing high school students who received our scholarships continue their athletic careers in college. We started in 2022; we gave our first scholarships in February 2023, and in that short amount of time, we’re already seeing it work. I think that helps meet the vision of these kids to go on to the next level.” According to data from the Healthy Sports Index, high school athletes are more likely to graduate from a four-year college (73% girls, 59% boys) compared to non-athletes (67% girls, 53% boys). A higher percentage of high school athletes also receive A/A- grades than non-athletes. World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sports often provide safe environments at the grassroots and community levels, where participants are brought together in pursuit of common goals and interests; learn values of respect, tolerance, and fair play; and develop social competencies. Coleman said that Chance Sports has seen a lot of engagement from the community, and many people have reached out and provided the organization with support from individuals, donors, and former athletes. But according to Coleman, the biggest benefit is from within — being able to give back and seeing opportunities for his kids. “My son has a team to play on; my daughter has a family outside of her [own] family that she gets to come and compete with. The more kids we have to be able to play, the more that benefits us.” The long-term goal for Chance Sports is growth. “We’re going global,” Coleman said jokingly. “We have an opportunity to potentially scale to Eastern Michigan next year and potentially scale to Ohio and Tennessee. We have so many opportunities to help more and more kids. I want to make sure that we can sustain and make sure the program is consistent. If you’re a family in need of a scholarship, if you’re a club that wants to partner with us and help more kids play your sport in your club, if you’re a funder or a donor that wants to invest and help more kids afford to play, or if you just want to learn more information to get involved and be an advocate, check us out at Chancesports.org.” Need to get rid of your car, truck, or motorcycle? Consider donating it to Denver VOICE. Call (855) 500-7433, or go to: careasy.org/nonprofi t/denver-voice. Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. DONATE YOUR CAR! VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are looking for volunteers to help us at community events, or to assist with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at our offi ce (989 Santa Fe. Dr.). If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at program@denvervoice.org. YOUNG CHILDREN ATHLETES TAKE OFF FROM THE STARTING LINE DURING TRACK PRACTICE. | CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL December 2024 DENVER VOICE 9

RESOURCE LIST MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY LIFT: 5045 W. 1st Ave., Denver; https://rentassistance. org DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER: 777 Bannock St.; https://www. denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL: Features information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community; http://www.detoxlocal.com DRUG REHAB USA: Addiction hotline - 888-479-0446; Organizations that take Medicaid: http://www.drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/ medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 112 E. 8th Ave.; 303-572-7800; HIV/ Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on proper disposal of dirty syringes; M-F – 9am-12pm: http://www.harmreductionactioncenter.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER: 3800 York St.; Emergency walk-ins - 303296-1767; Dental – 303-296-4873; M-F - 8am-2pm LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION: 1325 S. Colorado Blvd.; Suite B302; Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered; 800-522-4372, 800-359-9272; info@hepcconnection.org; https://www.viventhealth.org NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE: 800-342-AIDS/800-344-7432 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Text or call 988; https:// www.988lifeline.org NATIONAL RUNAWAY SAFELINE: 800-RUNAWAY/800-786-2929; https:// www.1800runaway.org RAPE ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK: 800-656-HOPE; https:// www.rainn.org SALUD CLINIC: 6255 Quebec Pkwy, Commerce City; 303-697-2583, 970-484-0999; https://www.saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC: 2130 Stout St.; 303-293-2220; Clinic hours for new and established patients - M, T, Th, F - 7am-4pm, W - 9am-6pm; https://www.coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB GUIDE: HELPLINE – 888-493-4670; https:// www.detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ U.S. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233 (English and Spanish); 800-243-7889 (TDD); https://www.thehotline.org EMERGENCY SHELTER INDIVIDUALS IN NEED OF SHELTER ARE ENCOURAGED TO GO TO “FRONT DOOR” SHELTER ACCESS POINTS: • For individual men – Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center, 2222 Lawrence St. • For individual women – Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St. • For youth ages 15-20 – Urban Peak, 1630 S. Acoma St. • Families in need of shelter should call the Connection Center at 303-295-3366. ADDITIONALLY, DENVER PARKS AND RECREATION WILL OPEN ALL CURRENTLY OPERATING RECREATION CENTERS AS DAYTIME WARMING CENTERS DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ON FRIDAY, NOV. 8 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 9, FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED A PLACE TO WARM UP. Denver Public Library locations are also available during regular business hours. Double-check library hours: denverlibrary.org/ locations. For more information about shelter access, visit denvergov.org/ findshelter or text INDOORS to 67283 for updates. DROP-IN DAYTIME CENTERS HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch, etc; https://www.thoh. org FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST THE GATHERING PLACE: 1535 High St.; 303-321-4198; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm; Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals; Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, etc; https://www.tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am12pm; 303-572-7800; Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes; https://www. harmreductionactioncenter.org LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-2940157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services https://www.homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-communitycenter OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center; bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI https://www.odmdenver.org T. FRANCIS CENTER: 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hoursMon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm https:// www.sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 60+. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. https://www. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES): 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. https://www.soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 2100 Stout St. 303-2910442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. YOUTH AGED 15-20 IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE OVERNIGHT SHELTER SERVICES: 303-974-2928 https://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-andservices/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 https://www. urbanpeak.org FREE MEALS CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am; https://www.capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: https://www.mealsforpoor.org CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am; https://www.denvercathedral. org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES: 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm; https:// www.christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY: Home-cooked meal, weekly; Lunch in the Park is on Wednesdays from 12-1 at Benedict Fountain Park (Tremont and 22nd); https://www.christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm; https://www.citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church); Hot meals served M, T, Th., F - 11:4512:15; https://www.mealsforpoor.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION: 1130 Park Avenue West; 303-294-0157; 3 meals 7 days/week, 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm; https://www. denverrescuemission.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends; Breakfast is at 8am, lunch is served at 11am; https:// www.havenofhope.org HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE: 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm; https://www.krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 910 Kalamath St.; Community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, Men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the month, 8-10am, Women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am; https://www.hislovefellowship. org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Sandwiches, M-Sat., 10-10:30am; https://www.holyghostchurch.org OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; 303-830-2201; Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm); meal served at 6pm; https://www.odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S: Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria Campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; Food, coffee; https://www.stelizabethdenver. org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month); https://www.sfcdenver.org SAME CAFÉ: 2023 E. Colfax Ave; 720-530-6853;Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen; Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays; https://www.soallmayeat.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA: 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs.; https://www. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission LGBTQ+ SUPPORT THE TREVOR PROJECT: 866-488-7386: https://www.thetrevorproject.org LGBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 800-246-7743: https://www. lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline PRIDE INSTITUTE: 800-547-7433 TRUE COLORS UNITED: 212-461-4401, https://www.truecolorsunited. org VETERANS & SENIORS DENVER INNER CITY PARISH: 1212 Mariposa St.; 303-322-5733; VOA Dining Center for Seniors, aged 60 and older, W-Sat. 9am-12pm; Food Bank, W-F; Tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm; dicp. org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave.; For those aged 60 or older; TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, 3 meals, M-F -7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm; https://www. seniorsupportservices.org VA MEDICAL CENTER: 1700 N Wheeling St.; Aurora 303-399-8020: https://www.va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5 VETERANS GUIDE: https://www.veteransguide.org; Veterans Disability Calculator https://www.veteransguide.org/va-disability-calculator YOUTH SERVICES SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES): 2017 Larimer St.; 303-296-3412Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30; Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. T-F - 12-4pm & Sat. 11am-2pm. Instagram: @Soxplace THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 2100 Stout St. 303-2910442; Youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, 303-974-2928; Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am https:// www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES): 833-931-2484; Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions; https://www. sunshinebehavioralhealth.com URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 730 21st St., Denver; 303-974-2900; Ages14-24; Serving Denver & Colo Springs; Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skill/straining, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing; https://www. urbanpeak.org 10 DENVER VOICE December 2024 EVENTS THE MILE HIGH TREE The Mile High Tree is back! Join in the free festivities at this festive holiday attraction, the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. WHEN: Nov. 22–Dec. 31, 2024 COST: Free WHERE: Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave. INFO: denver.org/milehighholidays/tree 2024 ANNUAL LIGHT THE LIGHTS The annual Light the Lights celebration kicked off a daily, 8-minute holiday light and music show schedule at Denver’s City and County Building. The City and County Building will showcase a festive, static light display before, between, and after the two nightly shows until 10:45 p.m. WHEN: Nov. 27, 2024–Jan. 26, 2025; 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. each night. COST: Free WHERE: City & County of Denver Building INFO: denver.org/event/light-the-lights/121146 MISTLETOE MARKET New to the holiday season, Dairy Block will host its first-ever Mistletoe Market in the [heated] Alley! Mistletoe Market will feature a wide variety of local CO vendors (12 new vendors each weekend!), live carolers & holiday music, festive cocktails, photo ops, and a screen-printing station for the first 50 attendees. The four-weekend event is free to attend and held in the Dairy Block Alley. WHEN: Nov. 30 &Dec. 1; Dec. 7 & 8; Dec. 14 & 15; Dec. 21 & 22, 2024 COST: Free WHERE: Dairy Block Alley, 1800 Wazee Street INFO: dairyblock.com/events/dairy-block-mistletoe-market SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the season! Bring the whole family for a night of music, dancing, and entertainment - all under the glow of one million dazzling lights. Visitors can prepare to dance on a light-up dance floor to a live DJ’s set, stroll through a tunnel of lights, and pose for a free photo booth keepsake — creating new memories for the whole family. The festivities will be scattered throughout the district, creating fun and excitement on every corner as you wander! WHEN: December 7, 14, & 21: 5 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Throughout Cherry Creek North (Keep an eye out for Santa & Mrs. Clause as they stroll about Fillmore Street, between 2nd & 3rd Ave) INFO: shopcherrycreek.com/events WE WILL REMEMBER: ANNUAL HOMELESS PERSONS’ VIGIL This is annual vigil honors those who have died in the previous year. For many, this will be the only service to mark their death. WHEN: December 21, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: In front of Denver City & County Building, 1437 Bannock Street. INFO: coloradocoalition.org/vigil December 2024 DENVER VOICE 11 PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS M I C R O Y O C T O O M G F O S C A L E Y H E C T A J E T Y T E G D E K A I T T C H P G F A F I N P Z D A T I G E I Z A N E G V S A U O R P Z C Q Y C D M A O C Q Y T M C E T E S T A T L E A E E N U D T O E H O R O D T E M N V L Q A Z E G R D G T S R G U T T C I N T O D I E S U B D I V I S I O N O I Z P R E F I X X P E T A L L P E T H W E O Y O L B A I L A P D E T B O X N M E R K I W D I U N I T S A A M E M M C B C C E X P O N E N T I A L A P B O Atto Centi Decadic Deci Deka Exa Exponential Factor Femto Giga Hecto Kilo Mega Metric Micro Milli Multiple Nano Peta Pico Prefix Scale Size Standardized Subdivision Ten Tera Unit Yocto Yotta Zepto Zetta 9 7 2 7 4 8 6 8 6 7 8 3 4 9 7 1 4 5 3 6 3 9 1 6 7 8 7 9 7 2 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

WHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 people experiencing housing or financial instability. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS Denver VOICE Vendors on the Importance of Community Engagement PAGES 6-11 Denver VOICE VENDOR UPDATE Page 3 IN-WORK HOMELESSNESS IN HAMBURG, GERMANY ADRIAN HAS A FULL-TIME JOB BUT STILL CAN’T FIND A PLACE TO SLEEP. PAGE 5 FROM DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE TO COMPTON, CA MEGAPHONE VENDOR SEES SIMILARITIES BETWEEN TWO FAVORITE CITIES. PAGE 12 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 4, 6-11 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 NOVEMBER 2024 | Vol.29 Issue 11 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: COVER ART BY DANIEL CHAVEZ XXXXXX

EDITOR'S NOTE WHEN DENVER VOICE VENDORS showed up at our office to buy papers on September 20, they found out what the three staff members discovered the night before: We had no money, and therefore, we were shutting down operations. For the first hour or so, it felt ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR like our family that had loved and supported each other through the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and myriad changes in leadership was falling apart. Suddenly, the street paper that for 30 years has been a source of income for thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness was no longer. And then, as we prepared to send vendors off with extra pairs of Bombas socks, hand warmers, toiletries, and anything else we could give them before we closed the office doors for good, a few of the vendors started brainstorming ideas to keep us open. By the end of the weekend, what felt like our last goodbye softened to “Farewell for now.” Inspired by our vendors’ resolve, longtime Denver VOICE volunteer and contributing journalist Giles Clasen began making calls to existing and prospective donors. Within a week, he raised enough funds to pay staff any money they were owed and publish the October issue. While we’re only open on Wednesdays — at least for now — the reason our vendors had an October issue, and the reason they will have this issue is because of you, our generous supporters. As you will see from the stories several vendors share in these pages, vending the paper gives them more than an income. It provides them with a sense of community. Thank you for making that possible! ■ MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan ANNUAL WRAPPING PAPER ISSUE VOICE vendors have been busy coming up with wrapping paper designs for our December issue. Keep your eye out next month for the 2024 creations, and use them to wrap your holiday gifts! WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITOR Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Chavez Giles Clasen Charles Spring WRITERS Lando Allen Rea Brown David Gordon Raelene Johnson Jerry Rosen Charles Spring Charley “Hus” Williams Rodney Woolfolk BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Antonio Diaz, Treasurer Michael Burkley Mackenzie Langley Eduardo Platon Charity Von Guinness Cabal Yarne DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @OCE EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. 2 DENVER VOICE November 2024 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US 2024 ART BY VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON T BY VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNS N NE JOHNSON 2024 ART BY VOICE VENDOR LANDO ALLEN T BY VOICE VENDOR LANDO ALLEN T DO ALLE ALLE 2024 ART BY VOICE VENDOR LAMARQUES SMITH AR VENDOR SPOTLIGHT CHARLES HAS A HOME! BY CHARLES SPRING, DENVER VOICE VENDOR Editor’s note: In March, Charles Spring signed on as a Denver VOICE vendor. Since then, he has shared his story about how he came to Denver for a fresh start last December, thought he had a place to live, and wound up homeless with no job or income. Within a few months, Spring has been one of the top 10 vendors consistently. He has also written poems and drawn illustrations for several issues of Denver VOICE. In mid-October, Spring received keys to his new apartment. Here is his account of how that happened: I HAVE JUST MOVED to the Volunteers Of America Sunset Park Apartments, located at 1865 Larimer St. in downtown Denver. While I was still staying at the Denver Rescue Mission’s 48th Ave. Shelter, my caseworker Julia gave me a list of low-income housing units in the area. So, all I really had to do was fill out an application and submit my documents to get on the waitlist. Nine months later, they contacted me to say my application was approved, told me the amount I would be paying, and gave me my movein date. With the assistance of my caseworker Tyler at the Salvation Army Crossroads Shelter, I received my security deposit and first two months’ rent, furniture, and $200.00 in gift cards to Target for anything else I might need as an incentive for getting a place and moving on from being homeless. The CHARLES SPRING TAKES A SELFIE HOLDING THE KEYS TO HIS APARTMENT. CREDIT: CHARLES SPRING PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES SPRING apartments are mostly for retired or disabled people but is a great place! The Sunset Park Apartments property includes a chapel, a cafeteria — where they provide free lunches on weekdays — and a community room with a pool table and TV. On Friday nights, the Volunteers of America apartment building also has live music in the cafeteria. My apartment is conveniently located just three blocks from Coors Field and four blocks from Union Station, I’m close to pretty much everything. I love it! ■ Congratulations, Denver VOICE Vendor Charles Spring, on your new apartment! HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. 1 4 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductible. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 3 VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 5 SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. November 2024 DENVER VOICE 3

AUTUMN WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant Chapstick, sunscreen Hand warmers GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s jackets (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s jackets (sizes M, L, XL) Backpacks, carrier bags USB-C charging cables Ball caps, hats VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! A ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM FELLOW VENDORS, OUR READERS, AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S QUESTION WAS SUGGESTED BY DENVER VOICE VENDOR CHARLEY “HUS” WILLIAMS. Q How does being grateful affect your health, or does it? LANDO ALLEN I am grateful for how doctors have saved my life for the second time in two years. I grew up Jehovah’s Witness, so we avoided hospitals. I believe good doctors make a difference in our health, so if I’m grateful, it means I know they can help, and I won’t avoid them. RAELENE JOHNSON When I am thankful for something, it keeps me happy because when you’re upbeat and grateful for everything you have, you feel good. I give my heavenly father praise every day for what He does in my life. I am very grateful. JERRY ROSEN Being grateful affects my health in many ways. First of all, it gives me motivation and confidence to do many things that I could not do. I’m grateful to God for many things. My health is getting better. I’m also very grateful because recently, after I lost a friend’s contact information, she called me. I’m also grateful for Rachel, a volunteer for the Denver VOICE. When I was at the office, the zipper on my backpack broke, so she gave me hers to replace it. CHARLES SPRING Being thankful for a lot of things has affected my health in a great way; I have more energy and the will to go out and do more to explore more! It has also affected my mental health by making me happier and more confident about myself. I am thankful for a bunch of things, but mostly for the Denver Rescue Mission and Salvation Army, where I stayed, for their help in getting me off the street. I’m thankful for the caseworkers there who have given me the tools and encouragement to help myself. And last, but not least, I’m thankful for my new apartment at Volunteers of America Sunset Apartments. All of the blessings that I’ve been thankful for have helped me be stronger and know that I’m stronger than I originally thought! @DenverVOICE CHARLEY “HUS” WILLIAMS Yes. Being grateful affects your health. Gratitude is a powerful emotion, and emotion and logic are what drive our mental state of mind. I think more positive logic and emotions put us in a more positive mindset, which means we have good mental health because of that. 4 DENVER VOICE November 2024 INTERNATIONAL STORY COURTESY OF HINZ&KUNZT / INSP.NGO IN-WORK HOMELESSNESS IN HAMBURG, GERMANY BY ULRICH JONAS NOISE. DEAFENING AND UBIQUITOUS. From the left and right, the motors of the countless passing cars drone on from behind the wheels of the inter-city express on a nearby railway bridge. “That is my accommodation,” says Adrian*, 64, pointing to a hand-made shelter consisting of wooden planks and a tarpaulin. It is concealed by the green of the trees and bushes on a traffic island near Hamburg’s main train station. A booking website would advertise it as a “central location”: when Adrian steps out of the shelter, he can even see the town hall in the distance. He can barely sleep because of the noise around him – but he urgently needs sleep. He works full-time: the early shift, the late shift, and sometimes even the night shift in a factory located in the east of Hamburg. This Wednesday in August marks four weeks since Adrian has been unsuccessfully trying to get some rest in the shelter. Until the end of July, he had a room in some accommodation that the city opened during the previous year solely for people like him, who migrated from abroad – in his case Romania: the Guest House for Immigrants Looking for Work. The social authority said at the opening that it should also help people who are “in need of housing through no fault of their own”. Adrian was permitted to live in this accommodation for three months. He explains that, under the city’s rules, this is the longest amount of time that people are allowed to stay in order to find permanent accommodation with the support of the project. Then, according to Adrian, you are asked to “hand the keys over” – and then sent out onto the streets. When asked, the social authority contests this. According to a representative, Adrian indicated that “he was moving in with his cousin,” which Adrian expressly refutes. Adrian found shelter after leaving the accommodation: A Romanian couple that he knows from work left him the shed on the traffic island – they didn’t need it anymore as they wanted to return home. Since March, he has been working in the factory. He works shifts to ensure that the halls are clean as an employee of a temporary employment agency. The job suits him – as the supervisor also comes from Romania like him, Adrian can communicate well despite speaking little German. On 23 August, Adrian received a notice: within the next 24 hours, he would have to vacate the premises. “Should you not comply with this instruction, enforcement measures will be introduced immediately following the deadline,” reads the letter from the Mitte district office, which is lying on the floor in front of the shelter. Adrian repudiated the highway code. A few days later, his accommodation was destroyed. Why does the local authority punish people experiencing homelessness, who are just looking for peace and quiet in a hidden shelter? A representative from the Mitte district office explains that his camp “permanently excluded the use of the public pathway for others” – a questionable allegation considering that the traffic island cannot be used by pedestrians on foot. Caseworkers tried repeatedly to offer Adrian help, they claim, “but we were never able to find him.” Pik As is the emergency accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in Hamburg. Adrian has repeatedly been turned away from there, he explains, due to the fact that he earns too much. He ought to contact the specialist department for housing emergencies, he has been told. It was only when his case worker, Irina Mortoiu, gave him a letter describing his emergency situation in drastic terms that Adrian got offered a place in a four-bedroom. He would happily pay for his own room, says the shift worker. But this is not an option when staying in Pik As, and Adrian cannot afford the €1,600 monthly cost of staying in a hotel. The municipal operators of Pik As, Fördern & Wohnen, claim that Adrian “was not sent away”. Rather, according to a representative, he had been “strongly recommended” to contact a specialist agency for housing emergencies. In our assessment, he is entitled to public accommodation. One morning in the middle of September, he exhausted, in the case worker’s office. He doesn’t get much sleep in Pik As either. He has just finished the night shift. “I come back from work around midnight and lie down, and my roommates wake me up at 6 am with their noise.” At the latest, he has to leave the accommodation, like all the others, by 9:30 am. Then he roams the streets or sits by the Hinz&Kunzt office until his shift begins. The prospect of the next night shift makes him anxious: “How am I supposed to do this? When am I supposed to sleep?” Mortoiu outlined Adrian’s circumstances to the responsible agency for housing emergencies in Eimsbüttel at the end of August and insisted on getting him prompt assistance. She has long since emailed the necessary documents to the office. But it takes time: on the 16 September deadline, an official told Mortoiu that an application form was missing. She promised Adrian on the phone that soon he would be able to stay at Pik As during the day. He could possibly move from there into residential accommodation soon. He has no family or friends here who can help him, he says. He doesn’t ask for much: just a roof over his head and to get enough rest. ■ *Name changed to protect identity. Translated from German via Translators Without Borders Courtesy of Hinz&Kunzt / INSP.ngo sits, November 2024 DENVER VOICE 5

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! VENDORS EXPLAIN WHY OUR VOICE MATTERS What IS the Denver VOICE? WHY does our little street paper matter? Who are those PEOPLE out there vending the paper? Because of the coverage we received from our media partners at KOA News Radio, 9News, Denver7, and Denverite, we’ve had the opportunity to answer these questions. For those who didn’t see any of the coverage, or don’t understand what we do, the simple answer is that we are a street paper. Those of us who write for the paper are journalists. The topics we cover include homelessness and poverty, but we are not a homeless paper. Instead, we cover issues relating to social justice and share the stories of marginalized communities or the individuals or organizations that serve them. Vendors purchase our paper for 50 cents, so any money they make over that 50 cents is theirs to keep. To explain in their words how they learned about the Denver VOICE, what the organization means to them, and why the organization must continue to thrive, we have published stories from a handful of our vendors. They would especially like to acknowledge their regular customers and thank everyone who has donated money or expressed their support in letters, social media posts, and phone messages. Here are the stories from Denver VOICE vendors, David Gordon, Jerry Rosen, Rodney Woolfolk, Raelene Johnson, Charles Spring, Charley “Hus” Williams, Lando Allen, and Rea Brown. 6 DENVER VOICE November 2024 SPECIAL FEATURE RAELENE JOHNSON RODNEY WOOLFOLK "THE PAPER REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE. IT HAS MADE ME BELIEVE IN MYSELF AND LET ME FIND MY OWN VOICE." I found out about the VOICE, on January 14, 2008. I was homeless, sleeping under a bridge in Boulder. I couldn’t believe that on my fi rst day, I was given a badge and 10 papers that I could vend and receive money for. The VOICE didn’t care about why I couldn’t get a 9-5 job. That day, I became my own boss. I could work when I wanted to and not work if I didn’t want to. The paper gave me a chance to work when no one else would hire me. That is what I’m most grateful for. I was able to go from under a bridge to renting a room out of someone’s home. After two years, I was able to move into my own place, get a car, and I was able to save money. I opened a bank account, got a credit card, and over time, I went from no credit to an excellent credit score, which I’ve kept for two years. I taught myself to read and write at age 28. Because I write for the Denver VOICE, I am also a published author. People tell me they cry and get a lot out of my words when they read my writing. I want to thank all of you, who have given to the paper during our diffi cult time. You’ll read in this issue what your generosity means to me and the rest of our vendors, who depend on the income we make from [vending] the paper to help us buy things we need or help us live better lives. I know we’re a small paper, now but believe we will get our vendors back, or we will get new vendors to help us grow. All of us vendors care about the VOICE. Some of us don’t know how we will make it if we don’t have the paper that changed our lives. The paper really changed my life. It has made me believe in myself and let me fi nd my own voice. By supporting the Denver VOICE, you have helped me, and you are helping to change more lives of people like me. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your support. I also want to wish everyone has a very blessed holiday season! "I SAID TO MYSELF, 'THIS IS IT, MAN. IF I DON'T DO THIS [PROGRAM], I'M EVENTUALLY GOING TO DIE OUT HERE ON THE STREETS.'" September 12 2007 that's the fi rst day I started vending the paper. I was working as a carpenter, and I got hit by a car, and they just kept going. I was on my bicycle that morning. I thought I could make it to work, but as the day went, my knee just started giving out on me. I went to the doctor who told me I had torn my ACL, which meant I had to wear a brace for eight months. So, my then-wife Monica came in and she says I got a fl ier for this paper called the Denver VOICE. I was telling her, “I am not about to go out and beg anybody for anything,” and she said, “Just come to one of the meetings.” That was when we had our meetings in an alley downtown, and it was only a handful of us and they were telling us, “Well this is what the paper does. You just have to go out there and get donations.” I was homeless for about 25 years. Here, San Francisco, Minnesota... I was constantly trying to look for something better, and I just did not give up. And when I got back to Denver, I could not take the shelters, the smell, the way the staff treats you, you know? And I was sleeping outside, even when it was cold, I was outside. And with that came the drinking and the drugs... all these things were a factor. And I fi nally got a case manager who said, "You're a perfect candidate for this program at Fort Lyons.” That’s in Los Animas, Colorado. I went there, and they said, "If you do six months in this program, you will obtain a lifetime housing voucher.” I said, to myself, "This is it, man. If I don't do this [program], I'm eventually going to die out here on the streets." I completed that program in 13 months and I received my lifetime housing voucher. After completing the program and with his housing voucher in hand, Woolfolk returned to the VOICE. Now, 26 years later, he continues to enjoy interacting with the community and the customers who seek him out to purchase the paper. November 2024 DENVER VOICE 7

SPECIAL FEATURE LANDO ALLEN "THE DENVER VOICE IS A SMALL FAMILY... EVERYBODY’S GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING, TRYING TO GET THEIR STUFF TOGETHER." I became homeless a long time ago. It was a time when I was losing everything. The little family I created went bye-bye. That left me in a real bad depression. You know, I had that for years, but that was it. It was 1998 I was like, kind of gave up on myself back then, just started drifting from there. You know, when you lose your family and all that, it makes you just kind of give up, you know, give up on things that you're trying to do. I found the Denver VOICE in 2009. I just came from Green Bay. I wanted to rent to own a place, and I started making phone calls to places that would let me do what I wanted to do. I asked a friend about y 'all, at the Denver VOICE. And I asked him, "Hey, can you make money?" My friend said, "Yeah.” I was all in, but I wanted to rent to own a house. And I was talking with them and they said, “You can't do the Denver VOICE to like get this place. You're gonna have to get [a job where your taxes are deducted]” and I was like, “All right.” Besides, I wasn't making that much at the Denver VOICE. But I went to a place and started [working for] a labor pool to get money to get this [house] that I wanted. Had it all set up. I could have like done it, but it’s like everything was slow. It was kind of like the Depression, back in those days. They fi red me for sleeping in my car. I wasn't even on the job. I lost the place because I couldn't fi nd a job to support myself to get this house. And it wasn't reasonable to try to rent to own a house. So then, I was like, well, Denver VOICE, I'm all in on you now. I'm going to do this. Early on at the Denver VOICE, it was tough. I was a new guy, you know, trying to sell newspapers. You had to fi nd a place where it could be yours, where you could make the money that you need. So, I did that somehow, some way. I did it, I came up with an area where I could vend and make some cash. When I fi rst started, I couldn't make anything. I barely could eat, but I stuck with it. I started walking around. I had a little bicycle so that got me around places and I've been to a lot of different areas trying to fi nd a place to work to get things going. Now, it's very easy I just found that place where I could go to sell newspapers, and that made it a lot easier for me to work. It's just sad that I lost that house that I was looking for at the same time. I wish I could have did the VOICE and other things, you know? Today, I live in a little RV that I was able to get with money from vending the VOICE. (Thank y'all!) It's just that the city's torturing people about parking. But I'm still trying. I'm trying to get on with my life and get things done. Having an RV is very important. I mean, I'm an artist, as you might know. I do music. I need I need a place where where nobody would bother me, or lift my clothes, or whatever they're trying to do at the shelter. They're actually trying to steal your stuff. So that little RV keeps me from going crazy, you know? The Denver VOICE is a small family. Everybody’s going through the same thing, trying to get their stuff together. I want everybody in this place to get even better than me. I’d like to see that happen for them. I mean, Denver VOICE could actually save people from jumping off a bridge or something because they’re going through a hard, hard life. Don’t put us in the same category as everybody else [experiencing homelessness]. We’re not all the same as everybody else. Some people are out there smoking dope and doing this and doing that. Some people are trying to make it. When I am selling the VOICE, I’m like, "Look, I'm not out there wasting your time. I'm actually trying to come up and make my life better. I appreciate y 'all helping me." 8 DENVER VOICE November 2024 SPECIAL SECTION CHARLEY "HUS" WILLIAMS "THIS [PROGRAM] HELPED GIVE ME SOME FOUNDATION, SOME DRIVE, SOME OPTIMISM... ALL OF THAT POSITIVE STUFF." I came to the VOICE because I met this older gentleman at King Soopers named Jerome. We ended up hitting it off and forging a friendship. I had an ankle monitor on and was isolated from my family, so Jerome said, “Come room with me.” He gave me a good price, and after I moved in, he was like, “Well, you know, there's this place called Denver VOICE. We sell newspapers, but it's more than that. We raise awareness about what's going on in the community. I'm like, "Oh, I'm from Denver. Born and raised. Ain't lived nowhere else. Ain't gonna live nowhere else." And so, with me being forced out of my home, I was on the street seeing all what's going on. I came down here [to the Denver VOICE offi ce] and was welcomed right away by Elisabeth and Connie and everybody. I was welcomed right away. No one was asking me about my background. I told them I was on the ankle monitor, but that didn't even faze them. They're like, “If you wanna come help, and we feel your vibe, we feel your energy, if you wanna come be a part of this team/family in a way, you're welcome.” And I’ve been here ever since. Before I found the VOICE, it was not only hard to fi nd a job; it was hard to fi nd an apartment. I come to the VOICE, and they hear me out, and they run it through their own logic. They could have said no very easily. I'm sure it helped that Jerome brought me in because he has been [at the VOICE] for a while. I'm sure him vouching for me helped, but he wouldn't have just vouched for me if he didn't feel some type of way. I appreciate that because that gave me motive because I was isolated. Vending the VOICE has given me the motive to raise awareness about what's going on with situations and solutions, what's going on in the community I’m from. And I get compensated for it, and also feel I was part of something because when you're alone even though you're around a lot of people it's very hard, staying motivated, staying positive, keeping optimism. It's very hard, and I lived it for a year. And so, this helped give me some foundation, some drive, some optimism… all of that positive stuff… that's what Denver VOICE gave me. The VOICE – this place needs to be here. This is basically a cornerstone in our community for local papers. You don’t have too many local papers around. [So many news outlets] want to be big, mainstream, national but this right here needs to be here, so I’d like to ask if y'all could, to please help us because this helps spread awareness and solutions, where people who are going through hard times get some money in their pocket. It also leads to other opportunities. [Denver VOICE Managing Editor] Elisabeth and I had been talking about me writing articles for the VOICE. I thought about journalism for years before I came here, and I was looking forward to that. A newspaper that talks about the issue of homelessness is important because I feel like the community gets caught up in their busy lives. A lot of times the community might see [signs of homelessness] but they just keep driving by. They don't know what’s going on. It’s important to interact with the community and let them know what people are facing, what people are going through, what resources are out here because everybody has somebody that’s going through something [The Denver VOICE] is very important because it spreads the word to the general public. If we come together, united as a people, whatever the problem we're trying to fi x, if we’re united as a people it’s more positive than just thinking, “Oh, I see it, but I don’t know what I can do.” Yeah, there IS something you can do. Support the Denver VOICE. November 2024 DENVER VOICE 9

SPECIAL FEATURE CHARLES SPRING JERRY ROSEN "THEY’VE GIVEN ME EVERY KIND OF ENCOURAGEMENT I NEEDED AND THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO WORK AND ENJOY WHAT I DO." I had issues with rage and I found out that I'm bipolar, so in December of last year, I moved to Denver to get a fresh start. I became homeless on the 6th of December. I was staying in a hotel, but my social security check had got messed up. It got lost, so I didn't get my money on time. I couldn't pay for the hotel, so I had to go to the shelter. I went to the Denver Rescue Mission on Lawrence Street and stayed there. Then I was placed at the 48th Avenue Shelter. They did like a job fair there, and the Denver VOICE had their people there. They told me about it, and I was like, well that's a job I can do. All the other jobs that I had I had got fi red from because I couldn't keep a job. I could get a job I'm a nice person. I'm very friendly or try to be, but I couldn't keep a job because I had rage issues, and my mental health would act up, and I would end up getting fi red. At the VOICE, I can make my own hours. If I start to feel like I have something wrong with me, I can walk away. I can just pick up my stuff, and walk away, and go home. That way, I'm not around people and can't hurt anybody, or try to hurt myself Vending the Denver VOICE has meant everything. It's the only job that I can actually do. And it's a job that I love. I've had jobs, they were just jobs. I was there just to work. And it felt like I had to do it, but I really didn't want to. I had to go in and just make the money 'cause that's something I had to do. This is a job where I actually want to come in and do the work. I wanna go out and sell these papers and meet the people every day. I'm becoming more social. Before, I was a shut-in. I had four years in Louisiana, where I just did not leave my house I did not talk to people. I would just watch movies or eat or do whatever I needed to do, but I didn’t leave the house. The Denver VOICE is a job, but it's more than a job. It's a job that people love. And [the community] supports us. The VOICE gives us clothes and shoes that are donated to them. "WORKING AT THE DENVER VOICE... HAS GIVEN ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO EARN MONEY AND IMPROVE MY LIFE." I'm partially homeless, but not totally homeless. I'm staying at Boulder Shelter, and I've stayed with some friends and at a few other places. I found out about the Denver VOICE from this person I met. It was 2008 when he told me about it. Working at the Denver VOICE means I have a job where the newspaper tells people about homelessness. I'm so glad. I like this job very much because I can work my own hours. And I think it's a wonderful job. It’s a fantastic job. I really enjoy working with people, and I really like the job very much. The Denver VOICE has impacted my life in so many different ways. It has given me an opportunity to earn some money and to do many different kinds of things in my life. Sometimes [when I vend the paper], I have some nice people that give me really good tips. And then, some people, they're very rude, but I separate the bad people from the good people. You have to look past them and look at the good people, so I just go on to the next person. They provide us with snacks and water every time we come in. The community, I think, needs to get more involved because this is a paper that's focused on the voice of the community. So, I think that would be my message to the community – to actually give more help to the Denver VOICE and to homeless people. The VOICE gives me emotional support. They've encouraged me with my writing, encouraged me to write my poetry, and just encouraged me to get out there and get social. They've given me every kind of encouragement that I needed, and they gave me this great opportunity to work and enjoy what I do. So, it means everything. 10 DENVER VOICE November 2024 SPECIAL SECTION DAVID GORDON REA BROWN "VENDING THE PAPER AND CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY MAKES ME FEEL AS IF I'M REALLY DOING SOMETHING GOOD FOR HUMANITY." "THIS IS NOT A SKIT. I WOULD BE REMISS TO FORGET TO SHOW MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE FOR SO GREAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT." To me, the Denver VOICE is everything. It has been there for me when I was at my lowest point. When I discovered the VOICE, it represented so many things that I wanted to talk about – like poverty and homelessness and giving people a way to get through the hard times – and the mission was right in line with those topics. You know, I'm trying to think positive about the VOICE’s future. It exists - not just for me. It’s for the community, and losing the VOICE means the community would be missing an entity that shares the experiences of homelessness through the journalism of the paper and actually does the mission of the VOICE, which is to facilitate a dialogue about homelessness, addressing the dynamics of it. For me, the VOICE is also about the connections that we make with the community [while] being homeless. It gives me a way to actually communicate with my neighbors. That community and that closeness mean a lot to me. I would like to maintain those relationships [I’ve developed] through the Denver VOICE. Vending the paper and connecting with the community makes me feel as if I'm really doing something good for humanity. And that's what it means to me. That's what I'm gonna really, really really miss. Most adequate citizens of the magnifi cent prominences to wit, such beauty could compel me to speak voluminously of my indebted foreverness a bit, which I could but faintly memorialize the list of the few worthies incredible enough to give fi rst monthly, then COVID, now closing bull. “THANK YOU” This is not a skit I would be remiss to forget to show my deepest gratitude of so great an accomplishment. Heaven sent though an agnostic helluva grateful though protestant or catholic wickedly appreciated to all the Christians, Jews, and Islamists – to the LGBTQ+ and any of the other alphabets from all over the world if you live or visit – Wolf, Cat, or Rat – I just ask that you forgive me for my leather fi t. “THANK YOU” But before I quit this tribute recognition that should be indelibly writ, let me facilitate the splendid regiment against poverty in brick, for being an oasis, a basis, and an apsis to Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis and obviously making me able to publish this. “THANK YOU” November 2024 DENVER VOICE 11

NATIONAL STORY PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAPHONE / INSP.NGO FROM THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE TO THE COMPTON, CALIFORNIA BY LOUISE BOILEVIN I VISITED COMPTON, CALIFORNIA in February and May of this year, and I plan on going back again. I’ve been a fan of gangster rap and American hood history since childhood, and I love traveling there. It’s eye-opening. It’s one of the parts of the about which people say, “Don’t travel to…” but when I’ve been there, the people in Compton are friendly. They even honk their horns, wave, and say “Hi” to me as I am walking around. I just use the same street smarts that I use here in my own ‘hood, the Downtown Eastside. People in Compton like positive tourists and love that I show support by buying merchandise at their local shop, the Made in Compton Store, which makes the best hoodies and Compton gear. I use the Los Angeles metro train to visit Compton. I enjoyed walking on the main Compton Boulevard and in the Willowbrook area. I admired the original houses and took in the sights. It was great to be around the areas that hold a lot of ’hood history. Since the pandemic and gentrification, plus other political and economic issues, a lot of small businesses are having a hard time and need support — like what I am giving. Instead of going to a big chain store, I buy local, and I love sharing my own personal ‘hood stories from home with the Compton folks who I’ve met on my trips. ■ Courtesy of Megaphone / INSP.ngo PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAPHONE / INSP.NGO 12 DENVER VOICE November 2024 EVENTS FANDEMONIUM A look into how 12 Access Gallery artists celebrate fandom. Explore how these fan artists interpret and reimagine iconic scenes, personalities, and narratives through their unique lenses. WHEN: Weds-Sat. Oct 4 – Nov 23 (times vary, so visit their website or call for specifics) COST: Free WHERE: 909 Santa Fe Drive INFO: accessgallery.org, (303) 777-0797 ARAPAHOE PHILHARMONIC/SYMPHONY OF THE ROCKIES PRESENTS AGREE TO DISAGREE Dive into a melodious adventure with Mozart and Snooty, the Professor of Musical Snobbery. Watch as they clash in a playful showdown, each championing their beloved musical styles. Through lively debates and the sharing of their favorite compositions, they'll explore the richness of diverse musical preferences. WHEN: Nov 8, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. COST: $5 - $16.88 WHERE: Legacy Campus Theater, 10035 S. Peoria St. Parker, CO 80134 INFO: arapahoephilharmonic.simpletix.com DINOVEMBER FAMILY CELEBRATION Get ready to roar with excitement this November and dig into a prehistoric adventure as our Community Room becomes a dinosaur haven for an exciting family program focused on all things dino! There will be a Dino Discovery Station, Fossil Crafting Corner, Dino Trivia Challenge, and an appearance by a very special guest. Great for the whole family, no registration required. WHEN: Nov 10, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Sam Gary Branch Library, 2961 Roslyn St. 80238; Community Room INFO: (720) 865-0325 FIREFLY MARKET Light up your holidays at one of our most festive markets of the year as Colorado’s premier handmade artisan market, dressed and trimmed to create a beautiful holiday shopping experience! WHEN: Nov. 16-17 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 1004 S. Gaylord St. INFO: fireflyhandmade.com/denver-holiday-market BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in even the most seasoned visitors. WHEN: Nov. 20 – Jan. 12, 4:30-9 p.m. COST: $22 - $31 (Tickets not available at the door) WHERE: Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street INFO: botanicgardens.org 11TH ANNUAL TENNYSON ST. SMALL BUSINESS PASSPORT CRAWL The Tennyson Berkeley Small Business Passport Crawl is back! Grab your passport and visit participating shops and restaurants to receive special deals and discounts. WHEN: Nov. 30 – Dec 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.. COST: Free WHERE: Jolly Goods - Host, 4020 Tennyson St. INFO: shopjollygoodsdenver.com November 2024 DENVER VOICE 13 ACROSS 1. Growth on [-first letter] bread 5. Thin French pancake 10. With "[-first letter]", cheap shot 14. It's often given in square units 15. Betray, as to the feds 16. "Umbrella" singer's repetitive nickname 17. Deliver a tirade 18. Organic compounds 19. Short appraisal? 20. The human body has a small one and a large one 22. Nearly plotz with pride 23. "Four score and seven years ___..." 24. Royal house that fought for control of the English throne during the Wars of the Roses (anagram of ANCESTRAL) 26. Levies on liquor, cigarettes, etc. 27. ___ Dhabi 30. Paying attention 33. Letters above 0 on an old telephone 34. Juice drinks 35. Who may grant [-first letter] to a friend (but probably not to a foe) 37. Barnyard companion of an [-first letter] 39. One-named New Age singer from Ireland 40. Some, in Spain 44. Old geezers 45. Put two and two together 46. Sample to examine in a lab 48. 1997 Don Bluth animated film starring Meg Ryan and John Cusack 50. Org. promoting vaccination 53. Senior member (anagram of NO DYE) 55. St. Patrick's day quaff 57. Present opener? 58. Actor Wilson of "The Office" whose first name sounds like precipitation 59. In ___ land (spacy) 60. Put one over on 61. Assign to, as blame 62. "Like, no way!" 63. Bird that's prey (as opposed to a bird of prey like an [-first letter]) 64. Entrap 65. What a vegetarian doesn't [-first letter] DOWN 1. Soprano Callas who sang many an [-first letter] 2. Big ape 3. Slowly, on a score 4. Palm fruit 5. King Minos, for one 6. Happened upon 7. British schoolboy's hat 8. Long medieval weapon 9. Dinner centerpiece? 10. Italian for "short", conterintuitively used to refer to a note lasting twice as long as a whole note 11. Shock jock format 12. Type of surgeon who can remove wisdom teeth 13. With "[-first letter]", malice 21. More cunning 22. Gold units: Abbr. 25. Balkan native 26. Mex. miss 28. Like arms when akimbo 29. Exploits 30. Not docked 31. Make (one's way) 32. "I'm still waiting..." 34. Shakespeare's stream 36. Informal agreements 38. Where the buoys are 41. Profit 42. Egg-shaped wind instrument also called a sweet potato 43. Argentine agreement 46. Honorific that comes before a name in Spanish (or one that comes after a name in Japanese) 47. Mine: Fr. 49. "Jurassic Park" star Sam 50. ___ and desist 51. Novelist Ephron (sister of Nora) 52. Seafaring vessel, of which a [-first letter] is a primitive example 53. Take [-first letter], as a hat 54. Melville novel 56. "Pow!" 58. Fast-spinning meas. COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

COMMUNITY PROFILE DONATE YOUR CAR! Need to get rid of your car, truck, or motorcycle? Consider donating it to Denver VOICE. Call (855) 500-7433, or go to: careasy.org/nonprofi t/denver-voice. Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are looking for volunteers to help us at community events, or to assist with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at our offi ce (989 Santa Fe. Dr.). If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at program@denvervoice.org. 14 DENVER VOICE November 2024 HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, VETERAN SUPPORT COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ALANON FAMILY GROUPS: al-anon.org; Find a meeting: al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: aa.org; Colorado Service Centers; daccaa.org/central-office/other-central-offices DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER: 777 Bannock St.; denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL: Features information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community; detoxlocal.com DRUG REHAB USA: Addiction hotline 888-479-0446; Organizations that take Medicaid: drugrehabus.org/rehabs/ treatment/medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 112 E. 8th Ave.; 303-572-7800; HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on proper disposal of dirty syringes; M-F 9am-12pm: harmreductionactioncenter.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER: 3800 York St.; Emergency walk-ins 303-296-1767; Dental 303-296-4873; M-F 8am-2pm LIVE ANOTHER DAY: 877-596-6866; Equal access to life-saving mental health and substance abuse resources; 24/7 helpline: liveanotherday.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION: 1325 S. Colorado Blvd.; Suite B302; Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered; 800-522-4372, 800-359-9272; info@hepc-connection.org; viventhealth.org NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE: 800-342-AIDS/800-344-7432 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Text or call 988; 988lifeline.org NATIONAL RUNAWAY SAFELINE: 800-RUNAWAY/800-786-2929; 1800runaway.org RAPE ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK: 800-656-HOPE; rainn.org SALUD CLINIC: 6255 Quebec Pkwy, Commerce City; 303-697-2583, 970-484-0999; saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC: 2130 Stout St.; 303-293-2220; Clinic Hours: 7am-4pm M/T/Th/F; 9am-6pm Wed; coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB GUIDE: Helpline 888-493-4670; detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ URBAN PEAKS REHAB: 490 Lafayette St., #104; 303-599-5131; Medication management and therapy center specializing in opiate addiction; M, T, Th – 9am-12pm, 1 pm-4pm, W – 9am-12pm, 1 pm-7pm; urbanpeaksrehab.com U.S. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233 (English and Spanish); 800-243-7889 (TDD); thehotline.org CAREER SERVICES BAYAUD ENTERPRISES CW-STEP: (Colorado Works - Subsidized training and employment program); 333 W. Bayaud Ave.; 303-830-6885; Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm; Provides re-entry to the workforce for individuals with TANF eligibility; info@bayaudenterprises.org COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER: Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway; 720-865-1706; M & T - 10am-8pm; Wed., Th &F - 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, WIFI, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments; denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER: Denver Dept of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd.; M-F 7:30am-4:30pm; Employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé prep, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc.; careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center WORKNOW: 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org LGBTQ+ SUPPORT THE TREVOR PROJECT: 866-488-7386: thetrevorproject.org LGBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 800-246-7743: lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline PRIDE INSTITUTE: 800-547-7433 TRUE COLORS UNITE: 212-461-4401 truecolorsunited.org VETERANS & SENIORS DENVER INNER CITY PARISH: 1212 Mariposa St.; 303-322-5733; VOA Dining Center for Seniors, aged 60 and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm; Food Bank, Wed.-Fri.; Tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm; dicp.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave.; For those aged 60 or older; TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, 3 meals, M-F -7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm; seniorsupportservices.org VA MEDICAL CENTER: 1700 N Wheeling St.: Aurora 303-399-8020: va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5 VETERANS GUIDE: Veterans Disability Calculator veteransguide.org/va-disability-calculator YOUTH SERVICES SOX PLACE: 2017 Larimer St.; 303-296-3412 Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30; Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. T-F - 12-4pm & Sat. 11am-2pm. Instagram: @Soxplace THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK: 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442; Youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, 303-974-2928; Drop-in hours M-F 8-11am urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: 833-931-2484; Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions; sunshinebehavioralhealth.com TGTHR (FKA ATTENTION HOMES) Shelter: 3080 Broadway, Boulder; 303-447-1207, 303-447-1207; For ages 12-24; Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services; M-Sun, 12:30-5pm; tgthr.org November 2024 DENVER VOICE 15 URBAN PEAK: 730 21st St., Denver; 303-974-2900; Ages14-24; Serving Denver & Colo Springs; Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skill/straining, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing; urbanpeak.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777;; Helps with employment, IDs, birth certs, mail services and lockers; M-Th - 10am-2pm; citysquare.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F - 7am-1pm; Private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch, etc.; thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE: 1535 High St.; 303-321-4198; Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals; Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, etc.; M, W, Th, F - 8:30am-5pm, T - 8:30am-1:30pm; tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 231 E. Colfax; 303-572-7800; Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harmreduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes; M-F - 9am-12pm; harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Help with lost IDs and birth certificates; holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM: 1555 Race St.; 303-832-3354; For men and women with HIV; M-F 8am-4pm LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; Day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services; homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, wifi; M-F 7a-5:30p; odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St; 303-297-1576; 6am-6pm daily; Storage for one bag (when space is available); Satellite Clinic hours- M, T, Th. F - 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm; sfcdenver.org FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am; capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: mealsforpoor.org CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee M-F. 8:30am; denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES: 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm; christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY: Home-cooked meal, weekly; Lunch in the Park is on Wednesdays from 12-1 at Benedict Fountain Park (Tremont and 22nd); christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm; citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church); Hot meals served M, T, Th., F - 11:45-12:15; mealsforpoor.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION: 1130 Park Avenue West; 303-294-0157; 3 meals 7 days/week, 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm; denverrescuemission.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F only: 7am-1pm. 8am breakfast, 11am lunch; havenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY: Food service on second and fourth Thursdays; feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS: Sun. 4 p.m.; 22nd St. Stout St (near Mercury Café); Instagram: @denverfoodnotbombs HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE: 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm; krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 910 Kalamath St.; Community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, Men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the month, 8-10am, Women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am; hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Sandwiches, M-Sat., 10-10:30am; holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH: 29th and Milwaukee St.; Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm; jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; 303-830-2201; Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm); meal served at 6pm; odmdenver.org/home ST. CLARE’S MINISTRY AT ST. PETER AND ST. MARY: 126 W. 2nd Ave.; 303-722-8781 Dinner at 4pm on Tues; Also offers a change of clothes, toiletries and sleeping bags when available; stpeterandmary.org ST. ELIZABETH’S: Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. (Auraria Campus), 11am 7 days/week; food/coffee; stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month); sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN: 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm; Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon.; saintpauldenver.com SAME CAFÉ: 2023 E. Colfax Ave; 720-530-6853;Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen; Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays; soallmayeat.org URBAN OUTREACH DENVER: 608 26th St., Thurs dinners, 6pm-7pm; lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA: 2877 Lawrence St.; breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun.; food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs.; voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetrofoodnutrition-themission DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

WHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 people experiencing housing or financial instability. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE BRIDGING THE LITERACY GAPP READING PARTNERS WORKS TO ENSURE LITERACY FOR K-4 STUDENTS IN DPS. PAGE 6 A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT BOARD PRESIDENT ROBERT DAVIS' UPDATE ON THE DENVER VOICE PAGE 3 ASK A VENDOR VOICE VENDORS SHARE HALLOWEEN MEMORIES PAGE 4 NETWORK COFFEE HOUSE A PLACE WHERE HUMANITY IS RESTORED PAGE 5 THINK ABOUT THIS VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON SHARES LESSONS ON COMPASSION PAGE 12 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 5, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 OCTOBER 2024 | Vol.29 Issue 10 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: PHOTO: COURTESY OF READING PARTNERS COLORADO.

EDITOR'S NOTE ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR INSP GLOBAL SUMMIT ATTENDEES. CREDIT: JASON LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE RESOURCES we have as a member of the International Network of Street Papers is the cumulative experience and knowledge of the different organizations and vendors who make up the street paper movement. The sizes of our papers and the frequency at which we publish them may vary. We may be spread out around the world and speak different languages, but we are united in our mission to alleviate financial and housing instability by providing lowbarrier income opportunities. The Denver VOICE is one of about 100 street papers that belongs to the International Network of Street Papers. Every other year, INSP holds its Global Street Paper Summit. In September, I attended the 2024 event in Liverpool, England, thanks to the generosity of INSP donors, who awarded me a scholarship. The opportunity to share best practices or troubleshoot ideas with other street papers has saved me from wasting time on lessons they’ve already learned. We are not the only street paper to struggle with finances. We're also not alone in facing the challenge of bringing in more individuals who could benefit from our programs. Every one of us working for street papers also shares in the responsibility of doing more to help the growing population of unhoused individuals, while addressing the needs of individuals who have been forced to leave their homes and relocate to places they are not welcome. Homelessness and the issues resulting in homelessness remain an international crisis. The need for more services and affordable housing continues to grow — not just for the unhoused in our community but also for migrants across the globe who are trying to create a better life for their families and themselves. There is no shortage of challenges we face as street papers, but by talking through our concerns, or sharing our successes, we have a road map to avoid common mistakes while increasing our chances for positive outcomes. ■ THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTOR JAMIE MILLER graduated from the University of Georgia with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and business management. She enjoys exploring the Colorado mountains, reading a good book at a local coffee shop, and doing yoga. ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Rea Brown Giles Clasen Charles Spring WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. WRITERS Lando Allen Rea Brown Connie Gaitan Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Jamie Miller Jerry Rosen Larmarques Smith Charles Spring @OCE MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM DIRECTOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Lanie Lee Cook Aaron Sullivan BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Antonio Diaz, Treasurer Michael Burkley Jeff Cuneo Johnna Flood Eduardo Platon Charity Von Guinness Cabal Yarne 2 DENVER VOICE October 2024 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US UPDATE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK BY ROBERT DAVIS DEAR DENVER COMMUNITY, This has been one of the most difficult years in our 27-year history. We’ve faced funding shortages, leadership instability, declining paper sales, and so much more. These challenges have taken ROBERT DAVIS BOARD PRESIDENT a toll on me personally. At times, it has felt like I am watching my childhood home burn down. My loving partner Victoria and I moved to Denver in 2015, and Denver VOICE was the first outlet to publish my work. Since then, I have been lucky enough to have my writing featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Capital & Main, and The Colorado Sun, among so many others. None of that would have happened without the Denver VOICE. I cried big tears when I had to tell our vendors that we did not have money to print our next edition or to pay our staff for their hard work. I thought about Raelene Johnson and how she relies on us to make money to put gas in her car so she can visit her doctor, following the breast cancer that kept her from vending during the first six months of 2024. I thought about Rea Brown, who found the courage to come out of his shell through our art program. I thought about Lando Allen, who uses the money he makes from vending papers to keep in contact with his ill grandmother. There are so many more stories like this that I could tell. I know how much this organization means to everyone we serve, and it has been very painful to say that we failed. But the last week of September showed us that there is still hope. In a matter of 72 hours, we raised more than $8,000 toward our goal of $30,000. These donations came from nearly 100 individuals in Denver and across the country, who have seen the impact of the VOICE firsthand. Words alone cannot describe how grateful we are for this support, and I acknowledge that we must show the community how much this support means to us through our actions. Denver VOICE exists to give voice to the voiceless. We can never forget that. I want to close with a promise. I promise that the Denver VOICE will not only survive this storm, but we will be stronger because of it. Failure is not an option. There are too many people who depend on our small and mighty team, and we cannot continue to let them down. Thank you, Denver! We couldn’t do this without you. We love you all very much. In solidarity, Robert Davis President, Denver VOICE Board of Directors ■ WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO THIS. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. 1 4 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductible. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 3 VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 5 SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. October 2024 DENVER VOICE 3

ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM FELLOW VENDORS, OUR READERS, AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S QUESTION WAS SUGGESTED BY DENVER VOICE VENDOR REA BROWN. Q In celebration of Halloween happening in October, what is one of your spookiest or favorite memories? REA BROWN A My age I don't know... I had to be 4 or so… My size a troll’s troll. My eyes made out of coal. My heart was still made of gold, even though we all were po**( Which was poor, now that I’m old and have been more educated on how to pronounce “R” and “O.”) Wasn’t smart, wasn't slow though slightly below. Just an average african american nemo with a nappy fro. The time was around the time parents told their kids to go. After the struggle with readiness, so many times every answer was no. So we pretended to go to bed, as we often did befo** Staying quiet moving in silence, like immigrants trying to escape patrol. “Go to bed!” she said before she cut the light off and shut the do** But we knew what she would do, just lay down and watch a show. Yet it was late we would escape, as long as we wait till her eyes were low. It was night, the moon shined mighty bright, which caused the room to glow. The breeze was but a slight like summers of long ago. To see if Mom was asleep, out of bed one went to peak without a squeak like a shadow. The T.V. drowned out our feet, moving lightly to and fro. Till the bright idea arose, we should play ring around the ro**. So we all joined hands to do the dance, before falling to the flo**. Ashes, ashes, we all fall down. When we hit the ground, the sheets rose and froze, with no toes or holes, yet a ghost pose like those with eerie clothes. But our reaction was slow, like we knew it was someone we know. “That’s Mike in the bed!" someone said. With hope to extinguish the dread, but instead he said “THAT’S NOT ME!” Which made us intensely count the heads. About 36 seconds passed before all the children fled LANDO ALLEN When I was three years old, I was home with my brothers, sister, and a babysitter, when two girls the baby sitter's age broke into our house. They were after my babysitter and were ready to hurt her. We were all scared. My brothers and sister went to hide, and I was on the couch watching them. I jumped on one of the girl’s backs. I was knocked out and wasn’t sure what happened to the girls after that. Years later, when I was older, I thought I saw one of those girls, but when I asked her about it, she didn’t answer. JASON MARTIN My favorite Halloween memory was when I was 18 or 19. I dressed up as Scream and went up a small tree in my neighborhood, where I waited for a friend to walk by with her kids. I jumped out of the tree and scared her and her kids to death almost. JERRY ROSEN When I was 18, I got a letter from the Draft Board, saying I had to report to the draft office. My father gave them a letter saying I was handicapped and going to special education. I also flunked the physical. I was classified as 4-F which means unfit for military service, so I was not accepted for the draft. I was really grateful. LARMARQUES SMITH One Halloween, many moons ago, a group of friends and I got together, dressed up in our best Halloween gear, and decided to go trick or treating … but not for candy. Instead, we collected canned goods for those less fortunate. We called it “Trick-or-Treat, so others can eat.” We collected so many non-perishable items that it got to be difficult to haul our precious cargo from the houses. The recipients of the food were very gracious. Even though this isn’t a spooky story, it made for a great Halloween night! CHARLES SPRING I worked as a security guard in a hospital. One night, I was making my rounds in the morgue, when a person, who was thought to be DOA, woke up. It scared the crap out of me! CONNIE GAITAN I grew up listening to my mom & grandma telling all these scary stories that actually happened within our family. This one gave me a terrifying nightmare. My mom said that when she was pregnant with me at her baby shower, my great uncle Lalo invited this woman he was with to the party. My grandma didn't really know her that well but always felt an evil presence about her. After some time, my mom gave birth to me and had since forgotten about the encounter with this woman. My mom was home settling in, and one night, she had a dream about this woman following her through the park and trying to kidnap me. She was laughing at my mom, who was crying. When my mom woke up, she felt like something was sitting on her, pushing down on her chest, and when she got up to put the lights on, she saw the bed had a dent in it like someone was sitting next to her. My mom & grandma described her as a Bruja, and my grandma thought that she had put a spell on my mom to take me away from her. That has stuck with me throughout my childhood. I don’t know what she looked like. All I know is my memory that this lady wanted to take me from my mom. 4 DENVER VOICE October 2024 COMMUNITY PROFILE AUTUMN WISH LIST PHOTO: GILES CLASEN NETWORK COFFEE HOUSE: WHERE HUMANITY IS RESTORED BY CHARLES SPRING, DENVER VOICE VENDOR Network Coffee House was established in 1982, by John Hicks, whose mission was to be among people who are in poverty — the same way Jesus did. It was originally located at 608 E. 13th Avenue until it moved to 1402 N. Pearl Street, which is one block over and just a few blocks from the State Capitol building. This location was an abandoned house that they renovated into the glorious place it is today. Network Coffee House is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the church once known as Saint James Urban Church, now called Urban Mercy, and runs solely on donations. Some of the services they provide include private showers and bathrooms, personal hygiene items, info on other available resources, books to read while you sit at a table to eat and drink, a microwave, a phone charging station behind the bar, clean clothes and shoes, and most of all, a place where you are treated like an equal, or even, like family. As Network Coffee House Executive Director Ian Stitt said, “It is a place that gives you your dignity back, where you’re not treated like just a number.” The organization is run by a board of directors including Tom L., who is the former executive director of the Saint Francis Center, Marriana D., who is the board chairman, Mindy S., who is the treasurer, Allen, who has experienced homelessness and substance abuse, and Joe N. “We’re here to provide community to people, we’re here to build relationships," said Stitt. "We believe that communities formed beyond the defining factors is important. We’re not here to have those transactional relationships, we’re here to get to know people and see people!” As a fellow homeless person, I have been to a lot of PHOTO: GILES CLASEN WHEN I MADE MY FIRST VISIT to Network Coffee House, I was surprised by the warm welcome, friendly smiles, and cheerful greetings I received from the staff and the customers. Network Coffee House is a special and somewhat less recognized but equally, if not greater, source of resources for the homeless and less fortunate populations. When I saw that some of the décor was religious and included images of Jesus, I knew this was a loving and peaceful place. All are welcome at this small and quaint place with a homey feeling and friendly vibe. They give their clients a more personal and heartfelt emotional touch. Whether you are homeless, less fortunate, or just a lonely traveler passing through, Network Coffee House is a welcoming community where you can sit at a table and socialize with peers while you enjoy your coffee, water, cool-aid, tea, or other beverages, snacks, or fruit, and sometimes, meals. PHOTO: CHARLES SPRING establishments for help. Some of those are places where I felt wary about or even scared to enter. Don’t get me wrong, though. All of the places have been very helpful and given me great leads for resources, but Network Coffee House is the one place I’m happy and enthusiastic about visiting. And the coffee is really great, too. Network Coffee House is a place where humanity is restored to the homeless! ■ GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s jackets (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s jackets (sizes M, L, XL) Backpacks, carrier bags USB-C charging cables Ball caps, hats VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant Chapstick, sunscreen Hand warmers @DenverVOICE October 2024 DENVER VOICE 5

COMMUNITY PROFILE BRIDGING THE LITERACY GAP BY JAMIE MILLER DENVER’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS celebrated an increase in elementary literacy this past year with a glass-half-full perspective; 61% of K-4 students tested were reported to be reading at grade level or above. This is a 3 percentage point increase from Spring 2023 and a 12 percentage point increase since fall of 2023, according to DPS. The flip-side of the statistic: 39% of students still tested below grade level. Melissa Monforti, executive director of the non-profit Reading Partners Colorado, is working towards a future where this percentage is zero. “Reading partners grounds itself in the concept that reading is a civil right. We exist to make sure that the basic skill of literacy is given to every child — absolutely every child needs and deserves that skill,” she said. “It's a disaster that we don't provide resources to achieve that skill to every single student.” Reading Partners is one of the organizations working to combat the gaps in resources by providing reading tutoring services to K-4 students, specifically targeting students who are six months or more behind grade level. The organization partners with 10 Title I schools — schools where 75% or more students are considered low-income. Title I schools receive government funding as either a Schoolwide Program (PW) or the Targeted Assistance Program (TA). This funding aims to “ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and close the achievement gap…especially the achievement gaps between minority and nonminority students, and between disadvantaged children and their more advantaged peers,” according to the Colorado Department of Education. Monforti explained that despite government funding, educational gaps remain, due to a deeper issue. “There's a lot of inequity in the world of education. It's systemic and it's never the fault of the students or their family situation," Monforti said. “It's because our system is set up to leave out resources for certain groups, and it has done so historically. That is where [Reading Partners] come in — we serve the underserved communities.” Some schools in Colorado struggle more than others to provide these resources. In fact, Rocky Mountain Prep made the decision to pivot 6th-grade science classes to reading intervention earlier this year due to the large number of students who were reading below grade level. Educational gaps were worsened by COVID-19, and new research from the Education Recovery Scorecard shows how certain groups of students were disproportionately affected. This research found that the average U.S. public school students in third through eighth grades lost the equivalent of a half of a year of learning math and a quarter of a year in reading during the pandemic, where test scores of Black and Hispanic students declined more than those of white students. The research continued to point out that test score improvements were larger for non-poor students than for poor students when educational recovery was broken down by economic status. PHOTO: COURTESY OF READING PARTNERS COLORADO 6 DENVER VOICE October 2024 COMMUNITY PROFILE COMMUNITY PROFILE DONATE YOUR CAR! Need to get rid of your car, truck, or motorcycle? Consider donating it to Denver VOICE. Call (855) 500-7433, or go to: careasy.org/nonprofi t/denver-voice. Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. PHOTO: COURTESY OF READING PARTNERS COLORADO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. VOLUNTEER WITH US! PHOTO: COURTESY OF READING PARTNERS COLORADO In addition to Reading Partners, there are other groups working towards improving literacy, like the Public School Task Force, which is proposing a new, yet somewhat controversial, funding structure to replace the 30-year framework. The proposed formula would distribute money to schools based on student characteristics, including whether students are learning English or come from lowincome backgrounds. In the meantime, those interested in making a positive impact on child literacy can get involved by volunteering with Reading Partners, which is recruiting for a year-long commitment with an assigned K-4 student. Volunteers are responsible for helping students reach their individual reading goals through the organization’s designed framework. For more information, visit https://readingpartners.org. If you are a parent struggling with literacy, visit Reading Partners or Denver Public Libraries to learn about resources that might be available to help. ■ We are looking for volunteers to help us at community events, or to assist with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at our offi ce (989 Santa Fe. Dr.). If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at program@denvervoice.org. October 2024 DENVER VOICE 7

IN YOUR OWN WORDS THINK ABOUT THIS BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR THINK ABOUT THIS: Times can be hard for all of us, but homeless people go through even harder times. During the holidays, it's even worse for them. Just imagine if everyone thought about just one person who is less fortunate, and how they could help by being kind to them. Those people would feel so good, and you would see how they would react to being the receiver of your gift of kindness. They may start to cry because no one else has taken the time to do anything like that. Think about how you would feel if, God forbid, you became homeless. You might feel lost and lose more and more hope, as each day feels long, and the nights feel even longer. Could you make it outdoors, with no one to care for you or even wonder if you are hungry or cold? Some people say homeless people should just get a job because then, they would be housed, Well, that sounds RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: KAREN BEEMAN good, but think about this: If you are homeless, you have no address. You probably don’t have a phone, and you can’t wear clean clothes or take a shower. If you had an ID, it may have been stolen or gotten lost. How do you think you could get a job? Think about that for a minute and put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel? Think about this: The holidays are almost upon us, and a lot of us will suffer because of loneliness. Some families will not have time for their loved ones who are struggling. It’s one reason why some of us want to give up during the holidays. Some will take their own lives because of the pain they are in. (How would you feel if you were one of them?) Why is it that most people today don't have time to be bothered worrying about other people and only care about themselves or their families? As we get closer to the holiday season, think about how your actions could make someone feel better. By taking a minute to say a kind word, you can really change a person’s outlook on life. Imagine if more people were kind to each other and let other people know they mattered. This world would be better. So, be thankful for what you have, As the holidays get closer, maybe you can see your way to help someone less fortunate. See what might come from helping a person in need. May you be blessed as you prepare for the holidays, and may you have a blessed holiday season. ■ BY REA BROWN, VOICE VENDOR 8 DENVER VOICE October 2024 EVENTS DENVER WALKING TOUR Learn more about the mile high city via this popular walking tour. Tours take about 2 – 2.5 hours. WHEN: Daily at 10 a.m. COST: Pay-what-you-wish tipping model WHERE: Front steps of Colorado State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave. INFO: denverfreewalkingtours.com INTRO TO IMPROV: DROP-IN CLASS Curious to see if improv comedy is right for you? This drop-in workshop will allow you to experience RISE Comedy’s improv classes in a supportive and fun environment! WHEN: Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 6 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. COST: $10 WHERE: RISE Comedy, 1260 22nd St. INFO: risecomedy.com PUMPKIN HARVEST FESTIVAL Celebrate the arrival of fall at this annual family-friendly event. Guests can enjoy live music, seasonal treats, tractor rides, pioneer games, crafts, demonstrations, and more. WHEN: Oct. 12 and Oct. 13, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. COST: $17 - $45; children 3 and under are free. WHERE: Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest Street INFO: fourmilepark.org GLOW AT THE GARDENS Enjoy larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures, spooky live entertainment, and hundreds of jack o’ lanterns carved from real, locally grown pumpkins. WHEN: Oct. 22 - 27, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. COST: $24 - $32, free admission for children 2 and younger WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street INFO: botanicgardens.org NERD NITE If you’re a fan of TED talks, the Discovery Channel, and/or Wikipedia binges, Nerd Nite is the show for you! Three experts will present on three different topics, while the audience drinks and thinks along. Be there and be square! WHEN: Oct 25, doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. COST: $10 in advance, $15 at the door WHERE: Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St. INFO: nerdnitedenver.com HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR It’s a spooktacular outing for all boys and ghouls! This family-favorite event features music from film, television, and more! Costumes are encouraged! WHEN: Oct 27, 2:30 p.m. COST: $10 - $27 WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall, 14th Ave. & Curtis St. INFO: coloradosymphony.org October 2024 DENVER VOICE 9 ACROSS Across 1. Kind of buddy 6. PC "brain" 9. Cummerbund 13. Honda line 14. Fifth-century warrior 15. Persian Gulf port 16. Hair holders 18. Manicurist's board 19. Sound of hesitation 20. Drunken revelry 22. Sowing machine? 24. Bartender's supply 25. Notes after dos 26. Henry VIII's house 27. Jazz style 30. State flower of Mississippi 33. Jot down in the margins 35. Landed (on) 36. In a fitting way 38. Diva's delivery 39. Bleep out 41. Paul Simon song with the lyric "And an island never cries" 43. Head lines, for short? 44. Copier company (anagram of CHOIR) 46. Actor Hanks 47. Pine (for) 48. "Fiddler on the Roof" setting 51. Second-to-last 55. Ode title starter 56. Yanks, Sox, and others 57. Root-bark flavoring 59. Ice hockey need 60. Amount past due? 61. Buoy, as spirits 62. Nile reptiles 63. Home of the NBA's Thunder 64. Diplomatic skills DOWN 1. Hindu gentlemen 2. Christmas carol starter 3. Immersing 4. Sphere 5. "It's possible" 6. Trendy 7. This clue has one, for example 8. Barefoot 9. Poison plant 10. Biblical shepherd 11. Wrapped garment 12. Informal greeting 15. "Meet the Parents" actor 17. Golf hole goal 21. It's assumed 23. Dings 26. Hint 27. Type of pressure 28. Suffix with neur- or narc29. Pinnacle 30. Nutmeg-based spice 31. On the safe side, at sea 32. Wrangler's rope (anagram of A TRAIL) 34. Divination deck 37. "Well, ___-di-dah!" 40. Threatening words 42. Essentially 45. "The Count of Monte ___" 47. Mongolian dwellings 48. Ave. crossers 49. Breakfast bread 50. Performs eye surgery, maybe 51. "No ___ nada" (Spanish for "Don't worry about it") 52. Fraternal fellows 53. Tide type 54. "Wait ___!" 58. JFK regulators COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $10,000+ Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Anonymous Individual Donor Matt and Nikki Seashore Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Cisco Francis Trainer and Trainer Family J. Albrecht Designs Master Goldsmith Mary Walker & Walker Family Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Laurie Duncan and Duncan-Mcwethy Foundation Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Alexander Seavall Frederic K Conover Trust The Christian Foundation Bank of America Charitable Foundation Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation $1,000-$4,999 Christopher Boulanger Joshua Kauer Katherine Standiford Jill Haug Whole Foods Foundation Michael Dino Alex Salva Signs By Tomorrow Rose Community Foundation Russell Peterson Donald Weaver Chris and Susan Pappas Julia and David Watson Gaspar Terrana SEI Giving Fund Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Megan Arellano Warren and Betty Kuehner Jeremy Anderson and Thomas Stalker Keyrenter Property Management Denver Mathew Rezek The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Maggie Holben Michael J. Fehn and Jan Monnier Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Lisa Wagner Elsbeth Williams KO Law Firm Graham Davis Peter Iannuzzi $500-$999 Margaret Ramp John Gibson Sheryl Parker Ruth Henderson James and Cyndi Lesslie Fire on the Mountain Craig Solomon Seth Beltzley Laura Saunders Robert E and Anne T Sneed Family Foundation Barbara and Robert Ells Carol and Louis Irwin Edwina Salazar James Stegman Jennifer Stedron Stephen Saul WalMart Nikki Lawson CEDS Finance Impact Assets Courage and Community Foundation Louis Irwin Mary Livernois Mr B's Liquor Wines For Humanity KL&A Engineers and Builders 10 DENVER VOICE October 2024 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, VETERAN SUPPORT COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ALANON FAMILY GROUPS: al-anon.org; Find a meeting: al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: aa.org; Colorado Service Centers; daccaa.org/central-office/other-central-offices DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER: 777 Bannock St.; denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL: Features information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community; detoxlocal.com DRUG REHAB USA: Addiction hotline 888-479-0446; Organizations that take Medicaid: drugrehabus.org/rehabs/ treatment/medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 112 E. 8th Ave.; 303-572-7800; HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on proper disposal of dirty syringes; M-F 9am-12pm: harmreductionactioncenter.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER: 3800 York St.; Emergency walk-ins 303-296-1767; Dental 303-296-4873; M-F 8am-2pm LIVE ANOTHER DAY: 877-596-6866; Equal access to life-saving mental health and substance abuse resources; 24/7 helpline: liveanotherday.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION: 1325 S. Colorado Blvd.; Suite B302; Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered; 800-522-4372, 800-359-9272; info@hepc-connection.org; viventhealth.org NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE: 800-342-AIDS/800-344-7432 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Text or call 988; 988lifeline.org NATIONAL RUNAWAY SAFELINE: 800-RUNAWAY/800-786-2929; 1800runaway.org RAPE ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK: 800-656-HOPE; rainn.org SALUD CLINIC: 6255 Quebec Pkwy, Commerce City; 303-697-2583, 970-484-0999; saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC: 2130 Stout St.; 303-293-2220; Clinic Hours: 7am-4pm M/T/Th/F; 9am-6pm Wed; coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB GUIDE: Helpline 888-493-4670; detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ URBAN PEAKS REHAB: 490 Lafayette St., #104; 303-599-5131; Medication management and therapy center specializing in opiate addiction; M, T, Th – 9am-12pm, 1 pm-4pm, W – 9am-12pm, 1 pm-7pm; urbanpeaksrehab.com U.S. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233 (English and Spanish); 800-243-7889 (TDD); thehotline.org CAREER SERVICES BAYAUD ENTERPRISES CW-STEP: (Colorado Works - Subsidized training and employment program); 333 W. Bayaud Ave.; 303-830-6885; Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm; Provides re-entry to the workforce for individuals with TANF eligibility; info@bayaudenterprises.org COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER: Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway; 720-865-1706; M & T - 10am-8pm; Wed., Th &F - 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, WIFI, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments; denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER: Denver Dept of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd.; M-F 7:30am-4:30pm; Employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé prep, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc.; careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center WORKNOW: 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org LGBTQ+ SUPPORT THE TREVOR PROJECT: 866-488-7386: thetrevorproject.org LGBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 800-246-7743: lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline PRIDE INSTITUTE: 800-547-7433 TRUE COLORS UNITE: 212-461-4401 truecolorsunited.org VETERANS & SENIORS DENVER INNER CITY PARISH: 1212 Mariposa St.; 303-322-5733; VOA Dining Center for Seniors, aged 60 and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm; Food Bank, Wed.-Fri.; Tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm; dicp.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave.; For those aged 60 or older; TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, 3 meals, M-F -7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm; seniorsupportservices.org VA MEDICAL CENTER: 1700 N Wheeling St.: Aurora 303-399-8020: va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5 VETERANS GUIDE: Veterans Disability Calculator veteransguide.org/va-disability-calculator YOUTH SERVICES SOX PLACE: 2017 Larimer St.; 303-296-3412 Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30; Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. T-F - 12-4pm & Sat. 11am-2pm. Instagram: @Soxplace THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK: 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442; Youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, 303-974-2928; Drop-in hours M-F 8-11am urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: 833-931-2484; Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions; sunshinebehavioralhealth.com TGTHR (FKA ATTENTION HOMES) Shelter: 3080 Broadway, Boulder; 303-447-1207, 303-447-1207; For ages 12-24; Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services; M-Sun, 12:30-5pm; tgthr.org October 2024 DENVER VOICE 11 URBAN PEAK: 730 21st St., Denver; 303-974-2900; Ages14-24; Serving Denver & Colo Springs; Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skill/straining, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing; urbanpeak.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777;; Helps with employment, IDs, birth certs, mail services and lockers; M-Th - 10am-2pm; citysquare.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F - 7am-1pm; Private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch, etc.; thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE: 1535 High St.; 303-321-4198; Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals; Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, etc.; M, W, Th, F - 8:30am-5pm, T - 8:30am-1:30pm; tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 231 E. Colfax; 303-572-7800; Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harmreduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes; M-F - 9am-12pm; harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Help with lost IDs and birth certificates; holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM: 1555 Race St.; 303-832-3354; For men and women with HIV; M-F 8am-4pm LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; Day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services; homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, wifi; M-F 7a-5:30p; odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St; 303-297-1576; 6am-6pm daily; Storage for one bag (when space is available); Satellite Clinic hours- M, T, Th. F - 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm; sfcdenver.org FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am; capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: mealsforpoor.org CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee M-F. 8:30am; denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES: 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm; christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY: Home-cooked meal, weekly; Lunch in the Park is on Wednesdays from 12-1 at Benedict Fountain Park (Tremont and 22nd); christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm; citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church); Hot meals served M, T, Th., F - 11:45-12:15; mealsforpoor.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION: 1130 Park Avenue West; 303-294-0157; 3 meals 7 days/week, 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm; denverrescuemission.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F only: 7am-1pm. 8am breakfast, 11am lunch; havenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY: Food service on second and fourth Thursdays; feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS: Sun. 4 p.m.; 22nd St. Stout St (near Mercury Café); Instagram: @denverfoodnotbombs HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE: 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm; krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 910 Kalamath St.; Community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, Men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the month, 8-10am, Women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am; hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Sandwiches, M-Sat., 10-10:30am; holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH: 29th and Milwaukee St.; Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm; jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; 303-830-2201; Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm); meal served at 6pm; odmdenver.org/home ST. CLARE’S MINISTRY AT ST. PETER AND ST. MARY: 126 W. 2nd Ave.; 303-722-8781 Dinner at 4pm on Tues; Also offers a change of clothes, toiletries and sleeping bags when available; stpeterandmary.org ST. ELIZABETH’S: Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. (Auraria Campus), 11am 7 days/week; food/coffee; stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month); sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN: 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm; Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon.; saintpauldenver.com SAME CAFÉ: 2023 E. Colfax Ave; 720-530-6853;Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen; Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays; soallmayeat.org URBAN OUTREACH DENVER: 608 26th St., Thurs dinners, 6pm-7pm; lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA: 2877 Lawrence St.; breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun.; food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs.; voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetrofoodnutrition-themission DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

WHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 people experiencing housing or financial instability. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE AIMING FOR EMPOWERMENT JUST DAYS BEFORE CLASSES START, CMU HELPS STUDENT FIND TEMPORARY HOUSING. PAGE 5 BAC SCH BA BACK TACK O SCHOOL BACK T SCHOO BACK O TO SCHOOL HOW LOCAL COLLEGES ARE ASSISTING UNHOUSED AND FOOD INSECURE STUDENTS PEACE: THE KEY INGREDIENT AS A HOMELESS TEEN, LOCAL CATERER DISCOVERED COOKING WAS HIS PATHWAY TO PEACE. PAGE 6 COMBATTING A SILENT EPIDEMIC AURARIA CAMPUS RESOURCES ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY AND HOUSING INSTABILITY. PAGE 8 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 4, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 SEPTEMBER 2024 | Vol.29 Issue 9 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: PHOTO: TIM CAROLL, MSU DENVER

DIRECTOR’S NOTE BRITTNI JOY WEST-WARE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEAR DENVER VOICE COMMUNITY— I am thrilled to join the Denver VOICE as your new executive director. With a deep commitment to amplifying community voices and fostering meaningful connections, I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to continue the impactful work of this incredible organization. Together, we will strive to empower individuals through storytelling, advocacy, and support. With this in mind, I am excited to share the updates and new additions to the Denver VOICE organization. After careful consideration and considering the ever-changing needs of our community, we are transitioning, so that we are no longer “just a street newspaper “ to a workforce development agency. This change is driven by our mission to empower individuals with the skills and opportunities necessary for long-term, sustainable employment. We are about to continue not only the tradition of the street paper, but also, to elevate our vendors’ skills to ensure their continued success through workforce development and training. We know that the paper is a valuable part of that growth and development, and therefore, we have no intention of replacing what we know is a needed resource. The goal of course is to provide new experiences and opportunities that include the paper, while also allowing our vendors to excel and grow in the directions they choose, rather than a source that is chosen for them. I encourage you to keep close to the Denver VOICE as we make this transition. Thank you for welcoming me into this vibrant community. I am excited for the journey ahead and the positive change we will create together. Warm regards, Brittni Joy West-Ware Executive Director, Denver VOICE ■ THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS FRANK DEANGELI is a PNW transplant who has spent seven years in Colorado. He has previously spent much of his professional career working in case management at a homeless shelter. He loves movies, making music, and throwing any kind of flying disc. JAMIE MILLER graduated from the University of Georgia with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and business management. She enjoys exploring the Colorado mountains, reading a good book at a local coffee shop, and doing yoga. JACOB RICHARDS is a community organizer and writer on the western slope of Colorado. His columns have appeared across the West including The Denver Post, Salt Lake City Tribune, and The Daily Sentinel. When not working in the wilderness, he is working on a project called “A People’s History of the Grand Valley.” DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @OCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brittni Joy West-Ware MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM DIRECTOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Lanie Lee Cook Emma Hurt Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Rea Brown Jacob Richards Charles Spring WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. WRITERS Lando Allen Frank DeAngeli David Gordon Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Jamie Miller Jacob Richards Jerry Rosen Larmarques Smith Charles Spring BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Antonio Diaz, Treasurer Michael Burkley Jeff Cuneo Johnna Flood Eduardo Platon Charity Von Guinness Cabal Yarne With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE September 2024 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US THE GREAT NARRATIVE BY REA BROWN, VOICE VENDOR HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. 1 4 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductible. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 3 VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 5 SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. September 2024 DENVER VOICE 3

AUTUMN WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant Chapstick, sunscreen Hand warmers GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: JASON MARTIN Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s jackets (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s jackets (sizes M, L, XL) Backpacks, carrier bags USB-C charging cables Ball caps, hats Small, fold-up umbrellas Backpacks VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! September/fall is my favorite time of the year. I love to wear hoodies, sweaters, light jackets... and it’s so much cooler then! Summer is hot — especially this summer. And my deceased mother’s birthday is September 29th, which is another reason that this month is special. JERRY ROSEN I love the month of September, as the leaves begin to change at the end of the month. The leaves are just beautiful — especially on the East Coast, where you can see the red and purple colors. I also love the month as the temperatures start to get cooler. LARMARQUES SMITH September... We have a love/hate relationship. [It makes me] sad because summer is over; however, I’m generally excited because I get to start wearing fall fashion — layering is always fun — especially in the fall. September is also the month when I lost my partner of nine years back in 2015. So, September is a time of reflection and for me to be thankful I made it through another HOT summer. CHARLES SPRING I’ve always wanted to witness the fall season in person. Where I’m originally from, they never truly have a fall. Deep down south of Louisiana, there is only one season — summer. It’s always hot and humid. And the type of trees there don’t lose their leaves! So, I’ve never experienced autumn. Only in the movies have I ever witnessed one. @DenverVOICE A ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S QUESTION WAS SUGGESTED BY DENVER VOICE VENDOR DAVID GORDON. Q What do you like most about the month of September? LANDO ALLEN I love that the students go back to school in September. When school starts again, it means there will be more college students who will buy the paper, and that means the vendors have more opportunities to make money. DAVID GORDON I’ve always liked the month of September. As a kid, I was excited about starting a new school year. Summer was fun, but I looked forward to seeing friends and meeting new people. In September, we know that fall is here. The way the leaves change color — depending on the [variety of] trees, is visual proof of the biggest change that happens in any season. I also look forward to football season, which starts in September. Here, we don’t just live in Colorado — we live in Broncos Country! 4 DENVER VOICE September 2024 ON THE WESTERN SLOPE LUXURY HOUSING PROJECTS LIKE CRAWFORD ROW IN GRAND JUNCTION ARE DRIVING UP RENTAL RATES, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR STUDENTS TO FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING. PHOTO: JACOB RICHARDS. COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY AIMS TO EMPOWER STUDENTS FACING HOUSING INSTABILITY BY JACOB RICHARDS HANNAH VANDEHEI IS A PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR from Kalamazoo, Mich., heading into her senior year at Colorado Mesa University, in Grand Junction. Instead of enjoying the last days of summer vacation, she was trying desperately to find a room to rent within her budget of $500 a month. “Summer is supposed to be downtime, but now I'm stressing about where I'm going to be sleeping when I get to campus,” Vandehei said in an interview with Denver VOICE. Grand Junction's average rental rates have almost doubled in the last two years. In 2022, the fair market rate for a studio apartment was $682 a month. Today the average studio rents for $1,119 a month. “Not knowing where I'm going to live during the school year just adds a lot of stress,” said Vandehei. “Worst-case scenario, I will live in my car and bounce from friend to friend,” she said. Vandehei is not to assist resident students in Colorado, who experienced homelessness at any time while they were in high school, with additional costs above and beyond scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. For out-of-state students like Vandehei, EmpowerEd is not an option. Still, the program is needed locally — especially considering that Grand Junction has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the state. According to its website, REACH, which is a school-based program within School District 51, “responds to the needs of students in temporary or transitional housing situations.” During the 2023-2024 school year, REACH worked with a total of 832 students experiencing housing insecurity. District 51 has just over 20,000 students, which means that roughly one out of every 24 students experienced housing insecurity over the last school year. During the 2023-2024 school year, REACH identified 64 high school seniors as housing insecure. Twelve of them are bound for college, and another seven are heading to trade schools and should be eligible under Colorado's EmpowerEd program. Because the EmpowerEd program opened on August 9, information on the number of program registrations was not available by the time this article went to press. Meanwhile, with a week left until classes started, Vandehei still had not found a place to rent. “I feel like all of my friends have found places by now,” Vandehei said. But help was around the corner. According to Kelsey Coleman, director of public relations at Colorado Mesa University, if CMU has any enrolled students who are facing homelessness, the school will provide the resources, to fulfill that need. “Our campus is uniquely prepared to address the variety the only college student at CMU struggling with housing insecurity. More than 10,000 students at CMU also are directly impacted by the increasing rents, and according to CMU’s admissions numbers, they have admitted 280 students this semester who indicated on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) that they might be in danger of becoming unhoused. Of those, 82 have enrolled. According to CMU, Vandehei has been the only student to reach out to Student Services for help with housing. Colorado state colleges and universities do have resources available. The EmpowerEd Pathway to Higher Education Program was signed into Colorado law on April 29 this year and aims HEIDI VANDEHEI AND HER CAT CURBY. COURTESY OF HEIDI VANDEHEI. of challenges that our students face including housing,” said CMU Vice President of Student Services Jody Diers. “If and when students facing hardships or challenges around housing (before or during the semester) inform CMU they need help, the campus community has ample resources to address their housing needs, as you saw in the case of Vandehei,” she said. Vandehei recently reached out to CMU’s Resident Life office about student housing. She said she did not reach out to them earlier because she had been told they were already overbooked. By the time she arrived in Colorado to return to CMU, Vandehei had found temporary housing on her own. “My friend’s mom is letting me stay with her til’ I find a place,” said Vandehei. Classes started August 19 and with the assistance of friends and guidance from CMU, Hannah Vandehei was housed, and ready to hit the books. ■ September 2024 DENVER VOICE 5

COMMUNITY PROFILE PEACE: THE KEY INGREDIENT BY FRANK DEANGELI IN JUNE OF 2024, the Denver VOICE found itself facing a grim reality — a pancake breakfast with no pancakes. Less than 24 hours before the VOICE’s Pancakes board members Against Poverty fundraiser, the coordinating the breakfast received notification that the company originally slated to cater the event was no longer able to do so. Urgent requests for next-day catering were sent to several area catering businesses, and within a few hours, David Bondarchuck — owner and founder of Scratch Catering Services — answered the call. “I just kind of feel like this email was intended for me — divine intervention, honestly,” Bondarchuck said about the email he received from VOICE staff. “It was time to step up.” Bondarchuck acknowledged that he’s been in no position to turn down any job after the COVID pandemic and its subsequent economic aftershocks, but his interest in helping the VOICE was deeper than that — he had experienced homelessness in Denver as a teen, so he understood the community the VOICE serves. When Bondarchuck was 15, he lived alone with his physically abusive father. After one particularly vicious incident involving gunshots and his father’s arrest, police dropped Bondarchuck off at the Gemini House — a youth shelter near Colfax Avenue and Simms Street. The Gemini House offered bus tokens to its guests, which Bondarchuck utilized to travel downtown every day to the Denver Public Library’s central branch. There, he found comfort in the cookbook section. “I didn’t know where to go in life. I didn’t know what was happening, and I missed my grandma. I know it sounds crazy, but [cookbooks] just reminded me of being with my grandma in the kitchen,” said Bondarchuck. After a stint at the youth shelter, Bondarchuck heard from an old friend, who reached out and offered him a place to stay for a reasonable price near Greeley. Before long, with money he made working at McDonald’s, Bondarchuck had moved into his own studio apartment. There, he finally had his own kitchen — a place to earnestly begin his exploration into the world of cooking. “I would cook for people at church, my neighbors, or people at school. I became known as the food guy. Scratch Catering Services was born literally out of that space.” This year marks 16 years that Scratch has officially been in business. It has grown from a one-man operation out of a Greeley studio apartment to a Denver-based team of professionals. Bondarchuck attributes his success, not to any intrinsic business acumen or intuition, but to his sustained passion for cooking over the years, coupled with the awareness that some are willing to pay for his creations. “Cooking brought me peace because I always felt like I wasn’t a failure. Getting to see what I’ve created every time — whether it was a success or not — brought me peace. Somebody asked me one time if I would make them some PHOTO: COURTESY OF DAVID BONDARCHUCK 6 DENVER VOICE September 2024 COMMUNITY PROFILE COMMUNITY PROFILE GROUND BEEF & RICE DAVID BONDARCHUCK, SCRATCH CATERING If you're short on time, or operating on a limited budget, this easy-to-make dish is one of David Bondarchuk's go-to recipes. INGREDIENTS: ☐ 1 pound ground beef (cooked in a pan until browned — I use 80% and drain the fat, you may substitute ground poultry as well) ☐ 2 cups dried white long grain rice rinsed, drained, and cooked to package directions. Hint: To rinse rice, fi ll a bowl or pan with water and add rice, use your hand or spoon to swirl around the rice — notice the milky starch coming off the rice?! Rinse the rice & dump out the water reserving the rice in the bowl or pan until water is clear! ☐ 4-6 washed green bell peppers (may also use red, orange, or yellow) cut tops of peppers ½ inch from the top straight across clean out the seeds and inner ribs of the peppers. Reserve the pepper tops and discard the stems. Dice the bell pepper tops but just the fl esh! ☐ ½ yellow or white onion diced ☐ Salt and pepper to taste! STEPS: 1. While your ground meat is cooking, add the diced onion and bell pepper tops and cook until meat is browned and cooked through. Drain the grease and discard. Add cooked rice to the meat and mix, season with salt and pepper. 2. Using a large tablespoon spoon add the mixture to the cleaned peppers and stuff them full. 3. Any left over meat and rice mix save for a later meal or lunch in a leftover container. 4. Bake at 350º until peppers are softened but not yet falling apart. 5. May top with a slice of tomato or shredded cheese if you have it on hand or eat as is! Tip: You can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting black beans and corn (1 can each rinsed and drained) for the meat, and season with some pre-made salsa or a splash of hot sauce cookies, and they paid me, and that’s when I kind of realized, ‘Oh, wow, I can actually make money doing this thing I love.’” Informed by his own life experiences, Bondarchuck makes caring for others one of his top priorities. “I’m interested in helping others succeed because we’re all successful through other people’s successes,” he said. This attitude is exemplified by the more-than-competitive wage he pays his employees — which is $25 an hour. “A lot of companies aren’t really there to help their employees; they’re there to help themselves. And I don't believe in that. Whatever company becomes successful should be sharing the rewards,” Bondarchuck said. Having experienced years of bullying, abuse, and homelessness as a youth, Bondarchuck offers this advice to anybody experiencing what he went through: “Whether it’s finding housing or finding a job, keep working on bettering yourself. You have to tell yourself your goal every single day, and you have to make decisions that get you closer to that. Sometimes, these choices and decisions are hard…but life is hard. Nothing’s magic — nothing’s Disney. But, you know, baby steps.” At 15, when Bondarchuck visited the downtown Denver Public Library, he would spend his days reading Martha Stewart cookbooks, and he marveled at the "beautiful life" Stewart had cultivated for herself. Now, looking back at nearly 20 years of successful business, has Bondarchuck found this beautiful life for himself? “Absolutely,” he said. “Is life all diamonds and rosé? No, but we take our take our licks, and take our lumps, and celebrate when we hit the mark.” Find out more about David and his company at scratchcateringservices.com. His book, "From Scratch," is available on Amazon.com. ■ VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are looking for volunteers to help us at community events, or to assist with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at our offi ce (989 Santa Fe. Dr.). If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at program@denvervoice.org. September 2024 DENVER VOICE 7 DONATE YOUR CAR! Need to get rid of your car, truck, or motorcycle? Consider donating it to Denver VOICE. Call (855) 500-7433, or go to: careasy.org/nonprofi t/denver-voice. Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community.

COMMUNITY FEATURE PHOTO: TIM CAROLL, MSU DENVER COMBATTING A SILENT EPIDEMIC Colleges on Auraria Campus provide resources for students facing homelessness and food insecurity. BY JAMIE MILLER ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, the air on college campuses is saturated with the earthy smell of textbooks, the sound of shoes squeaking down freshly waxed hallways, and the energy of students, anxious to set the right rhythm for the semester. Finding that rhythm can be challenging, especially when the only sound you can hear is your stomach rumbling. In Denver, where the cost of living is roughly 20% higher than the national average and has risen almost 20% over the last four years, housing and food insecurity is a silent epidemic among college students. Abbie Kell, social worker and project manager at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU), has watched the Denver market become an increasingly difficult place to live. “I have seen the evolution of price increases in Denver, starting in 2018, and the disparities within people who are experiencing homelessness and [financial] difficulty to attain 8 DENVER VOICE September 2024 any sort of housing stability or self-sufficiency,” said Kell. “That gap to self-sufficiency really is workforce and education.” The gap between education and housing is an issue that extends beyond the Rocky Mountains. In 2020, roughly 23% of undergraduate students in the United States, which is more than 4 million, experienced food insecurity, and 8%, which is roughly 1.5 million, faced homelessness, according to GAO’s analysis of student data from the Department of Education’s National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). The University of Colorado at Denver (CU Denver), Community College of Denver (CCD), and Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) on the Auraria campus provide resources to help bridge that gap for their students. Each institution has a tailored approach to providing resources to its student population, including food pantries and housing assistance programs: PHOTO: TIM CAROLL, MSU DENVER • The University of Colorado Denver’s “Single Stop,” which is located in the Wellness Center, serves as an access point to help students navigate food insecurity (Lynx Food Pantry) and connects students with other community and government resources to help overcome barriers to basic needs. • Community College of Denver’s SPARC Human Services provides support to their students in crisis, including resources for food insecurity (Swooper Market - located in the Tivoli Student Union, Room 249, the Lowry Campus Food Pantry, and Snack Stops, which are located across the campus). • The Metropolitan State University of Denver has a food pantry, Rowdy Corner, which Kell described as “more than just an access point for food." COMMUNITY FEATURE PHOTO: TIM CAROLL, MSU DENVER “We really use Rowdy Corner as a referral point to meet students where they are and get them the resources they need,” said Tim Carroll, senior director of public relations at MSU. “Our recent rebranding of the food pantry to Rowdy Corner helped remove the stigmatization, and students have really gotten behind the idea that this is a resource to help supplement their needs.” Rowdy Corner served roughly 1,800 students last spring, with their busiest week bringing in 853 people. The pantry is open year-round and partners with local vendors to source fresh produce and provide culturally diverse options. According to Jacob Marshall, Rowdy Corner manager and MSU student studying political science and GWS, the community and mission are what make it unique. “One of the main goals is removing the stigma of getting to use a food pantry and getting food access for free. All the employees are passionate about it. There are a lot of different jobs people get on campus and it feels like the people who PHOTO: TIM CAROLL, MSU DENVER typically get a job here have an interest in food justice or helping the community. Nobody is here to just get paychecks,” said Marshall. MSU also offers assistance for students in need of emergency housing assistance. Students can access housing resources by submitting a CARE referral to the Student Care Center (SCC), which covers all housing assistance needs. Once they submit their forms, students will be assigned a case manager to provide guidance and next steps, which may include emergency financial aid through the Student Emergency Retention Fund, which offers stipends to help students manage unexpected or severe life events that could interrupt educational progress. During the 2022-23 academic year, the SCC distributed over $660,000 in emergency funds, 80% of which supported housing instability of some kind, according to Kell. “Significant numbers of students are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. However, our community-based resources are significantly underfunded and under-resourced, and many have waitlists that are weeks and months long for students who need urgent housing assistance,” said Kell. If you are interested in volunteering time or resources, or are a student interested in learning how to utilize the resources offered on the Auraria campus, contact UC Denver at lynxbasicneeds@ucdenver.edu, CCD at (303) 352-3205, and MSU at studentcarecenter@msudenver.edu. ■ COURTESY OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF DENVER COURTESY OF CU DENVER COURTESY OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF DENVER September 2024 DENVER VOICE 9

NATIONAL STORY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN AMERICA’S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM BY TOLEDO STREETS THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM IS COMPLICATED. The system removes children from harmful and potentially lethal situations and strives to ensure familial connections. It also has a long history of inflicting trauma and creating harm in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Just as complex as the system are the people involved with it. There are those who work for what is in the best interest of children, families, and the community and fight for equity, connection, health, and wholeness. Some embody problematic stereotypes and are not concerned about the well-being of the children, families, or the community. There are many inspirational stories of powerful, even life-changing, experiences that people have with the system, and these are a very important part of a comprehensive understanding of the system and all its nuances. As a former foster parent and kinship care provider, as well as an adoptive mother, I feel compelled to speak about a less encouraging, but still critically important part of the system: the ways that I experienced the system fail. It is not until the problems of a system are brought to light that we can begin to fix them. In my experience, this is a taste of some of the failures of the child welfare system. FAMILIES: NAVIGATING A BUREAUCRATIC SYSTEM Interacting with the child welfare system is difficult and can easily be overwhelming for families between meetings, requirements, and expectations. All these additional activities and obligations can mean leaving work, securing transportation, finding childcare, or possibly even missing out on some of the services required by the system itself. Families are also not always provided with the support that they need to effectively care for their children. Instead of being approached and treated like people who need help, parents may be viewed with little compassion. Yes, many of the parents with children involved in the child welfare system have made bad, often harmful decisions that impacted their children. They also love their children. While case plans are intended to provide support, too often, they are viewed as a checklist of general mandates. This lack of ongoing and individualized support is one of the factors that contributes to children coming back into foster care after being reunited with their parents. Support, information, and guidance for kinship care providers are essentially non-existent. As kinship care providers, we were not given any training or financial support and very little was communicated to us. In addition, kin are not always provided with all the information that they need to make thoughtful decisions. For example, when family members are first approached regarding children in foster care, they are not always informed whether the children are already placed in prospective adoptive homes. These children might have been in these homes for a year or more, forming secure attachments, and it could be highly traumatic for them to be moved elsewhere. FOSTER FAMILIES: INADEQUATE TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES Through insufficient training and support, foster families are not set up by the system to effectively provide the level of care often required. In addition, communication is one of the biggest challenges as a foster parent. Depending on the caseworker (and their supervisor), many foster parents are not given the basic information that they need to effectively navigate systems and ensure the children in their care have essential support. When it comes to the sharing of information, are legitimate (and legal) reasons to limit there the amount of information that is shared. At the same time, there is a lot of information that can be shared but is not shared or is incorrectly shared. In some cases, foster parents know the children best, yet they are not viewed or brought into conversations as the experts they are. As foster parents, when we were brought in for a meeting to discuss a potential change to a case, it was clear that the decision had already been made. Furthermore, when we questioned a decision that was clearly not in the best interest of the child, we did not experience a willingness to engage in dialogue. Our experience was hostility, an unwillingness to listen, and a doubling down on their original stance. OVERBURDENED CASEWORKERS Caseworkers are overworked, under-resourced, and not supported in the ways to do their jobs effectively and compassionately. The number of cases assigned as well as the lack of consistent training, emotional support, and PHOTO COURTESY OF TOLEDO STREETS / INSP.NGO compensation are not conducive to healthy, compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged employees. Caseworkers see and experience abuse and deplorable situations. They need space, time, and guidance to process the realities of their job. CHALLENGES FACED BY CASA VOLUNTEERS Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers or Guardians at Litem (GAL) are children’s voices in court. Their role is to engage in an independent investigation of the situation, make recommendations to the court, and advocate for what is in the children’s best interest. As foster parents, we had a great experience working with the CASA/GALs. They were supportive and helpful, and we are eternally grateful for their dedication and advocacy for the children in our care. However, the system does not always engage and keep CASA/GALs as informed as it could, which makes their role very difficult. COMMUNITY IMPACT The children and families impacted by the child welfare system are integral members of the communities in which they live. Volunteers, caseworkers, and other community members engaging with the system also experience deleterious impacts. Underdeveloping and traumatizing people is problematic to the entire community for a myriad of reasons. CHILDREN AT THE CENTER The list of the ways that children may be, have been, or are being failed by the system cannot comprehensively be captured in an article. Children are failed when decisions are made that are clearly not in their best interest. They are failed when they are placed or remain in unsafe situations. They are failed when they are removed from the only community that they know to live with people who are complete strangers both to them and their families. They are failed when they transition between placements and their toys, pictures, and other significant items are not moved with them. They are failed when critical information about their biological family is not shared with them. Children are failed when their caregivers are not given or do not seek out, the support that they need to properly care for them. They are failed when the support and services that they need are not available to them. They are failed when they are kept from their biological siblings because they are no longer legally considered siblings (due to adoption). They are failed when they are adopted and returned to the system. They are failed when they age out of the system and do not have the support, connections, and skills they need to flourish. They are failed when cycles of trauma, abuse, and involvement with the system are not broken. OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE CHANGE That is a lot of failure. While I have never encountered a flawless system, the failings of the child welfare system feel especially heavy given that they impact so many and some of the most vulnerable among us. It is critical to recognize these 10 DENVER VOICE September 2024 NATIONAL STORY shortcomings to make improvements and adjustments. Just as the system has ample opportunities to cause harm, it is also full of potential to improve. Investing more in children’s services staff is imperative. This encompasses providing better support and resources for caseworkers and their supervisors. They play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of cases and ensuring the sustainability of the entire system. It is essential to ensure that caseworkers receive necessary training, that processes, protocols, and practices are clearly documented, and that effective communication is facilitated within and across departments. We must provide families with more individualized support, access to resources, and guidance. Instead of viewing parents with children involved in the system as simply bad people, let’s cultivate understanding and see them for who they really are. Often, they are individuals who do not have the resources and support that they need to be the parents who they want to be. Increased respect and consideration for the expertise and humanity of foster parents is essential. Effective, consistent communication in a collaborative and caring manner is integral to addressing the current foster home shortage and ensuring long-term sustainability. Providing more support, guidance, and resources to kinship caregivers is crucial. They often step in to provide care for children in their extended family and supporting them adequately is vital for the wellbeing of both caregivers and children. Improved collaboration with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is important for the holistic support of children in the system. Working together can ensure that the needs and best interests of the children are prioritized and met. Having compassion for everyone involved in the system is paramount. Acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the system and honoring the humanity of everyone involved can help to create a more supportive and understanding environment. We must also develop and refine legislation focused on prioritizing the well-being of children. This includes nurturing their attachment needs, ensuring access to necessary services and support, and fostering connections with their biological family when this is safe. Once the legislation is in place, it is crucial to integrate it into the system with careful consideration, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This integration involves aligning policies and practices with the intentions and objectives of the law, ensuring its effective implementation. Finally, for those with the time, energy, and interest: get involved. Our community needs people who can engage with the system from a position of compassion and understanding. Whether it is fostering, providing kinship care, or volunteering with local organizations, like CASA, that support children and families, there are numerous ways to make a meaningful difference. A simple online search or a call to 2-1-1 can provide information about organizations working to educate, strengthen, and empower individuals and families. The reform and change that I am calling for here will not be easy or quick. Shifting long-standing and intricate systems is tough — probably one of the hardest things to do. But I truly believe that we can make strides toward a child welfare system that is more in tune with what families, children, and our community deserves. Let’s co-create a system where compassion, respect, dignity, and trauma responsiveness are more than words on paper, but are also entrenched in everything we do, from policy to action to law. ■ Courtesy of Toledo Streets / INSP.ngo CREDIT: TBEL ABUSERIDZE LARGE DAILY TEMPERATURE SWINGS CAN HARM HUMAN HEALTH BY SHENGJIE LIU AND EMILY SMITH-GREENAWAY THIS SUMMER HAS SHOWN how quickly high temperatures can pose serious health risks, with record-breaking heat waves claiming thousands of lives around the world. However, it’s not just high and low temperatures that matter. How many degrees the temperature swings within a day — the daily temperature variation — itself poses health risks. Studies have found that days with larger than normal temperature swings can increase asthma flare-ups and hospitalizations for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, leading to an overall higher death rate than normal. One study, based on data from 308 cities from 1972 to 2013, estimates that 2.5% of deaths in that time could be attributed to large daily temperature swings. Although humans can live in a wide range of ambient temperatures, a dramatic shift in temperature can tax multiple systems in the body, including the immune, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. It can be especially taxing on very young and older individuals, who are generally more vulnerable to harsh climates. We mapped daily temperature variations at the neighborhood scale across the U.S. to get a better picture of where these temperature swings are highest and who is most affected. The results highlight how poverty and a legacy of discriminatory practices have left racial minorities and lowincome residents in neighborhoods with more dramatic temperature differences through the day. WHAT AFFECTS TEMPERATURE SWINGS? Large night-to-day temperature swings are more common in some regions, such as the U.S. Southwest, but they can also vary over short distances depending on the landscape and what’s known as the urban heat island effect. For example, the ocean can mitigate rapid temperature changes since water can absorb a lot of heat before it gets hot. The Greater Los Angeles area is a case in point. Santa Monica, a coastal community in Los Angeles County, has much smaller temperature swings then more inland neighborhoods in the county, like downtown Los Angeles. Green space, like forested parks, can also reduce temperature swings. Urban trees and vegetation can keep neighborhoods cooler, reducing the temperature volatility. WHO FACES THE GREATEST TEMPERATURE SWINGS? Using NASA’s satellite data between 2000 and 2017, we crosschecked the daily temperature variation with the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey demographic data at different census tracts to see how race and ethnicity, income, and age affected exposure to daily temperature variations across all 50 states. We found that, of the three demographic factors, exposure to daily temperature variation is the most unequal by race and ethnicity, followed by income. Age mattered the least. In the state with the greatest disparity, Rhode Island, Hispanic and Black populations experienced, on average, daily temperature swings of 31.2 degrees Fahrenheit (17.3 degrees Celsius) in May, while the average daily temperature variation for white populations was 25.8 F (14.3 C). That’s a 5.4 F (3 C) difference between the groups. The contrast between low-income and high-income groups in Rhode Island was 28.6 F (15.9 C) compared with 24.5 F (13.6 C), a 4.1 F (2.3 C) difference. The difference was negligible among age groups, at 1.8 F (1 C). Among the 50 states, we saw significant differences by race and ethnicity in 46 states, by income in 39 states, and by age in 15 states. In general, daily temperature swings were highest in western states, particularly in late spring and summer. The fact that minority populations are disproportionately living in neighborhoods with wider temperature swings confirms yet another dimension of inequality in vulnerability to climate change. TEMPERATURE SWINGS WIDEN WITH CLIMATE CHANGE There is also evidence that temperature swings will get more dramatic over time. From the 1950s to the 1980s, records show shrinking temperature swings globally. Since the 1990s, however, research shows that temperature swings have widened, potentially affecting all life on Earth. Studies suggest that these temperature swings will continue to widen as greenhouse gas emissions, largely from burning fossil fuels, continue to raise global temperatures. And with those increases will come more premature deaths. Under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s highest emissions scenario (RCP 8.5), which projects conditions in a world that burns increasingly large amounts of fossil fuels, future temperature swings are projected to increase by as much as 2.9 F (1.6 C) by the end of the century. There are ways to reduce the risk, starting with cutting greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants, livestock and other sources. Communities can also take steps to reduce low-income and minority neighborhoods’ exposure to temperature swings by increasing tree cover and using light coatings on roofs to reflect heat away from buildings. They can also provide support programs to help people who can’t otherwise afford to install or power cooling or heating equipment. ■ Courtesy of The Conversation / INSP.ngo September 2024 DENVER VOICE 11

IN YOUR OWN WORDS KEEP GOING THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR LIFE CAN GET HARD AT TIMES. Sometimes, you know trouble is coming your way, and you can prepare for it. Most of the time, you will never see trouble coming, and the next thing you know, you are in it. The lucky ones can get out of trouble really fast, but some can’t get out of trouble, and they end up in pain for years. Sometimes, they are the cause of their pain. Sometimes, they suffer from pain caused by others. Hard times will come and go for most of us, yet, for some, when the pain comes to them, they end up lost in their pain, and it can be years before they can be at peace and lose the pain. When you are in a hard time, it is difficult to see a way out. When you have little to no family or friends to see your trouble or pain — there will be no one to reach out to and ask for help. You will feel so very alone. That in itself is a hard place to be. When you have no one who cares about you, loneliness can cause you to grab on to someone else who is not helpful, a person who will keep you at arm's bay, or will just stay away from you, making you even sadder and lonelier than you were. If you are homeless, it gets harder and harder to take rejection. Over time, you may find one or two other homeless people who will become close, so you have each other and watch out for each other. Life on the street is very difficult. Homeless people have to worry about people stealing their things. You have to worry every day about finding safe and hidden places, where no one will see you or attack you while you are sleeping. Women who are homeless have it even harder if they have no one to keep an eye out for them. Two people working together is much better than one person alone. It will be safer to have people who watch out for each other while homeless. Hard times will always be part of our lives. Don’t give up. Don’t stay in pain. Just keep fighting through the hard times. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Believe you will overcome whatever you are going through. You can and will get through it with time, but the outcome depends on how you handle the situation. If you give up, things will only get harder. Hard times are long dark tunnels. When you enter that darkness, you can’t see the light at the other end but know that the light will come. Then, when you get to the other end, you will finally see the light. Just remember that even when you are in pain, there is always light — even if you cannot see it. Know that you can overcome hard times if you really want to. Do not give up on Self! Only Self can defeat Self. RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: KAREN BEEMAN Know that there is help out there. All you have to do is ask. Do not suffer by yourself. It is okay to ask for help. A closed mouth does not help you get anything! You have to open your mouth to ask for the help you need. You will find that some people really want to help, but you need to ask. My prayer is that no one suffers alone but instead finds compassionate people to help them. If you see someone you know is hurting, see if you can help them, or help them to find the right help if you can’t help them. Don’t look away, hoping someone else will help. Someone else may not help. Just understand that you are not alone or have to go through hard times without any help. Let’s start looking out for one another, and the world will be a better place. ■ NFL 2024-5 ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLES SPRING, VOICE VENDOR ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLES SPRING 12 DENVER VOICE September 2024 EVENTS PALLET CITY COMEDY SHOW We all need more laughter in our lives. The Pallet City Comedy Show is a bi-weekly comedy showcase featuring some of the city’s best comedians, as well as its rising stars. This FREE event occurs every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. WHEN: Sep 6 and 20, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Locust Cider Belmar, 7260 W. Alaska Dr. Unit A INFO: instagram.com/palletcitycomedy YOGA ON THE LAWN Enjoy a free vinyasa yoga class on the lawn. Open to all skill levels and ages. Bring your own yoga mat, towel, or feel free to practice in the grass. WHEN: Sep 7 and 14, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. COST: Free WHERE: Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W. Florida Ave. INFO: levittdenver.org SUNNYSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL Enjoy a family-friendly day in the park with live music, community vendors, activities for the kids, delicious grub, and local brews. This event is free and open to all. WHEN: Sep 14, 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Chaffee Park, W. 44th Ave. & Tejon St. INFO: sunnysidemusicfest.org JAMMING ON THE JETTY Jamming on the Jetty is a free, family-friendly event that includes live music, local food and drink, and community vendors. Bring your own chairs or blankets and discover your new favorite band. All proceeds go towards cleaning up the lake. WHEN: Sep 21, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE: Sloan’s Lake, 4700 West Bryon Place INFO: jammingonthejetty.com ACROSS Across 1. Recurring ideas 7. Mainstay 13. Shiraz resident 15. Pea preparer 16. Like many drinks 17. Distortion 18. Magician’s name ending 19. Put in writing 21. ___-tac-toe 22. ___-Cola 24. Backless seat 25. Termite, e.g. 26. Muffler 28. Capt.’s inferiors 29. Rhythms 30. Hard to get through to 32. Gap 34. Fool’s end? 35. Beaver sch. 36. Little Bighorn loser 39. Certain fertilizers 42. Insured’s contribution 43. Acapulco article 45. Physics lab device, for short 47. “Transparent” actress Kathryn 48. Target competitor 50. Girl lead-in 51. Sharp feller 52. Grainy-textured 54. The Pointer Sisters’ “___ So Shy” 55. Western New York county 57. Seven days from now 59. Bars 60. City on the Rhine that you might expect to smell quite masculine? 61. Comes down hard, in a way 62. Share again on social media DOWN 1. Impersonates 2. River that empties into the Atlantic in Venezuela 3. Car for hire 4. ___ nutshell 5. Whopper juniors? 6. Corporate department 7. Wrap 8. Relative of a gull 9. High peak 10. It’s on the level 11. Ones skilled in laws 12. Builds 14. Irk 15. Rushing sound 20. “i” lid 23. Goldsmith, e.g. 25. Porky’s love 27. Old-fashioned 29. Kind of metabolism 31. That vessel 33. Acronym that, when spelled aloud, sounds exactly like the sentence it stands for 36. Like networking cables 37. Cause a major disturbance in 38. Some ballroom dances 39. Tasty clove 40. Busy 41. Silky fabrics 42. Monastery music 44. Pick up 46. Coffin 48. Typeface features 49. Pavarotti, notably 52. Hair line 53. Valley 56. “You don’t say!” 58. Doo-___ COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 MULTIGENERATIONAL SINGING WITH SWALLOW HILL MUSIC Come explore the joy of singing with others in the All Seasons Choir, a multigenerational community choir in partnership with Swallow Hill Music. WHEN: Sep 30, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: Free but space is limited, and interested participants must apply at denlib.org/allseasons. WHERE: Swallow Hill Music School, 71 E. Yale Ave. INFO: denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming September 2024 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

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PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, VETERAN SUPPORT COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ALANON FAMILY GROUPS: al-anon.org; Find a meeting: al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: aa.org; Colorado Service Centers; daccaa.org/central-office/other-central-offices DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER: 777 Bannock St.; denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL: Features information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community; detoxlocal.com DRUG REHAB USA: Addiction hotline 888-479-0446; Organizations that take Medicaid: drugrehabus.org/rehabs/ treatment/medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 112 E. 8th Ave.; 303-572-7800; HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on proper disposal of dirty syringes; M-F 9am-12pm: harmreductionactioncenter.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER: 3800 York St.; Emergency walk-ins 303-296-1767; Dental 303-296-4873; M-F 8am-2pm LIVE ANOTHER DAY: 877-596-6866; Equal access to life-saving mental health and substance abuse resources; 24/7 helpline: liveanotherday.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION: 1325 S. Colorado Blvd.; Suite B302; Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered; 800-522-4372, 800-359-9272; info@hepc-connection.org; viventhealth.org NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE: 800-342-AIDS/800-344-7432 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Text or call 988; 988lifeline.org NATIONAL RUNAWAY SAFELINE: 800-RUNAWAY/800-786-2929; 1800runaway.org RAPE ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK: 800-656-HOPE; rainn.org SALUD CLINIC: 6255 Quebec Pkwy, Commerce City; 303-697-2583, 970-484-0999; saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC: 2130 Stout St.; 303-293-2220; Clinic Hours: 7am-4pm M/T/Th/F; 9am-6pm Wed; coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB GUIDE: Helpline 888-493-4670; detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ URBAN PEAKS REHAB: 490 Lafayette St., #104; 303-599-5131; Medication management and therapy center specializing in opiate addiction; M, T, Th – 9am-12pm, 1 pm-4pm, W – 9am-12pm, 1 pm-7pm; urbanpeaksrehab.com U.S. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233 (English and Spanish); 800-243-7889 (TDD); thehotline.org CAREER SERVICES BAYAUD ENTERPRISES CW-STEP: (Colorado Works - Subsidized training and employment program); 333 W. Bayaud Ave.; 303-830-6885; Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm; Provides re-entry to the workforce for individuals with TANF eligibility; info@bayaudenterprises.org COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER: Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway; 720-865-1706; M & T - 10am-8pm; Wed., Th &F - 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, WIFI, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments; denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER: Denver Dept of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd.; M-F 7:30am-4:30pm; Employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé prep, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc.; careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center WORKNOW: 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org LGBTQ+ SUPPORT THE TREVOR PROJECT: 866-488-7386: thetrevorproject.org LGBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 800-246-7743: lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline PRIDE INSTITUTE: 800-547-7433 TRUE COLORS UNITE: 212-461-4401 truecolorsunited.org VETERANS & SENIORS DENVER INNER CITY PARISH: 1212 Mariposa St.; 303-322-5733; VOA Dining Center for Seniors, aged 60 and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm; Food Bank, Wed.-Fri.; Tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm; dicp.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave.; For those aged 60 or older; TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, 3 meals, M-F -7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm; seniorsupportservices.org VA MEDICAL CENTER: 1700 N Wheeling St.: Aurora 303-399-8020: va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5 VETERANS GUIDE: Veterans Disability Calculator veteransguide.org/va-disability-calculator YOUTH SERVICES SOX PLACE: 2017 Larimer St.; 303-296-3412 Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30; Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. T-F - 12-4pm & Sat. 11am-2pm. Instagram: @Soxplace THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK: 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442; Youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, 303-974-2928; Drop-in hours M-F 8-11am urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: 833-931-2484; Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions; sunshinebehavioralhealth.com TGTHR (FKA ATTENTION HOMES) Shelter: 3080 Broadway, Boulder; 303-447-1207, 303-447-1207; For ages 12-24; Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services; M-Sun, 12:30-5pm; tgthr.org September 2024 DENVER VOICE 15 URBAN PEAK: 730 21st St., Denver; 303-974-2900; Ages14-24; Serving Denver & Colo Springs; Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skill/straining, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing; urbanpeak.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777;; Helps with employment, IDs, birth certs, mail services and lockers; M-Th - 10am-2pm; citysquare.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F - 7am-1pm; Private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch, etc.; thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE: 1535 High St.; 303-321-4198; Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals; Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, etc.; M, W, Th, F - 8:30am-5pm, T - 8:30am-1:30pm; tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 231 E. Colfax; 303-572-7800; Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harmreduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes; M-F - 9am-12pm; harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Help with lost IDs and birth certificates; holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM: 1555 Race St.; 303-832-3354; For men and women with HIV; M-F 8am-4pm LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; Day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services; homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, wifi; M-F 7a-5:30p; odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St; 303-297-1576; 6am-6pm daily; Storage for one bag (when space is available); Satellite Clinic hours- M, T, Th. F - 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm; sfcdenver.org FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am; capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: mealsforpoor.org CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee M-F. 8:30am; denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES: 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm; christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY: Home-cooked meal, weekly; Lunch in the Park is on Wednesdays from 12-1 at Benedict Fountain Park (Tremont and 22nd); christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm; citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church); Hot meals served M, T, Th., F - 11:45-12:15; mealsforpoor.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION: 1130 Park Avenue West; 303-294-0157; 3 meals 7 days/week, 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm; denverrescuemission.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F only: 7am-1pm. 8am breakfast, 11am lunch; havenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY: Food service on second and fourth Thursdays; feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS: Sun. 4 p.m.; 22nd St. Stout St (near Mercury Café); Instagram: @denverfoodnotbombs HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE: 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm; krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 910 Kalamath St.; Community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, Men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the month, 8-10am, Women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am; hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Sandwiches, M-Sat., 10-10:30am; holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH: 29th and Milwaukee St.; Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm; jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; 303-830-2201; Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm); meal served at 6pm; odmdenver.org/home ST. CLARE’S MINISTRY AT ST. PETER AND ST. MARY: 126 W. 2nd Ave.; 303-722-8781 Dinner at 4pm on Tues; Also offers a change of clothes, toiletries and sleeping bags when available; stpeterandmary.org ST. ELIZABETH’S: Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. (Auraria Campus), 11am 7 days/week; food/coffee; stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month); sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN: 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm; Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon.; saintpauldenver.com SAME CAFÉ: 2023 E. Colfax Ave; 720-530-6853;Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen; Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays; soallmayeat.org URBAN OUTREACH DENVER: 608 26th St., Thurs dinners, 6pm-7pm; lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA: 2877 Lawrence St.; breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun.; food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs.; voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetrofoodnutrition-themission DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

WHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 people experiencing housing or financial instability. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE FAR FROM SETTLED “WIN, “ THE JUNE 15 SUPREME COURT RULING PROTECTING LGQA+ PEOPLE FROM DISCRIMINATION AT WORK MAY BE A ” BUT IS IT ENOUGH? PAGES 6-7 SHINING LIGHT ON WIDESPREAD DISCRIMINATION REPRESENTATIVE BRIANNA TITONE, FIRST TRANS PERSON ELECTED TO STATE OFFICE IN COLORADO, FOCUSES HER 2020 SESSION ON WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND FAIR HOUSING. PAGE 8 DÉJÀ VU AS THE LOOMING TSUNAMI OF EVICTIONS HOVERS ON OUR HORIZON, IT IS WORTH A GLANCE IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR. PAGE 10 BLACK STUDENT IN A WHITE SCHOOL AS AN AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT AT A PREDOMINATELY WHITE HIGH SCHOOL, YOU HAVE TO BREAK THE STEREOTYPE. PAGE 12 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 11, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 AUGUST 2020 | Vol.25 Issue 8 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: REUTERS/JONATHAN ERNST

EDITOR’S NOTE A LITTLE MORE THAN HALFWAY through the year, the insanity that appears to be a never-ending party favor that 2020 handed out upon its arrival rendered many of us exhausted. Rumor has it, Denver may undergo another shutdown due to the unrelenting spread of COVID-19. A significant percentage of the U.S. population has no jobs to return to and is facing likely eviction, job loss, and unbearable financial, emotional, and physical strain. The current political climate is intense enough to rival the sweltering heat of the desert southwest, and often, it seems one has to look hard to find any sign of human decency. I doubt I am the only one who feels so beaten down when we still have five months of 2020 remaining. This past month, as I read the drafts Denver VOICE contributors wrote for the August issue, I felt ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR grounded again. The experiences or opinions shared in this issue will not make any of us feel “all better.” If anything, these articles may reinforce a sense of powerlessness and frustration. Instead, the stories reflect the ugliness so many in our community deal with daily. No, it isn’t pleasant, but it is real, and until the rest of us finally recognize and speak out against the existence of hate and intolerance, there will never be such a thing as liberty and justice for all. ■ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg ASHIRA CAMPBELL is a proud African American woman, activist and Denver native. She enjoys photography and is looking forward to her senior year of high school. ZEPHYR WILKINS is a Denver native interested in languages, travel, culture, food, history, politics, and the human experience. After teaching abroad for more than a decade, he’s grateful to be back teaching English in the Denver metro area. VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WRITERS Paula Bard Ashira Campbell Giles Clasen Robert Davis Dean Glorso Doug Hrdlicka Pete Simon Zephyr Wilkins WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @OCE EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • 303.539.7226 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 1600 Downing St., Ste. 230, Denver, CO 80218 With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open. New vendors must arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE August 2020 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US AUGUST CONTRIBUTORS VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: MONICA BY PAULA BARD “GOTTA HAVE SUPPORT.” “Yeah, I wanna work, having a hard time getting them to hire me anywhere. Walmart greeters, I’m overqualified, I’m like, really? Come on, I just want to work, that’s all. I’ve worked all my life! I’m on housing lists all over town, a bunch of different ones for four years. I raised five kids, mostly by myself. I single-parented a lot. I had two husbands, but they were not there a lot. One was an over-the-road truck driver, so gone a lot, and the other was in a working band, traveling, rehearsing. I had to grow up tough. I mean, moving every three and-a-half years is really tough on a kid. New people, new schools. That was really tough for me. I’m an Air Force brat. My dad had a bar here in Denver, I worked as a bartender and waitress. I’m an alcoholic, I’m trying really hard to quit drinking. It’s just slow, ya know. I’m doing really well. I’ve cut down so much it’s amazing. I still have the DTs, it hurts, it hurts your body, it hurts really bad sometimes. I had quite a few CREDIT: PAULA BARD Author’s Note: In the fall of 2015, just ahead of Colorado’s winter, Denver sent the full force of its police department and SWAT team to destroy five tiny homes that people “living without homes” had built north of downtown. Something in me snapped: Denver is behaving like a bully! Denver has more than 6,000 people without homes, and more than 3,000 trying to survive on its streets. It is an ugly business. In 2012, Denver passed an urban-camping ban making it illegal for the homeless to protect themselves with “any form of cover or protection from the elements other than clothing.” Violations can bring a $999 fine or a year in jail. I began walking those streets where the homeless are trying to survive, photographing the faces and collecting the stories of those my city has abandoned. So began OUR Streets – stories of Denver’s unhoused residents. sober years under my belt. It just, I don’t know, some reason or another, I fall back. I have friends that I can stay with now, friends that keep me safe. [My rape last year] was pretty traumatic. I don’t like to talk about it too much cuz it just makes my anxiety go way high. Gotta have support. My friends, we can talk about how we feel. We help each other out in this aspect. We’re empathetic, and we know what each of us is going through, so we help in whatever way we can. Make it easier on each other.” ■ HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. August 2020 DENVER VOICE 3

ASK A VENDOR The idea for this issue’s Ask a Vendor question came when Carolyn Tyler, communications director with the Denver DA’s office, approached the VOICE to discuss how the City can work with unhoused indiviuals who are victims of or witnesses to a crime. From the responses, it is clear we have an opportunity to improve communication between law enforcement and those experiencing homelessness. Q How did you pass the time during the COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place order? A JACOB MARSH I spent it risking my life to keep my family safe and housed. JERRY ROSEN I spent it selling old issues of the Denver VOICE. I did really well. I also did some volunteer work. NATHANIAL TROTTER Working on my art. LARMARQUES SMITH I spent my time in quarantine with 4 others at a hotel. We ate, talked about many things, and made different and deeper connections. I love to sing, so we sang songs, laughed, and cried. Q Where did you stay during this time? A JACOB MARSH The White Rock Motel. JERRY ROSEN I stayed at a shelter in Boulder, as well as a few other places. NATHANIAL TROTTER Home, at my apartment. LEMARQUES SMITH At the Belcaro Hotel on Colorado Blvd. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ASK? We would like to engage more Denver VOICE vendors and readers. If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. 4 DENVER VOICE August 2020 HOUSING POLICY SUMMARY FROM 2020 LEGISLATIVE SESSION BY ROBERT DAVIS AS HAS BEEN THE CASE with so many situations, this year’s legislative session was anything but ordinary. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Colorado’s Supreme Court ruled the six-week recess it granted to lawmakers would count against their 120-day schedule. When lawmakers returned to Denver on May 26, they planned to cover a $3.3 billion shortfall in the state’s budget. Meanwhile, protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis were taking place throughout the state. These issues resulted in 26 percent fewer bills passing compared to 2019. Lawmakers passed 13 out of 19 bills addressing housing issues while managing to negotiate only a one-percent cut in state spending on Human Services. EVICTION PROTECTION DURING COVID In May, Governor Jared Polis issued executive order D 2020-012 limiting evictions, foreclosures, and public utility LOCAL NEWS 2020 PIT COUNT SHOWS INCREASE IN HOMELESSNESS BY ROBERT DAVIS ACCORDING TO THE 2020 POINT IN TIME COUNT, 4171 people reported being homeless in Denver — an increase of 228 people from 2019. Volunteers with Metro Denver Homeless Initiative contacted members of the community during the last 10 days of January and distributed donations like new socks and other in-kind goods to encourage participation. The count revealed a significant decrease in the number of families experiencing homelessness. However, there were increases in chronic homelessness, those living unsheltered, and unaccompanied youth. Less than half of the community reported living in the city’s shelters. Outreach teams were only able to record 30 percent of the data even though MDHI’s said “this year’s volunteers focused more on connecting with those staying outdoors than in the past.” The remaining data was taken from the Homelessness System (HMIS), Management Information a disconnections for people who could not legally travel to work under the state’s stay-at-home order. Similarly, federal lawmakers in Washington passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act which provided private and public funding to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. The bill also protected renters in federally subsidized housing from eviction. According to the Denver County Court, the order cut filings of new eviction proceedings in the county by more than 80 percent. However, the order did not stop the proceedings filed before the order was issued, allowing thousands of cases to move forward. To help fund these measures, Gov. Polis signed two bills, federal database the Department of Housing and Urban Development uses to calculate emergency service grants funding for service providers. MDHI cautions readers against analyzing the count for trends because this is the first year it has used HMIS in its methodology. The report’s summary credited the unusually warm weather at the beginning of the year for the accuracy of its count of unsheltered and chronically homeless. Instead, the organization drew attention to the racial inequalities its volunteers reported. This year’s count revealed nearly 40 percent of Denver’s homeless population is non-white, with Black people representing 25 percent respectively. The representation of Black people increased by four percent in 2019, even though they make up about five percent of the city’s population. “The overrepresentation of people of color, specifically black and Native Americans, among those experiencing homelessness is critical to the response,” MDHI’s Executive Director Matt Meyer said in a press release. “Homelessness is an issue of race and must be approached through this lens.” ■ H.B. 1410 and H.B. 1412. These bills allocated $30 million from the CARES Act to the state’s general fund, $19.65 million to the Housing Development Grant Fund, $10 million to a cash fund which a nonprofit partner of the Colorado Energy Office uses to provide utility assistance to households, and another $350,000 to the Eviction Legal Defense Fund. HOUSING DISCRIMINATION Several bills addressing housing discrimination were passed as a growing number of Coloradans faced housing instability. H.B. 20-1332 prohibits landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants based solely on their source of income, including housing vouchers, student loan debt, or social security income. The law also prohibits landlords from advertising their properties with preferred sources of income. However, it does not apply to landlords who own three or fewer properties. Lawmakers also passed S.B. 20-244, known as the “Immigrant Tenant Protections Act,” which prohibits landlords from asking about or taking certain actions based on a tenant’s immigration or citizenship status. The bill applies to both prospective and current tenants and goes into effect in January 2021. However, lawmakers were not able to pass H.B. 20-1333, a bill that would have required homeowners’ associations in common interest communities (CIC) to do business more transparently. CICs include condominiums, apartments, and other housing types where residents are required to pay fees for common area maintenance. Rep. Brianna Titone (D-Jefferson) sponsored the bill and argued that CIC bylaws can restrict available housing options for people of color and members of the LGTBQ+ community. RENTERS PROTECTIONS Bills such as H.B. 20-1141 and S.B. 20-108 that aimed to reform Colorado’s landlord-tenant laws never made it out of committee. H.B. 1141 would have limited fees landlords can charge tenants and require rental contracts to contain a 14-days’ grace period tenants to pay their rent. S.B. 108 would have prohibited landlords from refusing housing to immigrants based on their legal status. The law went through the amendments process several times before the Business Affairs & Labor Committee postponed it indefinitely. However, lawmakers were able to pass H.B. 20-1201 which requires owners of mobile home parks to provide tenants an opportunity to purchase their home if the owner decides to sell the land or change its use. BASIC LIFE FUNCTIONS IN PUBLIC SPACES It’s been four years since Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Arapahoe) first introduced the homeless bill of rights legislation with former Rep. Joe Salazar (D-Adams). The bill would allow those experiencing homelessness to sleep in legally parked cars, eat in public, and reserve a reasonable right to privacy. Still, the legislature has yet to pass the bill. This year, Melton and Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams) cosponsored legislation aimed at creating LOCAL NEWS In 2019, the No on 300 campaign solicited over $2 million in donations from businesses like The National Association of Realtors, The Downtown Denver Partnership, and Denver’s tourism agency—Visit Denver—to defeat Initiative 300, also known as the Right to Survive. Initiative 300 (I300) would have given unhoused persons basic rights such as eating and sleeping in public and allow them to sleep in their cars if they are legally parked. Those who opposed I300 said the initiative didn’t go far enough to address the health and safety concerns of unhoused communities or of the communities that would share space with unhoused persons. “We love Denver and want our city to be a safe and supportive place for everyone. Allowing people to sleep outside in public places is not safe, healthy, or helpful for the people experiencing homelessness or our community,” Together Denver wrote on their website. CHRISTOPHER SAID HE PREFERS TO SLEEP IN A TENT TO A SHELTER BECAUSE HE HAS PRIVACY AND FEELS SAFER IN A TENT. HE SAID YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO GET SICK OR ATTACKED IN A SHELTER. HE ALSO SAID HE WOULD BE WILLING TO MOVE TO A CAMP SITE DESIGNATED BY THE CITY OF DENVER IF THEY SET IT UP CORRECTLY. HE DID NOT WANT TO MOVE TO A PLACE THAT FELT LIKE A PRISON. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN protections for those performing “life functions” on public property or occupying a legally parked car to sleep. H.B. 20-1233 defines life functions as eating, sleeping, sitting, standing, lying down, or sheltering in a nonobstructive manner. It would also require a peace officer or municipality to prove there is adequate shelter for its homeless population before either can remove a homeless person from public property. The bill never made it out of committee. ■ MAYOR HANCOCK ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR SAFE OUTDOOR SPACES BY ROBERT DAVIS HOMELESS PEOPLE IN DENVER breathed a sigh of relief when Mayor Michael Hancock announced his administration is working with the Colorado Village Collaborative to create a long-awaited temporary, safe outdoor space. And the Mayor seems eager to complete the project relatively soon. In July, he asked City Council to come up with a list of potential sites for the safe outdoor space. The Denver Coliseum has been shortlisted. “I’m hopeful we can provide a new pathway that leads to more stable housing options for people experiencing homelessness,” Mayor Hancock said in a press release. “At the same time, we can also address the public health and safety risks that the growing number of encampments in our city are posing to our neighborhoods.” The outdoor space will not include any permanent structures. Instead, it will be a neutral site where homeless people can rest and use the resources and services provided by the City and Colorado Village Collaborative. Some of the resources include mobile restrooms, hand washing stations, laundry services, and places to get clean water. Residents will receive daily wellness screens while mental health professionals and service workers provide hotel and housing referrals. “In moments of great crisis, great societies respond by centering the needs of their most vulnerable citizens,” said Cole Chandler, director of the Colorado Village Collaborative. “Our peer cities across the country have demonstrated that safe outdoor spaces provide a resource-rich environment for unhoused neighbors to safely survive the global pandemic while creating longer-term links to health care and housing.” Homeless service providers had initially pitched the safe outdoor space idea to Mayor Hancock’s team in April. But the administration dragged its feet until statewide COVID cases began to increase just before the 4th of July weekend. A LONG TIME COMIN’ While the safe outdoor spaces are not currently being considered as permanent solutions to the city’s homeless problem, they do represent a step that’s taken Denver over 16 years to make. “Safe outdoor sites, while vital in our immediate need, are not the final answer,” Denver Homeless Out Loud said in a press release. “Everyone deserves housing. As we create immediate options for people to survive in tents now, the City must be creating attainable housing for all.” In 2004, activists submitted the first tent city proposal to the Commission to End Homelessness. The 39-page report outlined several ways in which tent cities could benefit Denver’s unhoused population, including centralizing service delivery, providing sanitation and privacy, and allowing for self-help peer governance. “Tent cities are no alternative to expanding permanent low-cost housing or providing quality emergency support and shelter that might transition homeless people into independent housing. But the choice is not between a tent city and adequate permanent housing. The choice is between allowing a tent city and forcing people into inhumane living conditions without any kind of shelter at all,” the report reads. However, the tent city initiative was met with fierce criticism from The Denver Post, The Rocky Mountain News, and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, who said the plan “fails to address health, safety, sanitary issues and [the] causes of homelessness such as mental illness, substance abuse, job loss, and the lack of affordable housing.” Then, during the Occupy Denver protests in 2011, former John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael SUCCESS STORIES Meanwhile, other cities in Colorado have figured out how to put together successful safe outdoor spaces for their unhoused communities. In September 2019, Durango opened the Purple Cliffs camp, a 200-acre plot of county land allocated for the city’s unhoused community. The camp is located in an area where coronavirus has not spread very far and currently houses several unhoused persons living in La Plata County. County officials are working on moving the camp closer to town so residents can be nearer to essential services. And then about six hours north of that area, Pitkin County opened a camp in Aspen at Brush Creek after a local shelter shut down. Even though the county doesn’t see the camp as a permanent solution to homelessness, it provides residents with a place to abide by the state’s Shelter in Place and Safer in Place orders, according to Nan Sundeen, director of Pitkin County Human Services. “Given our extreme weather conditions up here, we knew we needed to act to get our homeless the help they need,” Sundeen told the Denver VOICE in an interview. She says Pitkin County has learned a lot from Durango’s camp, including the importance of being flexible as the camp evolves, and setting enforceable guidelines for campers. Residents at Brush Creek must adhere to quiet hours between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m., are not allowed to bring guests to the camp, and will be immediately evicted for violent acts of any kind. Campers are allowed to leave the camp at any time. Since the camp’s founding, county workers have had to turn away some unhoused individuals who travel up the I-70 corridor and recreational campers who want to visit the camp. Doing so helps save room and resources for Pitkin County’s unhoused residents, Sundeen said. The camp is managed by a trusted camp member and is regularly visited by volunteers for food delivery, mental health workers, and caseworkers who help those some members cope with living in a communal setting. County employees campers to discuss living conditions and whether also hold regular meetings with there is anything else the county can do to support the campers. Some volunteers from Aspen even built a small solar module for Governor Hancock, and former Attorney General John Struthers teamed up to disperse a tent city of protesters from the downtown area. Mayor Hancock said during a press conference at the time that the policy was about protecting the health and safety of the protesters. Health and safety are now synonyms for justification as Denver continues its practice of sweeping unhoused communities away from resources and voting down policies that seek to aid its most vulnerable residents. campers to be able to charge their phones and electronics. “We obviously don’t want to evict anyone from the camp because they don’t have another place to go. However, we define safe behavior very clearly because we want all of our campers to feel safe,” Sundeen said. Even though Sundeen describes the camp as being in the midst of a “What happens next?” phase, she says there is plenty that Denver can glean from Pitkin County’s experience. “If there is any advice I’d offer Denver, it’s this: be flexible and communicate with your residents. That’s the only way these campsites will work,” she said. ■ August 2020 DENVER VOICE 5

NATIONAL STORY MATTHEW BRADFORD. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATTHEW BRADFORD WHAT THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ABOUT LGBTQIA+ RIGHT TO WORK ACTUALLY REVEALS BY ZEPHYR WILKINS “SURREAL.” This was the most common response from members of our city’s beloved Denver Gay Men’s Chorus (DGMC) and Denver Women’s Chorus (DWC) in regards to the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court ruling on June 15 which protects LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination at work. The ruling was handed down as the nation grapples with a rising death toll from coronavirus, an unemployment rate climbing to Great Depression levels, and a president more intent on protecting statues of Confederate traitors from vandalism than protecting Black and Brown human beings from police brutality. Any type of “progress” under these circumstances would be jarring. Perhaps it is for this reason that most chorus members were thrown when they got the push notification on their phone that the decision had been made. “I was not even aware that the Supreme Court was considering, let alone going to issue, a ruling for any outstanding LGBT cases,” stated Matthew Bradford from the DGMC. TJ Kizuka, Bradford’s chorus compatriot, agreed. “For me, the ruling on marriage equality was such a huge day…I was with many of my LGBTQ+ friends at the time, so it really mentally struck me in a bigger way than this ruling. I think also there were less hard-hitting distractions in our nation at the time, so [the marriage equality ruling] was easier to follow.” But the jolting surprise of the ruling doesn’t affect their ability to understand its historical significance. “I would love that this — along with the Stonewall Riots, the Pulse Massacre, marriage equality, Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, and other notable LGBTQ+ moments — were included in textbooks and history lessons for America’s youth,” Kizuka said. Even if this doesn’t come to fruition, it will still have a profound effect on millions of lives because, like Bradford, who works in human resources, pointed out: companies across the U.S. will now be reviewing their existing policies and, in the process, may find they need to make adjustments in their employment practices. To be clear, this ruling does not require them to rewrite their policies by adding “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” to the policies they already have. Rather, the ruling states that LGBTQIA+ rights have been protected since 1964 when Title VII of the Civil Rights Act forbade employers from discrimination “because of [an employee’s] race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” Denver-born Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion on this case, argued that an “employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or the AIDS crisis, transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex.” Gorsuch gives an example. If an employer fires a man for loving a man but doesn’t fire a woman for loving a man, then the employer is discriminating against the male employee because of his sex; that is illegal. Thus, because the ruling indicated that the term “sex” in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act includes both gender identity and sexual orientation, companies will not have to rewrite their policies to include these terms. What, then, do HR departments across the U.S. need to focus on? Drawing on personal experience, Madison Kuebler of the DWC provided insight. Like many LGBTQIA+ people across the country, Kuebler “hid in plain sight.” As a result, she had to endure the pain when “employers [would] say hateful things about LGBTQIA+ folx in front of me.” She also felt guilt and shame from being “disingenuous” with her friends and colleagues out of fear of being fired. Situations where LGBTQIA+ people “come out” to employers and colleagues that say hateful things about them are a potential powder keg; if not handled properly, the result could be disastrous. As such, Bradford believes companies should review their approaches to employee retention, risk 6 DENVER VOICE August 2020 NATIONAL STORY them see that the LGBTQIA+ [people] in their workplace have been treated unfairly,” this is not the most likely outcome. “Often, when rights or protections are provided to marginalized groups, we do see backlash or failure to uphold the law,” Cruz-Teixeria said. It’s this kind of backlash that concerns Darin Stewart of DGMC. With more people coming out of the closet, more people also are becoming isolated by those they once thought were their friends; HR departments should consider this as they update their policies. Also, with a greater number of people coming out of the closet, comes a higher number of harassment cases; HR departments should be preparing for these, as well. Worst, with more people coming out of the closet, comes a greater risk of being murdered. It is not hyperbole to say that as visibility increases, so does the body count. “Transgender activists have spoken and written about the correlation between greater trans visibility and violence against trans women, particularly Black trans women and other trans women of color,” Stewart said. It is called a culture war for a reason. Anytime your identity is the focus of a culture war, it is more prone to being collateral. “Rights might bring inclusion but they don’t bring liberation,” said Stewart. Instead, Kuebler lamented, they “give a false sense of comfort in our country to those who aren’t marginalized.” The reason for this, Steward noted, is explained by trans LGBTQ ACTIVISTS AND SUPPORTERS HOLD A RALLY OUTSIDE THE U.S. SUPREME COURT AS IT HEARS ARGUMENTS IN A MAJOR LGBT RIGHTS CASE ON WHETHER A FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW THAT PROHIBITS WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX COVERS GAY AND TRANSGENDER EMPLOYEES IN WASHINGTON. CREDIT: REUTERS/JONATHAN ERNST mitigation, and discrimination whistle-blower protocols to ensure they comply with the June 15 ruling. They also should consider developing seminars to help their staff understand what anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination looks and sounds like so employees can rest assured they don’t inadvertently commit a reprimandable offense. Beyond this, establishing LGBTQIA+ affinity groups and revisiting healthcare options are also likely to be on the agenda of many HR departments in light of this ruling. Finally, some companies, like the one Denver Women’s Chorus member Natalya Cruz-Teixeira works for, are hiring diversity and inclusion officers to help navigate these potentially explosive situations. Regardless of the steps individual companies take, the Black Lives Matter protests highlight that the struggle for “equality” is not over based on a single law or court ruling. “Black lives have had full rights in this country for several decades, and yet, in practice, we see voting rights taken away, bias in the workplace, housing discrimination, [and] the simple right to live [violated],” Cruz-Teixeira said. LGBTQIA+ history reveals the same sad truth. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen circumventive behavior before from those who do not wish to see LGBT+ equality, á la Kim Davis of Kentucky, who blatantly defied her legal responsibilities of issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. So, while an employer may not explicitly fire someone for their affinity, they may invent creative ways to terminate employment,” Bradford said. Terwanda McMoore, a member of the DWC, can attest to this very thing happening. Although she did not lose her employment because of her sexual orientation, McMoore has been TERWANDA MCMOORE. PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE PAPROSKI “discriminated [against] in the past for being gay and butch.” This is despite Senate Bill 25, which was passed in 2007 and is supposed to protect her right to work. So, even though one can hope, like Kuebler, that this June 15 ruling will “put things into perspective for people and let scholar Dean Spade, who says the way we focus on “rights” prevents us from focusing on structures, and it is these structures that isolate and divide us. It’s the structures that need to be addressed to bring about full inclusion based on understanding and acceptance. But addressing structures is something that the June Supreme Court ruling fails to do. In fact, as Bradford pointed out, “While it’s a ruling in our [LGBTQIA+ person’s] favor, to be sure, it was because Title VII of the Civil Rights Act technically says ‘sex,’ not because such discrimination against humans with different affinities is wrong.” And that’s the crux of this ruling…it doesn’t advance the values that all are equal, that all deserve justice or even that employment is an essential aspect of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and thus needs to be open to everyone. No, this decision was made on the interpretation of a single word, not the bedrock of American values. Perhaps this is ultimately the reason why the ruling was so jarring and “surreal” — it pointed out the fragility of the “progress” that the LGBTQIA+ population has made, and which some, like Kizuka, “took for granted.” This time, in this particular case, a Trump-appointed judge was convinced that a single word protected the rights of millions of people. Next time there might not be such a word. It is for this reason, as Bradford observed, “We cannot become complacent. Our fight is not over until we can all enjoy the benefits and privileges of equality.” The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and the Denver Women’s Chorus, which have entertained audiences for 38 years, not only engage with educational programming, participate in community outreach events, and partner with advocacy groups, they also build community to continuously fan the through music flames of justice. By singing inspiring anthems that represent diverse and marginalized populations, chorus members remind themselves, each other, and the greater Denver community of the American values, and lives, at stake in the current culture war. To learn more, hear them sing, and get updates on upcoming events, visit denverchoruses.org. Sarah Gumina, with the Denver Women’s Chorus, contributed to this story. ■ August 2020 DENVER VOICE 7

LOCAL STORY BRIANNA TITONE’S COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP SHINES LIGHT ON WIDESPREAD DISCRIMINATION BY GILES CLASEN REPRESENTATIVE BRIANNA TITONE is in her first term in the Colorado General Assembly. Titone grew up in the Hudson Valley in New York. She lived all over the world working as a geologist before landing in Colorado for work. Titone is the first transgender individual elected to state office in Colorado. She represents State House District 27, a district that falls predominantly in Jefferson County. Historically, the county has been conservative but has become more moderate in recent years. Titone won her 2018 election by just 439 votes, all while finishing up a master’s degree in information and communications technology from the University of Denver. Nearly 50,000 total votes were cast. Titone was instrumental in getting H.B. 20-1307 passed in the latest legislative session. Called the “gay and transgender panic defense bill,” it prevents defendants from blaming their victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity as a justification for their violent acts. Here are excerpts from my conversation with Titone, edited for length and clarity: WHEN I WAS 16, I WAS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER, and I really got the sense of what it means to do service for your community. That mentality really stuck with me. When I was in college, I watched the attack on the World Trade Center. That was traumatic to me. That renewed my spirit to help stop bad things from happening to people and to help my community. I became interested in working for the FBI, but I was too young and inexperienced at that point. I decided to get my degrees, in science, and put some time into building professional experience. Eventually, I returned to the idea of working for the FBI. Unfortunately, I waited too long. I ended up getting too old to finish the process. The FBI ages you out at age 37. Once my 37th birthday rolled around, that was a turning point for me. If I was going to do something positive for the world — whatever that was — then I was going to have to find a different way to do it. After I got out of [the FBI selection process], I realized that I should look into myself. I should think about me for a little bit. I realized I was depriving myself of a lot of happiness because I wasn’t being my authentic self. Out of that, I ended up coming out as trans. BRIANNA TITONE. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN I didn’t really know a lot about trans people over my life because I grew up in a pre-internet childhood. The things I did see on TV were on talk shows like “The Phil Donahue Show” and Jerry Springer. And then, there were all of the jokes that permeated Hollywood for a long time. As much as I felt, as much as I wished I had grown up as a woman and not a man — that idea wasn’t available to me as a child. I didn’t know there was anything I could do about it. I didn’t have any role models or anyone to really look up to. Society kept saying [being trans] is not something that is going to be positive for you. There were so many negative perceptions on trans people that it wasn’t something I thought I could do. I thought that it would be a harder life and that it would make me into a joke. I continued my life mostly considering myself as a crossdresser because that was all that I was willing to consider for myself. I didn’t want to put myself in that category of being trans. I was afraid people would think of me — think that it is a terrible thing to be trans. I suppressed being myself for a long time. I hid it from everybody because of societal norms and the stigmas and stereotypes that trans people have to deal with, even still. It wasn’t until 2015 when I came out. Finally, I felt like there were enough resources around and people I could talk to. There were organizations that were supportive, that I never even knew existed before I got to Colorado. That is what really helped me figure things out for myself — to help me accept me for who I am. I was struggling with relationships before I came out. It was hard to find people that would accept me for who I was, even as a cross-dresser. I felt like nobody wanted me. I got people to tolerate me but never to go all-in on accepting who I wanted to express myself as. I could only be my true self behind closed doors. I didn’t go out and get to know a lot of people. I could only be myself at home. It was very eye-opening that there were people that wanted to be with me as myself. To find my wife, who really truly accepts me, is a blessing. I spent a lot of my life thinking no one would ever want me. When I came out, I found my true love. We got married in December of last year. That’s why turning 37 was such a turning point for me. If I was going to do something positive for the world, whatever that was, then I was going to have to find a different way to do it. The first thing I really realized was that I am now part of a community that is not accepted widely. I knew that it was something I could do something about. I knew I could stand up for people in this new community that I belong to. I started being an advocate first. I started working with One Colorado on some of the bills they were advocating for. Usually, you don’t set out to run for office, you have to be convinced. My race was such a sleeper. Everybody thought there was no way that I could win. Nobody really invested in it, paid attention to it. Even the Republicans didn’t fight me very much. They thought there was no way I was going to win. We did our own thing. We knocked on the doors. We had conversations with people. We made calls. We had events. We did everything you’re supposed to do to win an election, and my opponent didn’t do anything. It was kind of like “The Tortoise and the Hare.” We just kept trucking on, no matter what was thrown in our way. We beat the other side because they were napping. On election night I was losing. I was down a couple hundred votes. My opponent actually had a party for the win. But I wasn’t giving up because I knew there were a lot of votes that hadn’t come in. We chased after a lot of people at the last minute to hand in their ballots. We had a feeling [after election night] that we were going to end up more votes than the other side. It wasn’t until Thursday [two days after the election] before I had enough votes to not only get me up but also out of the need for a recount. It wasn’t official until Friday. I think a lot of people who voted for me before are on board again this year. And a lot of people are joining in who didn’t realize I am worthy of the job because of the hard work I put in. I set the bar really high. I worked extremely hard. I want to make sure nobody considers taking this position if they aren’t willing to do hard work, because that is what people will expect. I have been working to help lower housing costs for Jefferson County and all of Colorado. One of the bills I am proud of and think is a really meaningful piece of legislation is the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Bill, a bill that I sponsored. It creates a new tax credit that incentivizes builders to create affordable housing. It encourages builders to make apartments that are actually affordable. Builders don’t build housing that is affordable because it is not as profitable. This tax credit helps to fill in some of the 8 DENVER VOICE August 2020 LOCAL STORY costs associated with building affordable housing. This is not subsidized housing. Instead, the plan has an incentive and cost savings that they can build into the rent. Another bill I did last year covered rental application fees. It limited the amount a landlord could charge for a rental application. This is particularly useful for seniors or anyone looking for housing. Landlords were charging as much as $200 for an application fee. This bill limits the ability to turn a profit on applications. Housing is in very high demand, so if you had a unit available, you used to be able to take 10 or more applications, in some cases, turning a profit without renting the unit. Now, they have to take the application and rent the apartment more quickly or lose money, creating a fairer process to renters. I was also a cosponsor for the bill that allowed state workers to have collective bargaining rights. This bill was important to me because I grew up in a household that was a union household. Because of that, we had good health benefits, and my dad had a good retirement. He ended up having a good life and a good, stable family life because of the union. I believe there is a lot of benefit for workers to have collective bargaining and the strength of a union to support the needs of the people. The workers of Colorado are the backbone of our economy and what it has grown to be, so we want to make sure we are protecting workers and their families to ensure they’re not being taken advantage of. Representation really matters. It is especially critical now to have trans representation, with all of the attacks on the trans community. Having a diverse group of people with different experiences is always a benefit for any leadership body. The way the government legislates LGBTQ+ issues shapes everything for our community. The perspectives I bring can help shape how the Colorado government interacts with the LGBTQ+ community, and that shapes the way people see and perceive and interact with the community. The [gay panic or transgender panic defense bill] ended up dying in committee after we got back from the COVID recess. I was kind of shocked because the bill didn’t cost any money. There was really no reason we shouldn’t have passed it. I contacted a few of the members on the committee, and they said we are trying to cut costs down because of COVID. I said, “Have you been listening to what people have been saying outside our building?” This was right after the George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests were getting started. For me, as a trans person, I have really begun to understand that among the trans community, Black trans women are the most vulnerable. When they were saying Black Lives Matter, it made me think about what that bill does and how it’s important that we protect Black trans women. I wrote a letter to the Senate President and the House Majority Leader to see if there was the ability to bring that bill back. I wanted to bring this bill back because I believe it is a strong statement we could make to the people outside our building, that in addition to the police reform bill, this is a bill that can protect Black lives and, in particular, Black trans lives. We started in the Senate and got it through very quickly, and we only had one “no” vote in the entire assembly. What it really symbolizes is that we value LGBTQ+ people and, with this bill, in particular, trans and Black trans people. We now join 10 other states that have banned this practice. It is symbolic of how we stand with the LGBTQ+ community, that Colorado stands with the LGBTQ+ people. We won’t accept violence against this community. We’re not giving anyone a “get out of jail free” card to inflict violence on the gay and trans community anymore. ■ LIFTED EVICTION FREEZE EXPECTED TO INCREASE HOMELESS COUNT BY DOUG HRDLICKA BRIGGS HARLAN IS A RESIDENT NEAR CHEESEMAN PARK in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. When Harlan goes to the laundry and opens the washer, there is mold inside. When he checks for mail, the need for a key is moot because, like many other doors that stand as barriers, it is damaged. His apartment building has been broken into, mail has been stolen, and other tenants have witnessed lewd behavior and skulking figures. When COVID-19 struck, it took Harlan’s job prompting him to file an unemployment claim that would similarly go the way of the job, and after two months, disappear. In the third month, Harlan tapped into his savings to cover bills, depleting the finances he had saved. Harlan’s landlord offered a differed payment plan, allowing Harlan to miss one month’s rent, but splitting the rent over the following two months. However, going back to work meant taking a pay cut that equaled less than his total bills for the month. The eviction freeze set early in the shutdown has been lifted, and those who’ve defaulted on rent because of layoffs and furloughs, are now at risk of eviction. “I have enough family in the East I could rely on,” said Harlan. “For me, moving home is worst-case. I’m lucky enough that homelessness isn’t on the table, but without them, it would be.” The eviction moratorium began in late March with the idea of freezing all eviction claims and halting nonpayment and late payment fees. The freeze had been extended multiple times, eventually finding its finish on July 13, with concern from nonprofit groups that evictions will skyrocket. “We are doing everything we can to get Coloradans back to work, but this process is gradual and must take into account the evolving public health conditions,” read the latest update on the eviction moratorium provided by Gov. Polis. “Many Coloradans continue to experience a substantial loss of income as a result of business closures and layoffs, hindering their ability to keep up with their rent or mortgage payments through no fault of their own.” The COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project was formed in March as a resource for people who have endured eviction and homelessness as a result of COVID-19. They have been anticipating the day the moratorium ends. The defense project released a study projecting that evictions will escalate to nearly 700,000 by December. According to the study, In the nine weeks since the COVID-19 state of emergency declaration, more ore than 495,000 Coloradans have filed for unemployment insurance. In the coming months, many of these Colorado renters will run out of money, and when renters run out of money, they are at risk of eviction. The study also states that by September 2020. the accumulated renters’ debt will reach 765,000,000 dollars. Also noting that marginalized members of the communities being the most likely to be affected by the end of the moratorium. “Communities of color, undocumented residents, and lowincome workers will be especially vulnerable to evictions caused by the COVID-19 emergency,” the study says. The study predicts evictions will come in three waves, with the first having begun illegally and happening to the vulnerable and financially insecure, and finishing in early to mid-winter. Although the predictions of a bleak future in housing are looming for many people, the Colorado Apartment Association tells of eviction rates at a low of 3 percent of the normal 3000 that occur each month. But that 3 percent happened during the freeze, and people like Chris Gee, also a resident of Capitol Hill, has experienced such a fate after being laid off and unable to make rent. “I have not been evicted yet; although this will most likely happen in a few weeks. My landlord is unwilling to work with me regarding a payment plan or waiting for TRUA (Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance). I was never late on rent before,” said Gee. Gee has underlining health issues that put him at high risk, and he is waiting on unemployment to come in while he looks for work. His landlord, however, has been unwilling to accommodate. “He essentially stated that I should be able to figure out how DEMONSTRATORS SHOUT AND DISPLAY SIGNS OF PROTEST WHILE DRIVING OUTSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE DEMANDING THE CANCELATION OF RENT PAYMENTS, FOLLOWING MAYOR MURIEL BOWSER’S STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION DUE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN WASHINGTON. CREDIT: REUTERS/TOM BRENNER to and tried to probe into my finances. [He] told me, ‘where there’s a will there’s a way,’” said Gee. ■ August 2020 DENVER VOICE 9

LOCAL STORY CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD DÉJÀ VU BY PAULA BARD AS THE LOOMING TSUNAMI OF EVICTIONS hovers on our horizon, it is worth a glance in the rearview mirror. Our country survived a crisis of this scale less than a hundred years ago. The COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project estimates that 19 to 23 million, or one in five of the 110 million Americans who live in renter households, are at risk of eviction by September 30, 2020. Looking back, our history offers us an abundance of creative, resourceful models for weathering the current crisis. In the depths of the Great Depression, due to his woefully inadequate response to the country’s economic collapse, President Herbert Hoover was voted out of office. Franklin Roosevelt was voted into office in 1933. Millions had lost their homes and savings; one in four Americans was unemployed. Almost half of the banks had failed, and industrial production had plummeted by half. Bread lines and soup kitchens had sprung up across America’s cities. Farmers couldn’t harvest their crops, and had to leave their crops to rot in the fields while people went hungry. Thirteen million people were displaced during the Great Depression. Many drifted to shantytowns called “Hoovervilles,” named for President Herbert Hoover. Thousands lived along California highways, and Dust Bowl migrants were stopped at “bum blockades.” In Oakland, Pipe City, called Miseryville, 200 men lived in sections of unused sewer pipes. Thousands of homeless resided in New York City’s Central Park. Denver’s own shantytown, called Petertown, offered a marginal, cobbled-together home to many of the newly destitute in the Platte Valley. CREDIT: PAULA BARD The Civilian Conservation Corps, authorized by Congress in 1933, became one of the most popular and successful programs of Roosevelt’s New Deal. Young men (but not women) were able to sign on for six months and receive free housing, meals, health care, clothing, vocational high school, and training in trades. They were paid $30 a month; $25 of which was sent home to their impoverished families. Over nine years, almost three million men across the country worked with the CCC. From 1933 through 1942, 57,944 Coloradans joined 170 camps, living up to their motto: “Save the Soil, Save the Forests, Save the Young Men.” (Denver Post, 1958.) They lived in barracks and tents around the state. They built structures (1,278) in state and national parks, planted trees (21,848,085!), ridded farms of grasshoppers, rescued children, fortified highways and trails, and fought fires. (Robert W. Audretsch, Civilian Conservation Corps in Colorado.) Eight hundred U.S. parks display the vast legacy left by the CCC, with roads, bridges, visitor centers, water systems, CREDIT: PAULA BARD picnic areas, lodges, campgrounds, cabins, bathhouses, trails, lookouts, shelters, and comfort stations. These CCC structures still grace many of our parks here in Colorado. One of those is Red Rocks amphitheater, a local gem and one of the most ambitious and beloved in the state. Eighty years later, it would be hard to find a citizen anywhere on the front range who doesn’t fondly remember a concert or sunrise service at Red Rocks. As our current crisis grinds on, looking back can offer hope and creative solutions. We’ve been here before. ■ Update: On July 17, 2020, Governor Polis announced that the state of Colorado is budgeting $20 million in emergency rental and mortgage assistance for those whose housing has been impacted by the pandemic. Called the Property Owner Preservation Program, the funding comes from the federal CARES act targeting financial hardship. It must be spent by the end of the year. But, according to the Department of Local affairs, there is money available beyond this if it proves insufficient for local needs. Author’s Note: Thank you to the helpful people at Denver Public Library for their assistance with this article — especially Coi E. DrummondGehrig, manager, digital image sales & research, and Alejandro Alex Hernandez, research librarian. Sources: • Trials and Triumphs, A Colorado Portrait of the Great Depression by Stephen J. Leonard • America’s Parks: Cultural Landscapes of the New Deal by Susan Ives – livingnewdeal.org 10 DENVER VOICE August 2020 IN YOUR OWN WORDS WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from workshops sponsored by Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. This workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Contact the Lighthouse Writers Workshop for details about virtual Hard Times writing workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times The Lighthouse sponsored workshop at The Gathering Place is specifically for that organization’s clients. To check out more writing by the poets featured in this column, go to writedenver.org. D. GLORSO MIRACULOUS PETE SIMON ODE TO PEGGY LEE An old song “Catch a falling star And put it in your pocket Save it for a rainy day” These days song lyric May never occur to children To be absurd But why should miraculous Be discounted as we age? There is a reason Only the good die young Could it be the innocent Are keepers of miracles? While the so called realists Look to science for fact As the young Glide through the day With smiles In a make believe world Understanding the only need Marvel like a comic book Used as bibles by some Casting blame on evil Or admiring gods As the reason for all good The creator of the universe Or in fact the architect Or map maker needed To align existing stones In the voids of space According to some master plan Devised by children gone Free to think and believe Mystically No preconceived notions Is there a reason The good die young? Their minds are free From old philosophies As to how the universe is organized Wrap your minds around them Breathe in the miraculous The pure of heart The young a universal Breath of life There’s interference in the ionosphere; my receiver picking up lottsa static. No stimulus check in the U.S. Mail, poor folks singing a new verse of no breaks to be had; their numbers multiplyin like ain’t nothin else under the sun, yet stock market bells keep ding dongin along; this ain’t no time to get high, but that’s all there is Peggy Lee. PRESENTED BY: August 2020 DENVER VOICE 11

VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY When you are the only African American student in the class, other students expect you to speak up on behalf of all African American’s and their experience. It is an overwhelming weight to carry. It’s not my responsibility to educate my peers. I am there to learn, just like everyone else. The staff needs to be better prepared and ready to talk about racial issues in Colorado high schools. “I do not feel like [teacher’s adequately address race] because race is such a sensitive topic,” Johnson said. “It is definitely a hard conversation to have but they do not have any conversations about it.” If teachers better equipped white students to empathize with the African American experience then students could google on their own, watch youtube videos and learn to be a white ally to People of Color. The problem becomes bigger when the issue isn’t racial history but racist behavior. The worst is when the Hard R starts being thrown around. ASHIRA CAMPBELL. CREDIT: PORSHAI CAMPBELL BLACK STUDENT IN A WHITE SCHOOL BY ASHIRA CAMPBELL AS AN AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT at a predominately white high school, you have to break the stereotype. The stereotype is that we African American students are loud, “ghetto,” and don’t belong with high-achieving students. These stereotypes aren’t true — but it is how I feel perceived at DSST Byers, a charter high school within the Denver Public School district, where 12 percent of the student body is black, while 48 percent is white. Many African American students participate in something called “code switching.” Some think code switching happens when an outsider acts within the norms of a dominant group to fit in and be accepted. Truly, code switching for us is trying to survive a white world. “I feel that code switching is something that you have to do honestly because you don’t want to seem too ghetto. I can’t talk a certain way, say certain words or else I live up to the Black stereotype,” Aariyah Johnson said. Johnson is a senior and African American student attending Eagle Crest High school in the Cherry Creek School District. Eaglecrest has a 51 percent white student population and a 14 percent African American student population. Johnson’s experience isn’t unique. Code switching may not seem like the biggest deal for an African American student, but it is part of an overall system that limits the success of African American students. “I feel I have to change who I am to be viewed as capable of succeeding,” said Taylor Harkley, an incoming freshman to the US Air Force Academy and 2020 graduate of Doherty High School in Colorado Springs. Doherty High School’s student population is 57 percent white, a higher percentage of white students than the Colorado average, with only 8 percent of the student population being Black. “I feel like most of the classes I take are based off of rigor, and all of my classes are predominantly white,” Harkley said. “I get certain looks, and I’m being perceived a certain way. I’m being stereotyped before you walk through the door. It’s not the most positive feeling. I do struggle with the need to prove them wrong.” The myth that an African American student isn’t capable of high achievement is still present in our Colorado schools. “I’m a student that takes AP classes, and it’s a majority of white students in those classes, Johnson said. “It is frowned upon for African American students to take AP classes. You don’t see us in those classes. I would receive comments [from teachers] like ‘Are you sure you want to do that?’ and ‘What about another class?’” The negative expectations conveyed on African American students leads to less participation in class discussions. This can limit our learning experience compared to white students. It makes us feel unwelcome in our classrooms. “In class I usually behave maturely. The way I act, compared to Caucasians, there are different kinds of consequences and outcomes. If I get an answer wrong, it looks like everyone is looking at me. I will stay quiet for the rest of class,” said Nya Johnson an incoming sophomore to Eaglecrest High School, and Aariyah’s sister. The expectation that African American students must code switch to have equal footing also creates a double standard. It means we Black students can’t be ourselves. Harkley said she frequently hears, “You’re the whitest Black person I know.” She is told other students are blacker than she is, or worse, that her behavior or the way she talks means she isn’t even African American. I have had similar experiences. The only time it feels it is acceptable to be African American in my high school is when we cover “Black History.” Unfortunately, the only time African American history is brought up is during slavery. Sadly, the history of other People of Color in the United States is completely ignored. To read a Colorado high school history book is to learn that this country was built by white men — period. 12 DENVER VOICE August 2020 The Hard R is when someone uses the N-word with the intent to hurt or cut others. It is when the N-Word is used as a weapon. Honestly, the Hard R is anytime a person of nonAfrican descent uses the N-word. The Hard R is a reminder that African Americans were once property, and to some people we still are. “This past school year there were racist things written on the bathroom stalls,” Aariyah Johnson said. “All [the administration] did was cover them with paint. They did not look for who did it. The N word with the hard R was written and curse words and a lot of negative things.” Harkley said she had experienced a student aiming the Hard R directly at her during a class. A white male student turned to her during an English class and called her the N-word. She told her teacher, and to her knowledge, there were no consequences for the white male student. Instead, she found a note on her desk with just one word, “Rat.” “My school does not address racism in an appropriate way,” Harkley said. “And in most cases, it’s not addressed at all” This is one of the problems of being a Black student in a predominately white school. Aariyah Johnson said she often doesn’t report racist comments from her classmates because in her experience, the school administration doesn’t punish the offending students. Worse is when teachers use racist language in reference to African American students. “I had a field trip with some classmates. We were going to a college and a teacher had said to us, ‘Make sure that you guys don’t dress like thugs,’” Aariyah Johnson said. The word “thug” has become, over time, a word used primarily to describe African American individuals. It is used as a replacement for the N-word. You don’t use the word thug to describe an individual with blonde hair and white skin. You don’t call white officers in blue uniforms thugs when they hurt or kill African Americans. You call them heroes and protectors. That is the problem. We live in a world where perceptions, developed early in life, influence the way we see one another for the rest of our lives. It can be very difficult to overcome these barriers once they are established in an individual’s mind. Those barriers are built by our predominantly white Colorado schools. That is why the experience of the African American student must be understood. More importantly, why it must be changed. We may be students now, but we will grow up and have an impact on the world. I want to grow up in a world where my experience as an African American student is different than the life I will have as an African American adult. Right now, that is not true. ■ EVENTS ONLINE WRITING WORKSHOPS Have you been wanting to sharpen your writing skills and/or engage with a community of fellow writers? Now is your chance! Choose from topics such as Writing 101, Introduction to Poetry, Writing and Personal Transformation, Intro to Writing The Personal Narrative and Memoir, and more. DATE: Various dates throughout August COST: Prices vary MORE INFO: Lighthouse Writers Workshop – lighthousewriters.org COURTESY OF DEAR DENVER DEARDENVER.NET PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, with Dear Denver.net, for coming up with some great ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 GOLDEN TRIANGLE FARMERS MARKET Don your favorite mask and shop a variety of local vendors offering baked goods, flowers, teas, tinctures, kombucha, and ice cream. DATE: Aug 2, Aug 9, and Aug 16, 23, 30 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. COST: Free entry MORE INFO: 1115 Acoma St. – goldentrianglefm.com ACROSS FIRESIDE AT FIVE Log in for a free, virtual happy hour discussion about local and global issues with different organizations each week. This week’s topic is A Coalition for What’s Next - Where to Go from Here with Legislation and Governmental Support. DATE: Aug 4, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. COST: Free but you must register online MORE INFO: Fireside at Five – firesideatfive.com/upcoming-firesides 1. Darjeeling and oolong 5. “Ugh!” 9. What icicles do 13. Cupid’s projectile 15. Gas, e.g. (Abbr.) 16. Attorney General Janet 17. Dickens’s ___ Heep 18. Former New York City mayor Giuliani 19. Load to bear 20. Cowardice 23. Astern 25. Caribbean, e.g. 26. Little one 27. The last one left is in Bend 31. Yoga position 32. Spanish Cubist 36. Christmas season 37. Shakespearean lament 39. Arctic native 41. Overnight flights 43. Lockboxes 44. Project leaders 47. “The ___ a bucket of ashes”: Sandburg 51. Delivery vehicle 52. Sylvester, to Tweety 53. It may help with a lisp 57. A chip, maybe 58. Flatten, in a way 59. November birthstone 62. Ponce de ___ 63. Throw, as dice 64. Accused’s need 65. A bunch of 66. Vortex 67. Become unhinged DOWN 1. Letter after sigma 2. Be mistaken 3. Plato’s pupil 4. Daytime TV offering 5. Chest of drawers 6. “Being Mortal” author ___ Gawande 7. Carnival attraction 8. Insignificant bit 9. Go on and on 10. Extend, as a subscription 11. Occupied, as a bathroom stall 12. Sheriff’s group 14. Egg beaters 21. Colo. neighbor 22. Word repeated after “Que,” in song 23. With skill 24. Bread ingredient 28. Gave a signal on stage 29. Involuntary twitch MIXED TASTE: AT HOME Get your culture on at home, for free. Mixed Taste: At Home is where even the most mismatched subjects find common ground in an interactive lecture series that can go pretty much anywhere. Each evening will conclude with an original poem inspired by the topics and performed by a local poet. DATE: Aug 5, Aug 12, and Aug 19, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. COST: Free but you must register online MORE INFO: MCA Denver – mcadenver.org 30. ___-tac-toe 33. Croat, e.g. 34. Diaper fastener 35. “The Phantom of the ___” 37. Scottish cattle breed 38. Floral necklace 40. “Hey, over here!” 42. Sweeping story 43. Beethoven’s “Moonlight ___” 45. In a balanced manner 46. Feb. follower 47. Hymn 48. Breathing problem 49. Attack 50. Itsy-bitsy 54. Walked (on) 55. Grasp 56. DC bigwigs 60. Legal org. 61. Nada OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES Come join Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse as they host a summer of cult classics, paired with themed nibbles and drinks. Attendees must bring their own chair or blanket; please refer to their Facebook page for additional social distancing requirements. DATE: Aug 13 (This is Spinal Tap) and Aug 27 (The Big Lebowski), set-up at 8 p.m., screenings at dusk COST: $5 entry; proceeds go towards Big City Mountaineers. Advanced tickets are required. MORE INFO: Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse – facebook.com/Irontondistillery August 2020 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

DONORS DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ Denver Foundation The NextFifty Initiative Help Colorado Now $10,000+ John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund Kenneth King Foundation Max & Elaine Appel $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Community Foundation of Boulder County Jerry Conover Meek-Cuneo Family Fund $1,000-$4,999 Josh Kauer Bright Funds Network for Good Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Arc Thrift Stores Jeremy Anderson City Side Remodeling Matthew Rezek Schuster Family Foundation Russell Peterson PEN America Craig & Teresa Solomon Jim Ashe Wynkoop Brewery George Lichter Family Foundation Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Kauer Construction & Design Gaetanos Restaurant Patrick & Jan Rutty Conover/Wonder Family Fund Gaelina Tesfaye Donald Weaver Phoenix Capital $500-$999 Comedy Works Michelle Stapleton & James Thompson Michael Dino Christine Muldoon and Pete Iannuzzi Jill Haug Caring Connection Alistair Davidson Paul Manoogian Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop, Inc. Keyrenter Property Management Denver Gaspar Terrana Travis & Margaret Ramp Elizabeth A. Mitchell Stephen Saul Leigh Bingham and Chris Forgham James Stegman William Thorland Betty & Warren Kuehner Zephyr Wilkins Celestina Pacheco ACM LLP Cuneo Law Firm Paul Hoffman Jim and Nancy Thomas Peggy Mihelich Susan B. Jonesa 14 DENVER VOICE August 2020 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page add in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper RESOURCES RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs TRINITY UNITED METHODIST 1820 Broadway, meals served Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 trinityumc.org URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org August 2020 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,400 people experiencing homelessness. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE “SOLIDARITY, NOT CHARITY” AS THE PANDEMIC BEGAN ROLLING THROUGH THROUGH DENVER, A GROUP OF FRIENDS FOUND A WAY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR COMMUNITY. PAGES 8-9 DENVER COURTS UNFAIR TO BLACK PEOPLE STUDY FINDS DENVER’S MUNICIPAL COURT SYSTEM POSES STRICTER SENTENCES ON BLACK PEOPLE COMPARED TO OTHERS WHO COMMIT THE SAME CRIME. PAGE 4 THE PROBLEM ISN’T POVERTY RYAN TAYLOR WITH NETWORK COFFEE HOUSE TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AS A STARTING POINT TO ACHIEVE SOCIAL JUSTICE. PAGE 6 THE HIDDEN IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS SOME OF THE MOST MARGINALIZED PEOPLE IN THE UK ARE OFTEN LEFT OUT OF RESEARCH AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS. PAGE 12 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 11, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Vol.25 Issue 9 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: PAULA BARD

EDITOR’S NOTE OVER THE PAST MONTH, I’ve spoken to countless people, who seem to be at a breaking point. Thrown into a tumultuous election cycle and a season of countless hurricanes, wildfires, a global pandemic, and a massive loss of jobs and income, it’s no wonder a cloud of malaise seems to be hanging over so many of us. While our individual challenges ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR may be numerous, those who have a steady income and stable housing are in much better shape than people, whose best option is to live in a tent somewhere on the streets of Denver (even if they have to move the tent and any personal belongings, whenever the city conducts its sweeps). It won’t be long before we see a dramatic increase of families that have been evicted or are facing eviction, which means, it’s only a matter of time until we see more people standing on street corners with signs requesting “a little help,” longer lines waiting to get into the local shelters, and more encampments scattered around the city. With so many job losses and so much uncertainty, any one of us could find ourselves in financial distress and facing homelessness. This chaotic world is difficult for everyone, but for some, it is even worse. So, as we witness an influx of unhoused individuals, rather than click our tongues or turn our noses at those less fortunate, now is an opportunity to show our humanity, be humbler, kinder, and demonstrate more compassion. After all, isn’t that what we would want if we were the ones holding up the signs or looking for somewhere to sleep? ■ SEPTEMBER CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @OCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes. VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Kate Marshall Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WRITERS Brian Augustine Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis Doug Hrdlicka Raelene Johnson Myra Nagy Jerry Rosen WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. Rachel Sulzbach Nathanial Trotter Rodney Woolfolk Howard Zaremba BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 1600 Downing St., Ste. 230, Denver, CO 80218 With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open. New vendors must arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE September 2020 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: DJ BY PAULA BARD A FOURTH-GENERATION COLORADAN, DJ, lived briefly at Resurrection Village, the tent city north of downtown. “Suddenly, I had the blind light of reality smack me upside the head. I walked out of CU in 1997 with a piece of paper, English Lit, $38,000 in debt, and I went, ‘Well, what do I do now?’ And, yes, I knew there wasn’t going to be a job waiting for me at the end. I wasn’t able to get employment; wasn’t able to get the student loan thing settled down.” “I still have that debt, can’t get a telephone, can’t get anything that’s got any sort of credit required. It’s been so long now, I have no idea what it would be like to go purchase something, get a telephone, an apartment, you know. These are all tied in. They look at that background check, do a credit report to rent you an apartment. “Spent a couple of years down at Denver Health as a prep cook. Staying in a hotel was affordable back then. Now, 90 percent of my income is spent on rent. Or I sleep outside, what’s the choice?” ■ CREDIT: PAULA BARD Author’s Note: In the fall of 2015, just ahead of Colorado’s winter, Denver sent the full force of its police department and SWAT team to destroy five tiny homes that people “living without homes” had built north of downtown. Something in me snapped: Denver is behaving like a bully! Denver has more than 6,000 people without homes, and more than 3,000 trying to survive on its streets. It is an ugly business. In 2012, Denver passed an urban-camping ban making it illegal for the homeless to protect themselves with “any form of cover or protection from the elements other than clothing.” Violations can bring a $999 fine or a year in jail. I began walking those streets where the homeless are trying to survive, photographing the faces and collecting the stories of those my city has abandoned. So began OUR Streets – stories of Denver’s unhoused residents. HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. September 2020 DENVER VOICE 3

LOCAL NEWS ASK A VENDOR Q Did the shutdown/shelterin-place period affect your life in any way? A BRIAN AUGUSTINE The shutdown made me realize how much I enjoy my job. Going from 300 or 400 smiling faces a day to just mine was hard on my psyche. Shopping was not too hard, but missing my “King Soopers family,” hurt a lot. RAELENE JOHNSON I have to stay home because I have COPD. I haven’t been able to work much because I’m scared of getting the coronavirus. I’m grateful that I live on 25 acres of land. That has helped me not to be so lonely. I get to take my dogs on long walks. Life is getting better for me because my daughter, grandson, and son have moved to Colorado. I don’t feel so lonely anymore! (I’m a very social person.) JERRY ROSEN The shutdown did affect me in some ways. Public transportation wasn’t too efficient. The bus started quite late. [Because the April and May issues of the paper were not printed,] I sold older issues, and even though they were old issues, I did quite well. NATHANIAL TROTTER Not going to work was a big change; however, I worked on my art a lot. I bought more food that I would not have gotten otherwise. I bought a water purifier, as well. RODNEY WOOLFOLK Yes, I spent it at home. I picked up a little of this or that at stores. RACHEL SULZBACH My husband lost his job. Now we stay in motels. TEMPORARY SAFE OUTDOOR SPACE DELAYED, DDPHE ANNOUNCES BY ROBERT DAVIS HOMELESS PEOPLE IN DENVER will have to wait until at least September before the city’s temporary safe outdoor space will open, Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) announced. The Denver Coliseum is no longer being considered as a location following a contentious public comment session before Denver City Council, where neighborhood residents voiced concerns about encampments taking over their streets and parks, and about the overall health and safety of their potential homeless neighbors. During the meeting, Councilwoman Debora Ortega shared a statement from the Globeville Elyria-Swansea neighborhood against the use of the Coliseum as an outdoor space. “We oppose placing the outdoor tent city in our neighborhood because once again, the community was excluded from the decision-making process,” the statement said. The neighborhood is also grappling with noise pollution from the I-70 expansion project and is home to an EPA Brownfield. DDPHE says they hope to open at least three sites initially, with about 60 people allowed in each site. 9News reported that other locations being considered include Riverside Baptist Church, Landry’s Aquarium, and the Coors Field parking lot. Meanwhile, the city continues its practice of sweeping homeless camps. Two major camps—Lincoln Street and Morey Middle School—were dispersed on consecutive days. Despite protests and intervention from community members and some elected officials, several other camps were swept throughout August. In late July, Denver School Board member Tay Anderson was struck in the head by a police officer during one of the protests. He was later hospitalized for a concussion. ■ STUDY FINDS DENVER MUNICIPAL COURT OVERWHELMED WITH HOMELESS CASES, PUNISHES BLACK PEOPLE MORE SEVERELY BY ROBERT DAVIS A STUDY CONDUCTED by Denver’s Office of the Municipal Public Defender (OMPD) found the city’s municipal court system is overwhelmed with homeless cases and imposes stricter sentences on Black people compared to non-Black individuals who commit the same crime. Alice Norman, the city’s chief public defender, and attorney Nathaniel Baca, presented the findings to the Denver City Council during a Safety, Education & Homelessness Committee meeting. OMPD’s team oversaw more than 10,000 cases from 2018 WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ASK? We would like to engage more Denver VOICE vendors and readers. If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. 4 DENVER VOICE September 2020 to 2019, but was only able to dig deep into 65 percent of the cases because the remaining were still active. Their goal was to better understand the population living in Denver’s jails to determine how the city’s court system can better serve them. Three notable conclusions stood out in the report. First, a majority of cases the court hears involve people experiencing homelessness. Second, the court’s procedural requirements potentially deprive people of their Sixth Amendment rights.* Further, according to the report, Black people are overrepresented in the overall population of those arrested. Homeless people primarily enter Denver’s municipal court system in three ways: park violations, trespassing, or being drunk in public. In all, 38 percent of cases heard by the court involve people experiencing homelessness. “What these people are experiencing is essentially a revolving door, where they are let out and wind up coming back a few weeks or months later on another trespassing case. Meanwhile, their situation is slowly deteriorating,” Baca said Inside, the court’s operational procedures are misaligned with the needs of the people it serves and potentially strip individuals of their Sixth Amendment rights. The study found that 57 percent of arrestees either don’t or can’t pay Denver’s $25 fee to apply for public defender representation within the 21-day requirement and subsequently risk their right to a jury trial. Cases sent to a judge are dismissed more than 69 percent of the time, while only two percent go to trial. Compared to the statewide system, the city’s probation department doesn’t provide much support for those released on probation, either. Almost half of those released end up incarcerated, compared to the statewide rate of 35 percent. One factor driving Denver’s recidivism rate is that the city struggles to get people to appear for court dates. Sixty-eight percent of people miss their court date, and more than 1,200 of the sampled cases had active warrants for arrest. These factors contributed to OMPD’s conclusion that Black people are treated differently by Denver’s municipal court system, which results in higher incarceration rates than non-Black individuals convicted of the same crimes. During the meeting, councilmembers audibly gasped when OMPD presented the fact that Black people make up nearly 30 percent of the municipal jail population and 28 percent of the state’s homeless population while accounting for just under 10 percent of the state’s population. Black people who face charges of interference or resisting arrest are sentenced to jail in 75 percent of cases. Non-Black individuals receive jail sentences 43 percent of the time. Norman recommended several solutions, including reconsidering what role police play, how they should be funded, and finding ways to keep homeless people out of the court system. “How are the police supposed to be enforcers, mediators, therapists, social workers, case managers, and mental health experts, all in one?” she asked. Norman also mentioned how OMPD could be used to stop the revolving door for Denver’s homeless and connect them with services such as mental health counseling, empowerment, or to the Department of Human Services. Both solutions could reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for homeless people in the court system. According to the American Bar Association, homeless individuals can receive credit for time served by participating in program activities such as AA/NA meetings, training programs, or by seeking employment and counseling. “We want to be the front door to procedural justice,” Norman said. “The people who need these services are homeless, indigent, or mentally-challenged, and they are already in our office.” ■ *The Sixth Amendment guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to a lawyer, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to know who the defendant’s accusers are, and the nature of the charges and evidence against the defendant. LOCAL NEWS WHERE COLORADO’S CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES STAND ON HOUSING ISSUES BY ROBERT DAVIS IF THERE IS ONE THING 2020 HAS PROVEN, it’s that fair housing legislation is essential to public health. Currently, more than 30 people are vying to represent one of Colorado’s seven congressional districts after the general election on November 3. In the Senate race, former governor, John Hickenlooper, and his opponent, incumbent Cory Gardner, are currently joined by six other contenders, according to the Secretary of State’s office. Each candidate has an opportunity to influence housing policy, an issue that the Denver VOICE cares about deeply. To help our readers understand where each candidate stands on this issue, we asked them each three questions: • What will you do during your time in office to support unhoused people in Colorado? • Do you support rental/mortgage assistance programs and other programs that help homeless people find temporary indoor shelter during the pandemic? Why or why not? • Why should individuals experiencing homelessness in Denver vote for you? These are their responses: SENATE JOHN HICKENLOOPER (D): “Our nation’s homelessness crisis is a tragedy — and at a time when the Senate should be working around the clock to pass rental assistance and extending the eviction moratorium, they took a two-week vacation. In the Senate, I’ll fight to expand affordable housing, drive down costs, and support Section 8.” HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IKE MCCORKLE (D; CD-4): “In Congress, I will address the affordable housing crisis by increasing funding for the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund and expanding Housing Choice initiatives. Amongst the many other fair housing policies that must be expanded, I support rental and mortgage assistance legislation and federal eviction moratoria because every Coloradan has the right to economic security — and that includes a safe roof over their heads. Colorado’s homeless are just one of the many groups neglected by establishment politicians. I am ready to serve those who need representation most.” JILLIAN FREELAND (D; CD-5): “We have to address the root causes of housing insecurity; low wages and inflated housing costs. A lack of access to mental healthcare and addiction treatment also leaves people vulnerable to losing their housing. Legislation must address these underlying issues immediately through increased federal minimum wage, caps on rental rates, and complete access to medical services. For folks who are currently unhoused, we must reduce our dependence on shelters; they only solve the problem of where to sleep for one night. I will explore solutions such as distributed subsidized housing, tiny homes, and residential therapeutic communities to ensure that everyone has access to services that help people achieve independence and live with dignity. The Trump administration failed to take adequate action to prevent the disease from spreading; as a result, millions DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOROFTHEYEAR The Vendor of the Year recipient will receive a cash award of $100. Additionally, the winning vendor will be honored by the Denver VOICE community at our virtual Pints Fighting Poverty event in November. VOTE FOR OUR VENDOR OF THE YEAR! Now that the Denver VOICE is back in print, and more importantly, that most of our vendors have returned, we will resume our vendor profiles in the October issue. For now, we would like your help in nominating the Denver VOICE Vendor of the Year. Cast your vote today! of people lost their jobs. We have a moral obligation to protect them from losing their homes. I support rental and mortgage assistance as well as eviction moratoriums. Every single person deserves to have real representation in their government. The sad fact is that the Trump administration has prioritized businesses, not people, and it has left a lot of people without the resources they need to live with dignity. I will fight to guarantee access to the healthcare, education, and support services that give people the tools we need to THRIVE, not simply survive.” JAIMIE LYNN KULIKOWSKI (D; CD-6): “Rather than tell you what I will do, I am going to tell you what I have done and am currently doing to support unhoused people in Colorado. While dancing at a studio in Five Points, I befriended a homeless man who played the drums there. He was where he was being unhoused. I was where I was being housed. We never made that our focal point of conversation. It wasn’t the main part of his identity. My point is that I understand being unhoused is deeply personal and only represents a fraction of who you are as a whole. I also understand your experience transitioning from unhoused to housed will come from your own fortitude, not from anyone else’s charity or political agenda. In addition to befriending homeless people, I also speak up to state leaders regarding their treatment of them. Here is part of a message I sent Mayor Michael Hancock on April 27, 2020, regarding his order to displace the unhoused: “The unhoused don’t have traditional homes, but wherever they are is where their home is. They need to stay at home just like you have ordered everyone else to do. Everyone knows that forced migration of large groups of people increases risk of illness. We are already in a dangerous pandemic, or so all senior leaders say. Forcing Denver’s unhoused to move will endanger their lives as well as the lives of the people living in the community they get moved to. Don’t do this.” CASPER STOCKHAM (CD-7): “For over 10 months, while running for Congress in Congressional District 7, I studied the homeless problem extensively. We fed and provided clothes to the homeless. We also conducted tours of many of the homeless locations in the Denver area. The directors of the shelters all said their number one problem in helping more homeless people was government intervention. One director told me he could help an additional 100 families that same day if the local and state governments were not stopping them. So the homeless problem could be brought back to manageable levels by doing the following three things: 1. Get the government out of the homeless business. 2. Use the current money spent on the homeless, over $50K per year, per chronic homeless person — and provide it to the current, established shelters with very few if any strings. 3. Force people to use the shelter system to get off the streets and get help or move to a different state.” ■ This story will be updated with additional campaign responses. September 2020 DENVER VOICE 5

LOCAL STORY CREDIT: GILES CLASEN CREDIT: GILES CLASEN THE PROBLEM ISN’T POVERTY An Interview With Ryan Taylor BY GILES CLASEN RYAN TAYLOR IS THE DIRECTOR of Network Coffee House and the pastor of Saint James Urban Church. Network Coffee House is a ministry serving unhoused individuals in Denver, providing resources and human connection for those living on the streets. Ryan has been involved in both ministries for more than 10 years. The following story includes excerpts from a conversation with Taylor edited for length and clarity. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of chaos in my life, and I am very grateful for that. I grew up in a conservative environment—a very conservative home—but a very dedicated, churchgoing home. Berean Bible Church in Columbus, Indiana was the church I grew up in. It was quite conservative, and we were there any time the doors were unlocked. I don’t think I would be able to do what I’m doing now if I didn’t come from that stability. I had a very traditional Norman Rockwell type of upbringing. I would say my college years and early adult years were a part of exploring the permeable membrane of faith. It was about taking some chances with God. A lot of that started to come through encounters and relationships with people who were experiencing deep poverty and oppression. SOCIAL JUSTICE MUST BEGIN WITH RELATIONSHIPS In my early thirties, I started to realize we aren’t on a telling journey, we’re on a listening journey. Social When you fall in love, you want to advocate for your beloved. Love helps you feel compassion for those who are suffering. Love helps you connect to others and realize, “hey, this person isn’t getting a fair shot.” That is how you get to social justice, by loving. Today, social justice is like a brand. Social justice needs to be a part of the church but it must begin with an ethic of love. If it begins and ends with an ethic of love, then social justice is all about relationship. Relationship is what bonds and binds society together. If a person doesn’t have a shot at being in a relationship with the rest of us—whether it is because of trauma, mental illness, their economic disadvantages—then we’re weaker as a society because of it. It would be ideal to start To make room we need to communicate humanity to people who are easily overlooked and considered an eyesore in society. We had a volunteer who came down one Sunday to serve lunch at an encampment at Logan Street and 14th Avenue. She passes by this tent of a woman who is inside bathing. Karen, our volunteer, asked if she wanted a sandwich and offered to pray with her. In prayer, the bathing woman asked to be relieved of the mental illness and the blockages that keep her in a tent bathing, naked and vulnerable, in front of everybody. Karen’s willingness to look in, see humanity, and pause on a Sunday—that is what this is all about. That is relationship. I think that is what’s distinct about what I inherited here from the perspective of relationship fueled by love. Inevitably, that will lead you to some areas where you feel pretty incompetent. It will lead to a place where you’re using your voice, you’re marching on the streets, and you’re exploring legislation and policy stuff that is going to uplift the overlooked. THE PROBLEM ISN’T POVERTY I think unchecked wealth is a burden on the community. I also think unaccountable capitalism is a burden on our community. I don’t think you can call people a burden on the community no matter where they are living. Downtrodden people can be a prophetic voice to all of us. justice is not the best starting place. Instead, I think starting with love and compassion is the key. Social justice should be born of that love. It can force us to interrogate our own selves and ego. We have to create and provide room for the “inconvenient” people of our society, on the “burdensome”, the “extra needy.” To make room, we have to slow down, check our egos, check our personal agendas, and be able to look somebody in the eye. at Network. We are a ministry and we serve unhoused people, but our central focus is relationships. During the pandemic, we have started providing hygiene products and emergency resources. Our end goal here is to look people in the eye and develop a relationship and not just hand out food or clothing or some other material resources. Our goal is to have a “life-on-life” encounter with people. RELATIONSHIPS HEAL So many of the folks we serve are in the position they are in due to an inability to bond or attach to others, or even attach to reality. This is usually due to childhood trauma, military trauma, or simply the trauma of being on the streets. These traumas create a psychological detachment. The relationship is the balm. The relationship is the invitation to detached people Relationships help people see themselves as a beloved person who is worthy of love and attention. to see themselves again as valued. 6 DENVER VOICE September 2020 LOCAL STORY We’re all walking around here so damn lonely. That’s the real pandemic: loneliness. Relationship is the basic building block for rehabilitation or any sort of progressive trajectory. To say, “Hey, I see you for who you are. You’re loved.” Sometimes that is expressed by giving someone a bottle of water. Or even saying, “Let’s find you a safe place to inject, rather than in a dark alley.” This harm-reduction idea goes right along with seeing humans for who they are: loved. Relationship is so important because we live in a world of commodification and objectification. We need to value humanity and creation. We can’t see people as objects. We need to recognize the Imago Dei, the image of good. It’s been said that the longest space to travel is from the head to the heart. When I think of people that are unhoused, can I name names of people that I’m in relationship with? That’s how it goes from theory to action. It’s a terrible thing to be given a heart, because a heart breaks. When your heart starts to break over a relationship, then it moves from theory to something very tactile. FROM HOUSING FIRST TO RELATIONSHIP FIRST I think we need to move from the Housing First model to a Relationship First model. People think, “Well, you don’t have a home, let’s get you a house. Let’s get you resources and a paycheck and a home, and then eventually you’ll find a job, and then you’ll become a productive member of society.” What the hell does that mean—a productive member of society? If loneliness is the pandemic, if detachment is an issue, then relationship is what people need. We need a Relationship First model that will work in tandem with a Housing First model. We need to not just start with those who can sustain housing, we need to start with those who can never sustain housing apart from someone holding their hand throughout the process. A good example of this type of model is something like AA, where everyone supports one another and leans on one another. The physical stuff—like a house or a job—is important, but it’s only part of the solution. We need to move from objectifying to humanizing. We get tricked into thinking there are levels of superiority and inferiority. The beauty of AA is, “Man, we’ve all hit bottom. We might do it again, and actually, it’s pretty likely.” There’s just this humanizing environment in AA that we could use a lot more of in our society. DENVER VALUES THE RICH, NOT THOSE IN NEED We have segmented our community by those who have options and those who don’t. Some of the encampments, they grow to 100 people and they take on a life of their own because there are no other options. And yet, when you drive around town. you’ll see there’s a ton of options for the wealthy developer and entrepreneur. You’ve got people flocking here to put in high-end housing, luxury condominiums. And then at the same time, there are people being kicked off of certain properties and public spaces because they’re a “nuisance.” Our priorities are whacked. The change has got to start from the top. I have been part of conversations where we’ve tried to develop these safe outdoor spaces, and it gets to a certain point in the food chain, but then it goes no further. Why is that, when there are luxury townhomes being installed all throughout the city? It isn’t a priority for our leaders. It gets me boiling a little bit because it’s entirely incongruent. Our leaders are communicating a very clear and strong message of who belongs and who doesn’t. At the end of the day, we’re going to be a weaker society if we keep giving a voice to one demographic—one income bracket—and not the others. So, yeah, that will fire me up. ■ CREDIT: ALYSSA MAGALONG A BETTER USE FOR PLASTIC BAGS BY DOUG HRDLICKA ALYSSA MAGALONG, who was crowned Miss Colorado Earth 2020, makes mats out of plastic bags and distributes them to people experiencing homelessness. She processes the bags in such a way that allows them to be knit together as one would do with gloves or a hat. “If there was any silver lining during COVID, this project was one of them,” said Magalong. “I was stuck at home, and with my current title of Miss Colorado Earth 2020, I’d been trying to think of ways in which I could educate others and how I could do that at home.” The idea began as a way to educate people on how to reuse old items that would otherwise collect dust or be thrown out. As Magalong explored new ways to educate others, she would eventually stumble upon the tutorials on how to turn plastic bags into a synthetic yarn dubbed “plarn,” which is the result if stringing together multiple bags. “I started by showing individuals how to repurpose old T-shirts. I started also with how to create personalized vases made out of bottles for Mother’s Day, and then I just continued to do more research,” said Magalong. Magalong found that plastic bags are largely produced for just one use, lasting 12 minutes, and after it has served its purpose, the likelihood of the bag being recycled is low. “The research that I found was that American’s use about 100 billion plastic bags a year. On average, American families take home 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year,” said Magalong. Finding that plastic bags have a short lifespan yet continue to be manufactured in the billions prompted Magalong to conduct additional research. In doing so, she found a community of people spanning the globe who practice knitting mats out of plastic. “The very first time that I heard mats like this existed, I was reading about a nonprofit in Australia, and from there I was curious, ‘Has this been done in Colorado?’” said Magalong. “I found out there were a couple of individuals who had done that years ago, and so I ended up finding contact information of an older woman who I had the pleasure of speaking with.” The woman offered guidance and foreshowed the community effort she would need. But Magalong wasn’t new to the world of charitable giving and environmental consciousness. Throughout her life, her family instilled those values, preparing her for the challenges to come. “This is definitely a big community effort because you have to collect the bags and find those donations, and then you have to process the bags,” said Magalong. Under the stewardship of her parents, Magalong was taught the importance of environment and community. They would take her to volunteer at church and during supper would impart the importance of conservation by making her eat all her vegetables. These lessons would shape her as an adult and compel her to help and change the community and environment. “I give a lot of credit to my parents; we’ve always been a very community-centric type of family,” said Magalong. “Even when I was very little, I was volunteering at my church,” she added. “I’ve just noticed that pattern about myself. I feel the most fulfilled when I’m reaching out to the community and I have that interaction with them.” With the help of volunteers, Magalong’s goal to educate about and practice repurposing household items gained enough traction for her to consider extending the project to other cities. “I definitely want to continue [focusing on] local, but again I have been bouncing ideas of how can I make this bigger. Even if that lasts for another few months, I think that’s what I’ll continue to do,” said Magalong. ■ September 2020 DENVER VOICE 7

LOCAL FEATURE “SOLIDARITY, NOT CHARITY” MUTUAL AID OF DENVER BY PAULA BARD “We see [the unhoused] as human beings who deserve respect and dignity, and we want to give them that.” — Alex JO JO DELIVERS GALLONS AND GALLONS, and more gallons of water to more than half a dozen water and hand-washing stations sprinkled throughout the homeless encampments north of downtown Denver. Several times a week he hauls water on his bicycle. A bright-eyed and fit young man in his early 30s, Jo Jo grew CREDIT: PAULA BARD up in Denver. As Jo Jo explained, “I remember going to Food Not Bombs when I was 16 to help out, and there was a dude that was serving. He really influenced me. You do this work because it is what you do. It just feels right.” From there, Jo Jo was led to a bicycle collective called Derailer. He also discovered the punk world, and he hopped a few freight trains along the way. Eventually, he spent a decade in the music scene, traveling and “playing shows.” “So, when I was introduced to Mutual Aid work, it just It feels meaningful; it’s easy work helping made sense. people,” Jo Jo said. “I’ve often seen charity work as something that you do for recognition; the opposite of that would be you do something for solidarity because it’s the right thing to do. Solidarity, not charity,” he added. CREDIT: PAULA BARD MUTUAL AID OF DENVER The seeds of Mutual Aid of Denver (MAD) were planted when a few friends got together last fall to look at what they could do to meet the needs of their community. As the pandemic rolled through Denver during the spring, and the homeless encampments swelled, the needs of the unhoused became paramount. During the pandemic, there was no sanitation for thousands living on the streets. And then, in the sizzling heat of summer — no water. Denver was simply not providing basic necessities for those vulnerable citizens losing jobs and housing, those forced out on the streets. MAD jumped in and helped set up port-a-potties. Then they hand-built and welded hand-washing and water stations throughout the encampments. Water is a literal lifesaver for the residents carving a precarious existence on the streets where temperatures regularly reach into the 100s. They are currently working on a very clever, inexpensive, hand-built, shower setup ($25, without the shower curtain). As Alex, a member of MAD, explained, “We believe that you need to directly talk to the people who you’re trying to give aid to. Ask them what they need or want, rather than assume for them. “None of the folks in MAD have been unhoused, but we go directly to the encampments and don’t like, force anyone to talk to us, you know? We just ask people how they are and if they could use anything. We ask them if there is anything CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD they need. Or, what would make their life, living in an encampment, safer or more comfortable? And then, we provide these things for them. “I think for a perspective on charity, it’s one of assuming that you know what’s best for the people you’re trying to give aid to, and not asking what they need or want. We don’t agree with that,” she added. MAD assistance comes with no strings attached. According to Alex, “We try not to project our ideals on to anyone. Of course, we hope folks recognize that it’s separate from the state and, therefore, more alternative types of, I guess community engagement, then what is socially normal. But we don’t project any religion on anyone or anything like that. Whereas, a lot of the charities do, and the shelters do too.” A WELL-WORN PATH Mutual aid organizations have historically distinguished themselves from charities. Other than churches, mutual aid networks were the most popular associations in the U.S. 8 DENVER VOICE September 2020 LOCAL FEATURE CREDIT: PAULA BARD throughout the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Hispanic miners in Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico participated in mutual aid networks. Generally, miners were characterized by solidarity and maintained a strong aversion to philanthropy. Hard-rock and silver miners created benefit societies to ensure that they did not rely on charity. The striking miners of that era were fierce and proud men who guarded their independence. With mutual mid societies, they provided assistance for themselves, preserved their dignity, and were able to fight for safe working conditions and livable wages. By providing medical care and stike benefits, they helped solidify the labor movement. Mutual aid societies provided women’s health care, and many exclusively Black organizations provided care for members, particularly in New Orleans. By the turn of the century, mutual aid provided hospitals, doctors, disability insurance, and sick leave for workers. There were explicitly Hispanic and Indigenous mutual aid networks. In Florida, Cuban and Spanish cigar workers were covered. AND NOW? Mutual aid assistance now comes in many forms, and more mutual aid societies have stepped up all over the country. Mutual aid is said to come alive, especially, when central authority begins to break down and becomes less able to sustain citizens. People tend to come together to form networks, share resources, and support each other — out of necessity. Occupy groups, in cities around the country, beginning in the fall of 2011, utilized mutual aid networks to provide themselves with what they needed: shelter, food, medical care, music, protection. Many of the participants carried these cooperative skills forward when the Occupy groups disbanded. The DC Mutual Aid network is an example of a multifaceted support network. It grew out of Black Lives Matter - DC. It has evolved to tackle gentrification issues, provide food sustenance, support for victims of domestic violence, and support for seniors, children, and the vulnerable in public housing and the unhoused. In keeping with the historic mutual aid focus, there is no centralized leadership. This movement grew out of the need to listen to the community and step up with support. They actively debate best practices. Their Facebook page describes their mission as, “Protecting each other, not policing each other.” Closer to home in Colorado, mutual aid networks have grown all over the state: Front Range Mutual Aid, Mutual Aid in Colorado Springs, Grand Junction Mutual Aid, and Western Slope Mutual Aid all see their role a bit differently but provide essential assistance to their local communities. ■ “We like to meet folks at their level, and yeah, see what they might need, right where they’re at.” — Alex CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD September 2020 DENVER VOICE 9

INTERNATIONAL STORY COURTESY OF THE BIG ISSUE AUSTRALIA / INSP.NGO COURTESY OF THE BIG ISSUE AUSTRALIA / INSP.NGO SLAVE TO THE ALGORITHM BY CHER TAN Shalini Kantayya’s new documentary Coded Bias is a deep dive into the algorithms that are increasingly shaping the way we live our lives. It makes clear the fact that, contrary to popular opinion, technology is not neutral. The reality is that its biases are working their way into every part of our daily lives — and often with negative consequences. IN MARCH 2016, Microsoft released a bot that made its debut across apps like Twitter. The technology company hoped the bot, named Tay, would gain “conversational understanding”— meaning that the more a human being chatted with it, the smarter it would get. But as a result of Tay’s programming (Microsoft did not implement key safeguards), it proved easy for people to feed it offensive content. Within 24 hours of its launch, Tay was shut down as its content morphed from “Humans are super cool!” to dozens of misogynistic, racist, and fascist tweets. While Tay remains a rudimentary example of how AI can backfire, a bigger question lies in whether technology is able to detect biases inherent within its own codes — particularly if they are created by a group of people who don’t reflect the diversity of the global population. As software algorithms become increasingly allencompassing, who will end up bearing the consequences of their discrimination? Enter Coded Bias, a new documentary by the award-winning Brooklyn-based filmmaker Shalini Kantayya, which highlights the insidious ways technology further entrenches the racial- and gender-based prejudices already present in society. “All of my work as a filmmaker explores how disruptive technologies make the world less or more fair… [But] I don’t think I was prepared to fall that far down the rabbit hole,” Kantayya says when asked about the impetus behind her documentary. “It really was this incredible discovery.” COURTESY OF THE BIG ISSUE AUSTRALIA / INSP.NGO Coded Bias takes viewers on this same path. It follows the journey of MIT computer scientist Joy Buolamwini from her shocking initial discovery of the flaws inherent in Amazon’s Rekognition software (where she had to put on a white mask for her African-American face to be detected) to her founding of the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL), an organization that works to highlight the social implications and harms of AI. This is juxtaposed with talking-head interviews with data rights experts such as Safiya Umoja Noble, Zeynep Tufekci, and Weapons of Math Destruction author Cathy O’Neil, all of whom are engaged in similar battles for a freer technological landscape. The documentary makes plain the fact that Big Tech has a hold on everyday life. Often marketed under the guise of “connection”, “community” and “convenience”, platforms such as Facebook and Google (to name but two) harvest individual data that is then sold to advertisers, government institutions, such as the FBI, and other corporations. “Algorithms can impact things like who gets hired, who gets healthcare, who gets into college, who gets a longer prison sentence,” Kantayya says. “They’re already making such important decisions about human destiny. Computers are not unbiased, and we’ve sort of put them in the position of being our gods.” Numerous case studies in Coded Bias underscore this. In what is referred to as “algorithmic determinism” — where an algorithm makes uniform decisions regardless of its variables — Daniel Santos, a schoolteacher in Houston, received a damning evaluation despite his consistent track record of excellence. Further afield, a facial-recognition trial deployed by police in Britain saw Black teenagers get mistaken for wanted felons. In China, a burgeoning social credit system threatens to take over every facet of a citizen’s life. Through what O’Neil terms “algorithmic obedience training”, facial recognition is required for even mundane activities like shopping and taking the train. The system delivers a “score”, and “rights” can be withdrawn depending on the score. The fact that there is barely any regulation around the inner workings of AI is cause for concern. “We don’t have basic understanding and literacy around these algorithms that we use every day and how they impact our lives,” Kantayya explains. “The truth is that we actually need the space to be regulated the way television is regulated.” Indeed, if structural inequalities such as racism are “becoming mechanized [and] robotized”, as apartheid historian Patric Tariq Mellet says in the documentary, what can individuals do to reverse this? Kantayya has her answer: “I think the only way is through laws. A small group of people can make a difference. I’ve seen that with my allies in the making of the film.” It’s undeniable: the rigorous campaigning that Buolamwini engages in throughout Coded Bias saw its fruits in June this year when the United States introduced legislation to ban federal use of facial recognition. AJL’s work has also resulted in Microsoft recently stating that it will not sell facial recognition software to police departments until laws regulate it and Amazon setting a one-year pause on the sale of facial recognition code. “This is a sea change that we never thought was possible when I started making the film,” Kantayya continues. “And it happened because of the women in my film. We owe them a debt of gratitude. “I hope this is what people glean when they watch the film: that a small group of people can make a big change.” ■ Courtesy of The Big Issue Australia / INSP.ngo 10 DENVER VOICE September 2020 IN YOUR OWN WORDS WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from workshops sponsored by Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. This workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Contact the Lighthouse Writers Workshop for details about virtual Hard Times writing workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times The Lighthouse sponsored workshop at The Gathering Place is specifically for that organization’s clients. To check out more writing by the poets featured in this column, go to writedenver.org. MYRA NAGY BED IN TOW HOWARD S. ZAREMBA PAJAMAS ON THE PORCH We roam around Wanting a place to belong Lots of strangers Crowds sing their song. Bag in tow Bed in bag Searching for food Someone provides a tag. Tags are lists Of places to go For food, for showers And faces you know Now you are one With the scattered community Everyone is helpful They rely on unity All share the same name Homeless but in search Looking for a home Somewhere to perch We watch each other’s stuff And share our food It’s a well-oiled community Regardless of the mood We are safe together In large numbers We are all different But do not encumber It is year seven of the pandemic, and a confluence of mutated viruses and unknowable diseases have spread across all national borders creating a global viral soup. The most desperate, suffer from isolation so great, that connection and physical touch are now too distant and suspect. The streets are filled with decaying carcasses of those broken by the endless promise of more plague. Suddenly, a door swings open, and in tattered pajamas and slippers, poor creature, a barely recognizable form, atrophied limbs, a sunless pallid demeanor and hanging wasted flesh, makes its way slowly, painfully to the edge of the, porch. No longer able to recall a pre-plague image of themselves, or grasp a thread of hopeful possibility, they stand and let out a defiant howl, a final remnant of a once “sacred humanity.” They exclaim, to any within earshot, “I was once a human being and I will not descend further into a shadow of digital light, cold touch, garbled chatter and lost communication.” Those last and lost, their proclamation complete, manage a few more steps into the unfamiliar and lifeless streets, before the viral ooze surrounds, penetrates and crushes them, and they crumple into a lifeless heap. And those still behind closed doors, peeking through heavy curtained windows, stare at each other and do not, cannot not come to aid, as they know what fate will hold. PRESENTED BY: September 2020 DENVER VOICE 11

INTERNATIONAL STORY THE HIDDEN IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON TRAVELLER COMMUNITIES BY VANESSA HEASLIP AND JONATHAN PARKER It is now well known that the COVID-19 virus is affecting minority groups on a disproportionate level. It’s clear that this disease heightens existing inequalities. Some of the most marginalized people in the UK are Gypsy and Roma Travellers, yet they are often left out of research and outreach programs. Two experts in social welfare and health at Bournemouth University seek to redress the balance. WE KNOW WELL BY NOW that coronavirus does not affect everyone equally. In England and Wales, Black people are four times more likely to die from COVID-19 than white people, while people from a Bangladeshi background are twice as likely. Coronavirus has also had a disproportionate effect on people experiencing poverty. It’s clear that this disease heightens existing inequalities. Some of the most marginalized people in the UK are Gypsy and Roma Travellers, yet they are often left out of research and outreach programs. We do not currently know the rates of death and severe illness among these communities. And without better data about their experiences of COVID-19, the true impacts of the pandemic on Traveller communities could remain dangerously hidden. HEALTH INEQUALITIES Gypsy and Roma Travellers are not a homogeneous group, but rather consist of different communities with diverse needs. Even within the same community group, there can be many varied experiences of living through the pandemic depending upon personal, social, and environmental factors. That said, research indicates that the continuing COVID-19 pandemic will be extremely challenging for many individuals within the disparate communities. The last census in 2011 noted that 76 percent of Travellers in England and Wales lived in houses or apartments. This offers the least challenging experience, as people have access to basic amenities such as electricity, gas, sanitation and water supplies. Those living in caravans, however, are likely to experience more difficulties. A 2019 Houses of Commons briefing paper noted there were 22,662 Traveller caravans in England, of which 57 percent were on private sites, 29 percent were on local authority sites and 14 percent were on caravan sites. There are increased challenges for those living on these sites during the pandemic, including accessibility of gas bottles, sewerage, and obtaining fresh water. Those living on unauthorized sites experience the most significant problems, especially in accessing suitable sanitation, and waste disposal. Discriminatory policies towards these communities have meant that sites, whether they are provided by a local authority or privately run, are more likely to be located close to motorways, major roads, railways, refuse tips, sewage works and industrial estates, all of which are damaging to the health of people who live there. It is perhaps not surprising therefore, that Travellers have a worse health status than the wider community average, dying between seven to 20 years earlier than the rest of the population. A review across five regions in England and Wales noted that 66 percent of Gypsy and Roma Travellers had bad, very bad, or poor health. Poor air quality, proximity to industrial sites, asthma, and repeated chest infections in children and older people were noted in around half of all interviews undertaken for the review. Health access is incredibly difficult for people in these communities, which means that such problems are often not picked up until much later in the illness trajectory, leading to poorly managed chronic conditions. As COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, this places them in a precarious position – many will meet the criteria for high or moderate risk. THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL DISTANCING As well as physical health impacts, we also know that there are mental health consequences that come from the COVID-19 pandemic. These too are likely to disproportionately affect Traveller communities. These communities often have a very strong family culture, and many live in large, extended family groups. This culture is an important protective mechanism against the harsh stigma and discrimination they face in wider society. A desire to roam and travel is also deeply embedded as a core part of the identity of Travellers. The distancing measures enacted in response to coronavirus reduce social contact within communities as well as people’s ability to be nomadic and roam. Both of these factors have implications for the longterm mental health and well-being of people within these communities in which mental ill-health is on the increase. RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA AT SOME POINT IN YOUR LIFE, you have to take responsibility for yourself! You can’t keep blaming others for how you act now. Yes, we all have pain from the past, but do you choose to stay stuck in it and pass it on to others? People in pain can only pass it onto others. Even if they don’t mean to. They just do. Things like being homeless for years can break a person down, leave them believing they are no good, worthless, or whatever negative thoughts someone might have about homeless people without caring to find out why or what happened to cause it. If you feel the world is against you, then you send that feeling of worthlessness out to the universe. On the other hand, if your self-worth is positive you get that back. I’m grateful today that I have peace. True peace. Too bad I didn’t find it until my late 50s. I’m grateful today for a home and for having true friends that trust me. I trust them not to ever hurt me. That is the best peace I know. When they know your past but see you how you’ve truly changed, and they say to you they didn’t know you then, and that the person they see before them is someone they’re proud to call their friend! I’m grateful for the Denver VOICE who saw me, a lost person worth helping, by giving me an opportunity to vend the paper. It changed my life. If you are reading this, thank you for supporting the VOICE. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know all our vendors also thank you. Your support around the world has changed our lives. Peace with self is the best happiness there is! So, if you don’t have true happiness, then please find it before it’s too late. Do not share pain. Instead, live a life of happiness, and share that! ■ A YOUNG ROMA PULLS A TROLLEY AS HE LEAVES WALKING PAST CARAVANS AFTER THE EVICTION OF ROMA FAMILIES FROM THEIR ILLEGAL CAMP IN LILLE SEPTEMBER 11, 2013. FRENCH POLICE EVACUATED SOME 30 CARAVANS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS WHO RESIDED IN AN ILLEGAL CAMP OF AROUND 500 TRAVELLING PEOPLE AND ROMA IN NORTHERN FRANCE. REUTERS/PASCAL ROSSIGNOL 12 DENVER VOICE September 2020 A LACK OF DATA As well as widespread stigma, a major difficulty in truly understanding the impact of coronavirus on these communities is a lack of systematic data collection. While Gypsy and Roma Travellers were recognized as a distinct ethnic minority category in the last census, the NHS does not currently incorporate this category into their ethnicity data. As such, individuals are not identified in health services as originating from these communities. Nor are they included as a specific ethnicity in Public Health England’s reports on COVID-19 health disparities. Instead, they are merged into the category of “any other white background”. Unless this is addressed at a national level, the health impact of coronavirus on these marginalized communities will remain hidden. ■ GRATEFUL FOR PEACE BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR EVENTS YOGA IN THE PARK Join The River for outdoor yoga classes all summer long! Please meet at the Great Lawn on the west side of park near 14th and Bannock, just south of the McNichols Civic Center Building. Please wear a mask at all times to respect the health and safety of everyone. Registration is required: weseektheriver.com/schedule. WHEN: Monday – Thursday through September, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. COST: $10 and free on Tuesdays WHERE: Civic Center Park – Colfax & Broadway MORE INFO: facebook.com/TheRiverYoga SCULPTURE PARK FITNESS SERIES Denver Arts & Venues is partnering with local fitness studios and cultural arts organizations to bring you a full schedule of workouts from meditation and dance-inspired classes to heart-pumping cardio and boot camps. Face coverings are required for this event. WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays through September, various times. COST: $17 per class WHERE: Sculpture Park – enter on Champa St. between 13th St. and Speer Blvd. MORE INFO: artscomplex.com LOST SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Every weekend, the crew at Zeppelin Station will be creating a vibey eating/drinking experience by bringing your favorite local artists, DJs, and musicians to their enhanced outdoor patio. WHEN: Fridays and Saturdays until September 18, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE: Zeppelin Station – 3501 Wazee St. MORE INFO: facebook.com/ZeppelinStation RINO FALL BAZAAR Denver BAZAAR returns to RiNo this Fall, bringing the best artists and crafters together for a shopping and sipping party at Zeppelin Station. Masks are required. WHEN: Sep 12, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sep 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE: Zeppelin Station – 3501 Wazee St. MORE INFO: facebook.com/DenverBazaar HANDMADE IN COLORADO EXPO The 12th annual Handmade in Colorado Expo is a juried event showcasing some of Colorado’s best fine art and contemporary craft. The event will feature a vast array of independent designers producing original handcrafted goods from a wide array of media including metal, paper, glass, fiber, clay, gems, and more. Live local music will round out this free event. WHEN: Sep 18 and 19, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Sep 20, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE: Skyline Park – 1600 Arapahoe St. MORE INFO: handmadeincolorado.com September 2020 DENVER VOICE 13 ACROSS 1. Suffix in some city names 5. Inscribed pillar 10. Invitation request 14. On the briny 15. Eye color 16. On the safe side, to a sailor 17. Giving up one’s own needs on behalf of others 20. Betting option 21. Experts 22. The “turf” in surf and turf 23. A pint, maybe 24. Coming back up 31. Malicious 35. Atlanta-based airline 36. Comply with 37. Punjabi princess 38. “Gimme ___!” (start of an Iowa State cheer) 39. “___, far, wherever you are” 40. Loaded (with) 41. Accumulate 43. Big show 44. Weevil 47. Conned 48. To the left, on a ship 52. ___ Henry’s, Tualatinbased business that was sold to Valvoline in 2015 56. Parting word 59. Period that started with the 1929 stock market crash 61. Big laugh 62. Broadcasting 63. Decorative case 64. Aims 65. Jocks’ antitheses 66. Ink decorations DOWN 1. Egyptian goddess 2. Consumers 3. Kindled anew 4. Blooper 5. Living together, with “up” 6. Boor’s lack 7. “The Snowy Day” author ___ Jack Keats 8. Hawaiian garland 9. A Little Rascal 10. Derby 11. A ___ of the tongue 12. Blow off steam 13. Coatrack parts 18. Burn the surface of 19. Brainchild 23. Drawer, e.g. 25. Joined with stitches 26. Arm bones 27. Roadwork site sight 28. Surefooted goat 29. ___ tide 30. Greek sandwich 31. Blows it 32. Conceited 33. Data 34. In ___ of (replacing) 41. With reckless ___ 42. Buffy and Faith 45. “___ Darn Cat” 46. Long narrative poem 49. Beginning 50. Indian yogurt dip 51. Rainbow ___ 52. Shrek, e.g. 53. Monopoly token 54. Show the way 55. 2006 Pixar movie 56. Practice in the ring 57. Bone-dry 58. Spanish liqueur 60. Opposite WSW COURTESY OF DEAR DENVER DEARDENVER.NET PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, with Dear Denver.net, for coming up with some great ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

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Jones 14 DENVER VOICE September 2020 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page add in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper RESOURCES RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs TRINITY UNITED METHODIST 1820 Broadway, meals served Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 trinityumc.org URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org September 2020 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THURSDAY, 6-7:30 P.M. The Denver VOICE’s second annual Pints Fighting Poverty Pub Crawl on November 19, 2020 is an incredible opportunity to show support for those in our community experiencing homelessness and/or poverty, gain insight into the realities, and make an impact by helping us raise the funds to continue to provide economic, education, and empowerment opportunities for those we have the privilege of serving! Happening during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the evening kicks off VIRTUALLY this year with a special online guest speaker and a series of featured vendors - includes four virtual stops and a host of exclusive drink selections at some of Denver’s premier brewery and spirit locations! You can register as an individual, couple, or host a small group in your home with special group pricing packages. 100 percent of proceeds raised go toward our mission to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community during a time when need is at an all time high and the challenges of the pandemic mean your support is more important than ever before. TICKETS: DENVERVOICE.ORG/PINTSFIGHTINGPOVERTY fighting Pints poverty a fundraiser v i r t u a l 2 0 t 2 r 0 t o u r

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE SURVIVING COVID ON THE NA T AJO RESERVTION LIFE WAS DIFFICULT ENOUGH FOR THE NAAJO PEOPLE. THEN COVID-19 HIT PAGE 8 STATE HOUSING POLICY DURING PANDEMIC SCORES LOW RESEARCHERS GIVE LOW GRADE FOR STATE’S FAILURE TO AID THOSE FACING EVICTION. PAGE 4 RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS TO FLORIDA’S EX-FELONS FORMER LAWYER TAKES CAREER BREAK TO REGAIN VOTING RIGHTS FOR EX-FELONS. PAGE 10 NEW BILL ADDRESSES FOOD INSTABILITY SINCE THE PANDEMIC, ONE IN THREE COLORADANS FACES FOOD INSTABILITY. PAGE 6 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 5, 11 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 NOVEMBER 2020 | Vol.25 Issue 11 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: JOYCE DALE SITS IN THE KITCHEN OF HER 50-YEAR-OLD HOUSE. DALE HAD A STROKE SIX YEARS AGO AND HAS BEEN IN A WHEELCHAIR SINCE. HER HOME HAS BEEN IN DISREPAIR FOR DECADES BECAUSE OF THE BENNET FREEZE. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN

EDITOR’S NOTE ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR WHEN VENDORS VISIT the Denver VOICE office to pick up their papers, either they will tell me, or I will overhear them telling someone else about someone they met or conversations they had while vending the VOICE. Frequently, when someone stops long enough to focus on what the vendor is telling them about the VOICE and suggests a $2 donation in return for a copy of the paper, the passer-by will ask something like, “Why should I give you $2 for that paper?” Hearing vendor Raelene Johnson talk about her latest encounter with someone who asked why the paper was worth $2 was what prompted the Ask a Vendor question for this issue. (For those who are not familiar with how the process works, Denver VOICE vendors purchase each of their papers for 50 cents. Anything they receive over that amount is theirs to keep, so for the suggested donation amount of $2, the vendor keeps $1.50.) Sometimes, a vendor’s response to the question in Ask a Vendor is just a few words. Other times, it is a long answer woven around an experience, but before they answer, every one of the vendors takes time to think about the question. If, as you read this or some future issue of the VOICE, you wonder how the vendors might react to or think about a situation, I hope you will take a minute to send an email to editor@denvervoice.org and let me know. That way, we can pose that question to our vendors. Not only does this give the Denver VOICE community a chance to get to know the vendors better and learn more about the difference a donation makes to a vendor, but it also gives the vendors another opportunity for their voices to be heard. ■ NOVEMBER CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @OCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Andrew Klooster GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Kate Marshall Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. WRITERS Paula Bard Rea Brown Giles Clasen Jerome Cotton Robert Davis Shaleen Vanese Figueroa Raelene Johnson Jerry Mullenix Benjamin Eric Nelson Janis Olson BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 1600 Downing St., Ste. 230, Denver, CO 80218 With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open. New vendors must arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE November 2020 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY INTRODUCING OUR NEW PROGRAM COORDINATOR, ANDREW KLOOSTER LAST MONTH, we introduced Denver VOICE readers to our new program coordinator, Andrew Klooster. Klooster recently relocated to Denver from Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked for the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership. Kooster has a B.A. in anthropology and sustainability from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in natural resources and environment with a focus on environmental justice from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment. The timing of Klooster’s arrival at the Denver VOICE could not have been better for the organization. With new safety and social distancing protocols in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VOICE and its vendors have had to make a number of adjustments. From the moment he arrived, Klooster has focused on getting to know the vendors, catching up on paperwork, moving forward with best practices, and identifying areas in need of improvement. As program coordinator for the VOICE, Klooster oversees the Peer Navigation Program and works closely with Denver VOICE vendors to meet our mission of providing individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty a chance to take their first steps towards a more stable life. ■ OUR Streets: MARK BY PAULA BARD “I’M 44, I DID EIGHT YEARS in the United States Marine Corps, 2000-2008. Then, after that, I became a New Mexico State Police officer. I came from New Mexico, I was living in Longmont, me and my wife. She passed away on me. She had a pacemaker. She was living on life support. I gave up on her, I lost her. I couldn’t take it no more. So, I left Longmont. That’s how I ended up down here. This was October 14, last year, 9:02 a.m. Every day after work, I went down to the hospital just to be next to her, hold her hand, you know, stuff like that. I been through a lot, man. I lost my brother, I lost my gramma, I lost my niece. There are a lot of uncles and aunties I lost. Everything went downhill ever since I lost my wife. So, I am working on picking myself up right now. But at the same time, it’s not working. Cuz of all this peer pressure that’s around me. You know what I mean? I mean, at some point, I’ve got to think about my health, too. It’s a main issue. A lot of people told me a lot of things to do, different ways. But it’s up to me. I am a Navajo, Diné, full blood.” ■ Author’s Note: In the fall of 2015, just ahead of Colorado’s winter, Denver sent the full force of its police department and SWAT team to destroy five tiny homes that people “living without homes” had built north of downtown. Something in me snapped: Denver is behaving like a bully! Denver has more than 6,000 people without homes, and more than 3,000 trying to survive on its streets. It is an ugly business. In 2012, Denver passed an urban-camping ban making it illegal for the homeless to protect themselves with “any form of cover or protection from the elements other than clothing.” Violations can bring a $999 fine or a year in jail. I began walking those streets where the homeless are trying to survive, photographing the faces and collecting the stories of those my city has abandoned. So began OUR Streets – stories of Denver’s unhoused residents. CREDIT: PAULA BARD HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. November 2020 DENVER VOICE 3

LOCAL NEWS ASK A VENDOR Because the pandemic has affected vendors differently, we hope to give all of our vendors a chance to tell their stories. Some are vendors we’re hearing from for the first time since we started printing again. When someone asks, “Why should I donate $2 for the paper?” what do you tell them? Q A REA BROWN Who are we kidding? Something’s missing far from social distancing and face covering. Everyone seems to sound a death knell as they spray paint on the wall. Although many try to stay calm and stand tall, the hushed whispers call, screaming, “It’s all gonna fall.” Good thing we can trust the law, or, should I say, can we trust the law? After all, we saw and see in real life and TV or PC, the police policing harshly is starting to be a recurring news theme. Protesting, grouping and burning, in the midst of campaigning, COVID, and burning. Yet, I stand under the economy, not returning, learning how to survive with low or no earnings, trying my best to evade germing. But I have a paper to vend with my sanitized hand. So, what I would say to the woman or man who asks why should they give $2? What I can say is one good deed is multiplied in three different ways, 12 times a year, and that to me, is an awfully small price to pay. RAELENE JOHNSON This paper is the best thing that ever happened for homeless people. The VOICE doesn’t care if you’re a convicted felon, or have no education, no job history or references. I became a vendor in Jan of 08. I’d been homeless and living under the Arapahoe Bridge in Boulder. The VOICE gave me a chance to be self-employed. By January of 09, I was the top female VOICE vendor, and boy, did that give me pride. [Vending] the newspaper has given me self-esteem. It gives people an opportunity, and it’s up to you what you do with that. The paper has allowed me to become who I was meant to be, and now, 13 years later, I have my own home, my own car. I’m even on the board and treated as a valued member of the organization. So, your $2 donation empowers and impacts a vendor’s life. It gives them an opportunity for a home, and maybe a vendor eventually leaves the paper, but while they’re vending, it gives them money until they find what they really want to do. Or someone like me, who can’t get a job anywhere else, can work here as long as they want to. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ASK? We would like to engage more Denver VOICE vendors and readers. If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. 4 DENVER VOICE November 2020 EXPERTS GIVE COLORADO’S COVID-19 HOUSING POLICY HALF-STAR REVIEW BY ROBERT DAVIS A RECENT REVIEW of state COVID-19 housing policies by Eviction Lab, a team of housing and poverty researchers at Princeton University, rated Colorado’s response a half-star out of five for failing to provide basic protections and assistance programs for those facing eviction because of the pandemic. Colorado’s half-star rating was good enough for an 18thplace finish in Eviction Lab’s 50-state COVID-19 Housing Policy Scorecard report. Massachusetts earned first-place honors with a score of 4.15. The report was compiled in consultation with state housing and homelessness lawyers and advocates, along with tenant groups and public health experts from around the country. The data is current as of September 12. Each state was scored after researchers analyzed state governor emergency declarations, state legislation, and court orders. They focused on state prohibitions on initiating evictions, suspension of court procedures, enforcement of eviction orders, short-term assistance, and tenancy preservation measures. According to Eviction Lab’s website, the two categories that were most influential in a state’s review were “initiation” (40 percent) and “tenancy preservation measures” (20 percent). As for initiation protections, Governor Polis signed an order on June 13 allowing landlords to begin evictions proceedings against tenants who are behind on their rent. On the other side, Colorado law offers its nearly two million renters scant protections. Landlords are allowed to initiate evictions for nonpayment after providing the tenant a 30day notice, can evict tenants who have experienced financial hardship caused by the pandemic, and can evict tenants for non-emergency reasons. Colorado has just as few tenant preservation measures, according to Eviction Lab. State law allows landlords to raise rents during the pandemic and does not guarantee legal representation for tenants who face eviction. Instead, courts rely on eviction defense fund grants from the General Assembly to fund legal defenses. In 2020, the lawmakers appropriated $350,000 to the Eviction Legal Defense Fund. In September, the CDC published a rule in the Federal Register placing a nationwide moratorium on evictions through the end of the year. However, the rule didn’t reach all renters and only covered renters in federal housing. Absent local protections, as many as 40 million people could have been at risk for eviction, according to CDC estimates. The moratorium had three goals: keep people in their homes and out of congregate housing, stop the increase of people experiencing homelessness, and inspire states to pass their own eviction protections. Had eviction been allowed to proceed, it could contribute to an increase in homelessness, a class of people the CDC says are a high-risk population. “It may be more difficult for these persons to consistently access the necessary resources in order to adhere to public health recommendations to prevent COVID-19. For instance, it may not be possible to avoid certain congregate settings such as homeless shelters, or easily access facilities to engage in handwashing with soap and water,” the moratorium says. While housing advocates are hopeful Colorado lawmakers will step in and pass a moratorium similar to the CDC’s, they are also preparing for the alternative. Colorado Village Collaborative (CVC) recently debuted its model temporary safe outdoor space, a sanctioned campsite that would provide homeless residents basic services and connect them with employment options and treatment programs. Some of the services offered would include food, clean drinking water, handwashing stations, laundry, and shower units. CVC plans to provide residents with tents, self-care baskets with hygienic products, and weather-proof storage containers that they can take with them upon departure. ABOUT EVICTION LAB Eviction Lab was founded by Matthew Desmond, who began studying poverty, housing, and eviction in 2008. Through his research, Desmond discovered that eviction is often the cause, not a symptom, of poverty. His work was summarized in the book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City (2016). He currently serves as the Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology at Princeton University. According to its website, Eviction Lab receives funding from the Gates, JPB, and Ford Foundations, as well as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Eviction Lab hosts nationwide eviction data on its website to provide educators, policymakers, nonprofit organizers, and communities statistically-driven understanding of eviction at a local level. If you want to know more, visit Eviction Lab’s website: https://evictionlab.org/ ■ NEW REPORT FINDS METRO DENVER’S HOMELESS DISPROPORTIONATELY BLACK, INDIGENOUS, AND PEOPLE OF COLOR BY ROBERT DAVIS BLACK, INDIGENOUS, and people of color experience homelessness at significantly higher rates than their white counterparts in the Denver metro area, a new report by the Metro Denver Housing Initiative (MDHI) concluded. The report synthesized information from the sevencounty body and federal data from the Point in Time Count, the Homelessness Management Information System, The Vulnerability Index, and the number of students identified by schools as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. “For the first time, we have real-time data on how many people are seeking support as a result of homelessness,” Matt Meyer, executive director of MDHI, said in a statement. “While there are variances between data sets, one thing is consistent – racial inequity.” The report argues against the stereotypical narrative that homelessness is often caused by drug abuse and mental health issues. Instead, the report posits high housing costs, loss of work, and strained relationships with family are the primary causes. At $471,084, average home values in Denver are more than twice the national average of $231,000, according to data from Zillow. Since last year, home values have grown 3.3 percent and are predicted to grow another 4.4 percent by 2022. Even though the secretary of state’s office reported Colorado’s wage growth outpaced national wage growth in 2019, the Colorado Fiscal Institute (CFI) found this growth was due largely to the detriment of Colorado’s Black, Indigenous, and people of color because it raised the cost of living and helped usher low-wage jobs out of the state. Currently, a minimum-wage worker in Colorado would need to work 88 hours per week to afford a market-rate twobedroom apartment, the report found. In Denver specifically, LOCAL NEWS / IN YOUR OWN WORDS the same worker would need to log 100 hours per week to afford the same home. Black, Indigenous, and people of color are more likely than their white counterparts to work minimum-wage jobs, jobs Colorado has shed faster than the national average since 2016, CFI found. This decline is due to the state’s historic low unemployment and rising minimum wage, both of which contribute to the prevalence of part-time employment in lowwage jobs. CFI found 56 percent of low-wage workers work 30 hours per week. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Black people have been unemployed twice as frequently as white people since the COVID pandemic began in March. However, a report by Colorado Public Radio found they only represent 7.5 percent of unemployment claims filed during that timeframe. BLS did not report on indigenous populations. “We have yet to see the full impact of the pandemic,” Jamie Rife, director of communications and development at MDHI, said in a statement. “We’re nearing a cliff on evictions. Once the moratoriums expire at the end of the year, we’ll see the full impact of households that have fallen months behind on rent, right as the winter months are at their worst.” The report argues part of the reason the metro area struggles with responding to homelessness is that they do not operate under a consistent definition of the problem. Instead, different agencies define homelessness based on what part of the homeless experience they are meant to serve, thus leading to inconsistencies in data collection and racial reporting. Another reason is that city planners in the separate counties update their zoning codes without considering the impact of those changes on neighboring jurisdictions. So, when jurisdictions pass restrictive zoning codes that decrease housing affordability, the impacts ripple throughout the metro area. The report also mentions ways counties and cities can begin making lasting impacts on homelessness, like addressing inequalities in criminal justice, healthcare, and allowing those who are currently experiencing homelessness to help craft responses to homelessness. “As a community, we must strive for racially equitable response. This begins by outcomes in our homelessness recognizing this inequity, measuring this disproportionality at a population level, and striving to ensure an equitable response with the ultimate goal of eliminating overrepresentation of any one population,” it reads. ■ MY STORY BY JERRY MULLENIX, VOICE VENDOR MY STORY BEGINS IN IDAHO. I am homeless, and I have been moving around from state to state. Now I am here, and I have been fighting for the rights of the homeless in the nation. I am now in the great state of Colorado. I have bought three tents and have been living out on the Platte River for almost a year. Then I bought a camper, and it caught fire. I was burnt in it. As soon as it went up, I was out of it. The police took it to the pound yard, and I went to the hospital for minor burns to my skin, face, hands and arm. I went back to the hospital for blood poisoning, and they put me on antibiotics to get rid of it. ■ WHEN I SEE YOU BY JEROME COTTON, VOICE VENDOR When I see you standing and needing, I feel a pain inside, my heart is bleeding. When I see you walking until your shoes are worn, I do not judge, I can only mourn. When I see your sign that reads “Anything helps,” I want to give, but I also have no money. When I see the tent where you live, I want to tell you a better day is coming. When I lay my head to sleep, I see you there. My heart for you, it weeps. When I see you there, I am praying for you, don’t forget I care. ■ NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Bottled water, non-perishable snacks Hand-warmers, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office 1” notebooks NEXT MONTH: WRAPPING PAPER ISSUE! GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Refurbished laptops or desktop computers Heavy jackets Scarves VOICE vendors have been busy coming up with wrapping paper designs for our December issue. Keep your eye out next month for the 2020 creations, and use them to wrap your holiday gifts! Winter hats Gloves Backpacks Drop-offs are accepted Monday–Friday, 9–12 p.m.,or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. AUTUMN WISH LIST DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS November 2020 DENVER VOICE 5 2019 ART BY VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSCE V NE JOHNSON ON VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON 2019 ART BY VOICE VENDOR BRIAN AUGUSTINE VOIC VENDOR BRIAN AUCE V AUGUS GUS USTINE 2019 AR 019 ART BY VOICE VENDOR REA BROWNE V

COMMUNITY PROFILE CREDIT: PAULA BARD FOOD PANTRY BILL OFFERS ONE SOLUTION FOR FOOD INSTABILITY BY PAULA BARD 6 DENVER VOICE November 2020 “ONCE COVID HAPPENED, WHAT REALLY MATTERED WAS HELPING PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY.” –Colorado State Representative Lisa Cutter STATE REPRESENTATIVE LISA CUTTER, who is finishing her first term representing House District 25 in Jefferson County, recently explained one of the bills she sponsored during the 2020 legislative session. “We originated the Food Pantry Bill in the House,” said Cutter. “It happened very quickly at the end of the legislative session. [State Representative] Daneya Esgar and I worked on it with Hunger Free Colorado. People were eager to support it.” According to the text of Food Pantry Bill, nearly one in three Coloradans report being concerned about the costs of food since the coronavirus pandemic hit. Passed in May, the grant program now connects emergency food providers around the state with Colorado-grown fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat products from local farms. For many of Colorado’s small farmers, this program is an opportunity to shore up their business following coronavirus-related revenue losses. The Bill’s seed was planted when Hunger Free Colorado surveyed food pantry clients on the impact of the coronavirus. Eighty-three percent of pantry clients wanted more produce, meat, and dairy products during their visits. Jason Harrison, food pantry network manager, recalled, “We worked with our pantry partners and members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to create a program that would provide pantry clients with those critical resources while simultaneously supporting our local agriculture communities.” Through the CARES Act, Colorado received almost $1.7 billion in federal coronavirus aid, signed into law on March 27. Over half of this money was directed to education, but the Colorado Proud and Food Pantries Act, HB20-1422, was awarded $500k in May from this CARES Act money. Governor Polis issued an executive order on October 9, allocating another $100k. COMMUNITY PROFILE FOOD PANTRIES ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE PANDEMIC BY PAULA BARD IN THE MOUNTAINS of Jefferson County, tucked up behind what long-time area residents call the “old Safeway” (as distinguished from the “new Safeway” across the highway), sits a large, rambling building called the Mountain Resource Center of Conifer. Just off of Highway 285, it offers an abundance of services to mountain folks, covering anything from emergency financial assistance to boxes of food. They even offer cooking classes. The pantry also offers support services to veterans, and parents can enroll their children in the Resource Center’s early childhood classes. Community advocates hand out tents and sleeping bags. Supporters can purchase hand-made bowls at the yearly fundraiser. Between March and June, Food Pantry Coordinator, Ingrid Wilson saw a 145 percent increase in food needs over what they distributed in 2019. They currently serve 250-400 families a month, 50 food boxes a day, Monday through Thursday. “It’s a drive-through right now, and we will have to adjust in the winter,” Wilson explained. Winter hits hard in Conifer; their drive-through setup will indeed become treacherous, if not impossible. Wilson sends a driver down to Food Bank of the Rockies every Monday to Thursday. “We pick up boxes of food and supplies. We get a bunch of dry goods and a bunch of fresh goods. It ebbs and flows,” said Wilson. “We try for fresh goods, but it just depends on what they’ve got. We pick up anything else that looks good — like we got corn on the cob for people. Last week, we got deodorant and diapers, baby supplies, toilet paper, toothpaste.” The mountain community contributes to this effort generously. As Wilson explained, “For grocery rescue up here in Conifer, we go to Starbucks, Safeway, Natural Grocers, King Soopers, and the Kum and Go. Last year, we rescued nearly 20,000 pounds of food.” The food pantry has two full-time staff members, Wilson and Shellie Logan McKeown, who organize this extensive, bustling, and efficient food transfer. Regular volunteers drive the food up from Denver. One or two extra volunteers come in each day to help fill boxes, organize the food, and hand it out to community members. A recipient of the Food Pantries Act grant, the Conifer Food Pantry brings much-needed food to hungry families, as well as some mountain folks who now live in their cars and even tents. This effort aims to keep the Conifer community fed. ■ CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD Colorado Food Pantries report an increase of two to six times their previous client numbers. In April, Healthier Colorado conducted a survey on the impact of the coronavirus, which painted a disturbing picture for many Coloradans. According to their findings, 47 percent of respondents said they or someone in their household had lost their job, lost income, or had hours reduced due to the coronavirus. People taking the brunt of this economic contraction include younger people 18-29 (64 percent lost job/income), people who rent (57 percent), those who work outside the home (57 percent), those on Medicaid (61 percent), households living on $30K income or less (53 percent), and homes with an individual 18 years or younger (54 percent). Cutter understood the urgent necessity for the Food Pantry Bill in this dire economic environment. “Hunger is something that I have always cared about. It has been important to me. It has been a problem for a long time,” Cutter said. CREDIT: PAULA BARD Hunger fits into a broader vision for Cutter. “I’m really interested in the juxtaposition of hunger, food waste, climate change, soil health, and composting. All of these come together. Climate change is going to make it harder to feed people. Regenerative agriculture, good soil health – that’s what’s going to help folks. We have to look for solutions that address this on a number of levels and create systemic change.” Cutter believes the Food Pantry Bill is a start. If she wins a second term during the November election, she will continue focusing on these issues. ■ November 2020 DENVER VOICE 7

NATIONAL STORY FROM LEFT SHUNDEEN WILLIAMS, MARIE WILLIAMS, KEVIN FURCAP AND GLORIA ERIACHO REST IN THE SHADE AFTER COOKING DINNER. ALL FOUR HAD COME BACK TO CARE FOR THEIR MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN CREDIT: GILES CLASEN SURVIVING COVID ON THE NAVAJO RESERVATION BY GILES CLASEN HAULING WATER Every day Franklin Martin walks to the Chevy truck he inherited from his cousin, who died too young in an alcoholrelated driving accident. Martin’s life has been marked by the loss of loved ones long before COVID-19 came to the Navajo Reservation. Today, however, that loss feels closer than years past because the spread of the coronavirus has hit his people uniquely hard. Martin could replace the truck; it is well over 20 years old and has the miles to match. Still, Martin likes the connection to his past, even the tragedy. He doesn’t want to forget the people he has lost. These days Martin uses the truck to transport water and other supplies to individuals in need on the Bodaway-Gap chapter of the Navajo Reservation. He and his daughter, Alicia Martin, started hauling water and other supplies to individuals living on the Navajo Reservation in March of this year. To live in the Arizona desert without running water requires each family to haul water to their home. Often, Navajo families live on less than 100 gallons of water a week to cook, clean, and drink. The average individual in the United States uses close to 100 gallons of water in a day, but the Navajo Nation has had a precarious relationship with water for years. The Arizona desert is very dry, and the bedrock is difficult to break through. Even if you could dig deep enough to reach water, the uranium mining of past decades has made much of the ground water unsafe for human consumption. THE VIRUS STRIKES Day to day life was difficult enough, then COVID-19 hit. In the early days of COVID, the Navajo Nation had some of the highest case rates for the virus in the United States. The Federal Government did little to help. The situation got so bad that Doctors Without Borders stepped in to help control the spread. The guidelines to stay safe were simple. Wash your hands, wear a mask, and social distance. When water is scarce, it is difficult to follow the guidelines. It is difficult to clean and wash your hands with such little water. It is difficult to social distance when you need to drive into a city center frequently to get more water. Arizona does not have a statewide mask mandate, and outside the reservation, mask usage is somewhat scarce in the smaller cities. As of October 14, there have been 10,780 confirmed cases on the Reservation. That is nearly one case per 30 people. Simply put, the Navajo Nation is not in a strong position to fight COVID-19 without help. THINKING BIGGER At a local level, individuals like Alicia and Franklin also sought to help. “We started collecting supplies and delivering them as soon as we could,” Alicia said. “It’s not right to say, ‘No’ when someone needs help, and people are dying right now. Our people need help.” The work started slowly, as the two learned how to organize a relief team. With permission from the restaurant where she was working, Alicia took water to give to families. Her restaurant had been shuttered due to the virus, and she had been furloughed. She began thinking bigger. In April, Alicia started a GoFundMe campaign and raised $10,000. She brought in help to manage the money and ensure the donations went to supplies for her people. Things were moving rapidly. Then, Franklin was diagnosed with the virus. He spent two weeks in the hospital recovering. By the time the two got back to delivering water and supplies, three family members, Franklin’s aunt, uncle, and cousin, had died from COVID-19. DELIVERING SUPPLIES As the battle with the virus took a personal toll on the Martins, they continued delivering supplies. Cheryl Osorio and her family live in a house that is not connected to the power grid and has no running water. Osorio uses a generator to power her house when needed. She uses her wood stove to cook and purify her water. Osorio and her family hadn’t been willing to drive into Page, Ariz. The city didn’t enact a mask mandate until June 24, and the trip to the tourist town seemed too risky. Osorio is grateful to the Martins for the supply runs, but living conditions on the Reservation remain difficult. “I want to move out of here,” Osorio said. “I feel like we’re forgotten with everybody else getting help. This has been going on a long time. Just with COVID, it’s different now. It is scarier.” The Martins eventually started receiving help from other sources. Compassionate Colorado delivered four trailers of food, water, and cleaning supplies to the Martins in June. (See “Compassionate Colorado Lives up to Its Name” in the Denver VOICE July 2020 issue.) 8 DENVER VOICE November 2020 NATIONAL STORY KENDRICK WEEKS CARRIES HIS SON ARIES WHILE PUTTING DONATED SUPPLIES INTO HIS TRUCK. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN The Martins insisted every can of food, diaper, and water bottle be cleaned with bleach before going into storage. They couldn’t risk carrying the coronavirus onto the Reservation. The items in highest demand have been hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. “They are like gold,’ Alicia said. FROM BAD TO WORSE The problems for the Navajo people started long before COVID. A land dispute between the Navajo and Hopi tribes led to a freeze of all development and construction on the Navajo Reservation. The Bennet Freeze, as it was known, was intended to encourage negotiations between the two tribes. Instead, it prevented individuals from legally repairing or replacing their homes. The Freeze lasted over 40 years, until the Obama administration removed it in 2009. But the ramifications continue to impact individuals. Joyce Dale lives in a home that has no working plumbing. The foundation became damaged during the freeze and went unrepaired for years. Dale qualified for a subsidy to help with her housing, but her home was deemed damaged beyond repair, so she is not permitted to use the subsidy to repair the home. “I’m fighting to keep mice and other wild things out,” Dale said. “I’m so ashamed of my house, how it looks. I wish I lived in a better home in a place with water. I wish we could repair what we have.” The house has been re-sided with plywood over the years, and she has a bathroom that stores boxes because the plumbing doesn’t work. She and her husband repeatedly apply hand sanitizer and are isolating themselves to avoid COVID. She fears that if she were to get COVID-19 she would not make it through. She is medically vulnerable due to having had a stroke. DOING WHAT THEY CAN “People don’t understand what we are going through on the Reservation,” Alicia said. “We were forgotten long before COVID, and now we are struggling more because of years of being abandoned.” The Martins are doing what they can to help people during COVID but are already thinking about what they can do for their people once COVID-19 is no longer a threat. They have set up a nonprofit — Families to Families Ajooba’ Hasin — and are close to raising another $100,000 on GoFundMe. Franklin is running for president of his Navajo Chapter. He and Alicia have been talking weekly with their nonprofit board to organize deliveries and seek needed supplies. They work six days a week, often 12 or more hours a day. The Martins are hopeful that their work can help their people today and create more opportunity for their people in the future. They have no plans to stop. ■ To donate to or learn more about the Families to Families Ajooba’ Hasin COVID Relief Fund, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/clean-water-for-navajo CHERYL OSORIO TELLS HER SON JESUS TO TURN THE LIGHTS OFF TO HER HOME. OSORIO AND HER FAMILY LIVE IN A HOUSE WITH NO RUNNING WATER AND NOT CONNECTED TO THE POWER GRID. OSORIO USES A GENERATOR TO POWER HER HOUSE WHEN NEEDED. SHE USES HER WOOD STOVE TO COOK AND PURIFY HER WATER. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN November 2020 DENVER VOICE 9

LOCAL STORY RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS TO EX-FELONS IN FLORIDA : AN INTERVIEW WITH SARAH PARADY BY GILES CLASEN SARAH PARADY IS A FORMER LAWYER and current partner of Parady Lebsack Law Firm, which specializes in employment law and civil liberties. Parady was the president of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association in 2019-2020 and was recognized as the 2017 New Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. But when she first became a mother a couple of years ago, Parady found it difficult to balance her professional responsibilities with mothering responsibilities. She said the weight she felt for her clients was almost overwhelming. She often served individuals with mental health issues in employment cases and fought for their rights. When she first started having panic attacks, she didn’t recognize that she was the one who needed mental health care. Parady went to her partners in early 2020 to let them know she was struggling. The next day, the firm reassigned her cases to help her recover. Parady has been taking a break from the law since then but has not stopped living her values. She began working as a volunteer with Resistance Labs and has sent more than 8,000 texts to individuals in support of community outreach on progressive campaigns. Parady said she recognizes that not all individuals are as fortunate as she has been. Not all are able to take leave of their careers when it interferes with their health. She also believes this needs to change so all people can meet their needs and their families’ needs no matter the circumstances. She believes employees’ rights and the American Safety Net program need to be strengthened. The following interview with her has been edited for length and clarity. “LEADING UP TO THE ELECTION, I tried to test drive different ways to help with different get-out-the-vote campaigns. I wanted to do anything to bolster our democracy into the run-up to this election. I eventually signed up for an organization called Resistance Labs that CREDIT: GILES CLASEN voting access. The goal is to return to felons the rights that the voters intended. There’s a court decision upholding the law that the legislature passed; it’s just that the courts have punted on and essentially have refused to consider it on an emergency basis, all the way up to the Supreme Court. And so, getting involved in as far of the opposite end as runs text campaigns for all kinds of mostly smaller, progressive nonprofits and campaigns around the country. They do local elections, they do different kinds of get-outthe-vote programs, and a lot of stuff with the 2020 Census. One of the campaigns this year was for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC). What they had us do was to send out massive numbers of text messages to people in Florida asking if they or anyone they knew needed to pay off legal fines to be able to vote. Florida succeeded at the campaign [to give ex-felons back their voting rights], and then immediately after that, the state legislature turned around and passed a law that said that, essentially, in contravention of what the state’s residents had voted on, former felons could not vote unless they had paid off all of their fines and fees from the criminal justice system. These fines can be thousands and thousands of dollars. And that might include restitution to victims, but it can include other things, as well. So, the FRRC campaign involved raising money to help people pay off those fines so that they could get back their 10 DENVER VOICE November 2020 you imagine: sending texts to people and saying, ‘Hey, do you need help with your fines and fees so you can vote?’ was just satisfying on a level that I can’t even begin to explain. It was like, ‘Forget the Supreme Court, we can fix this sort of democratically,’ and I would get quite a few responses. Throughout the campaign, I texted thousands of people, and I’m sure I got at least 50 or 60 that said they needed fines or fees paid off or knew someone who did. One of the beautiful things about that is that it’s not just that you’re going to get your voting rights back. Any kind of debt is probably impacting people’s ability to get housing, lines of credit, all those things. Assisting people’s reentry to society is a fantastic anti-poverty measure, as well. The instructions we received were detailed. For example, we might be told ‘If you’re viewing [specific information] on your phone screen, you may need to shrink the window to see Question Four, and that may be why you’re getting that error.’ We walked people through the steps, helping them get their applications in. We made sure to follow up and help people get to the polls. That’s as direct a relationship to helping people access their constitutional rights as I’ve ever had, and it was a lot of fun.” In some ways Parady felt this campaign work was more impactful than the work she did to restore rights to individuals in the courtroom. “One thing that is a little bit frustrating for an attorney is the ratio, the limited number of clients we’re allowed to take on. There are two different outcomes that a case can have. Obviously, the number one concern is helping the client right the wrong that happened to them, but another possibility is that you might make a good case law for another case, and that happens from time to time. For example, I had a case once that was a wage theft class action. We got the first ruling in the District of Colorado saying that two different entities, whether employer or temp/ staffing agency, could be jointly liable for unpaid wages. This is important in this economy because you frequently have things like staffing agencies, temp agencies, franchising, or what people call fissuring of the workplace. The Colorado wage laws provide that if you are acting as someone’s employer, then you and whomever you shifted that job off to on paper should be jointly liable for the terminated employee’s wages. That case made it so you can’t contract away your obligations as an employer. A decision like that is helpful and important and is kind of motivating in a different way. But when it came to representing individual clients, I worried about them and tried to stick with them through the big slug of litigation to eventually get them a good outcome. It took a lot of their time, a lot of my time. It was very emotionally difficult to get there for a lot of my clients, to spend all this time in this very uncertain state where you’re waiting to see if you’re going to get compensated. You have financial worries, and you’re having to tell the story of what happened to you over and over again, the system is super complex. Those outcomes often, at the end of the day, were very, very good. We’re frequently able to recover a lot of money for some of our clients, but it’s not immediate. And it’s a whole lot of effort for both the attorney and the client to get there. So, it’s pretty different [from the volunteer work with the FRRC], I would say. In Colorado, we don’t have felon disenfranchisement, which is a wonderful thing. Several states still do. There’s been a movement for decades now to try to change that. The thought is that you’ve paid your debt to society and you’ve seen a part of society that a lot of us haven’t seen, frankly. Most Americans have never even been inside a prison or jail or had a relationship with someone who was. [Being inside a prison] really does change your view of what the government does and how the government should use its power. Those are people who I want to see voting because they’ve experienced both the criminal justice system, the courts, the legal system, maybe the public defender system, and then incarceration in a way that many people have not. They have a very relevant and important voice. More fundamentally than that, they’re citizens of this country, and once they’ve done their time and been released, I see no reason why we should continue to keep them out of our political processes.” ■ IN YOUR OWN WORDS WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from workshops sponsored by Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. This workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Contact the Lighthouse Writers Workshop for details about virtual Hard Times writing workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times The Lighthouse sponsored workshop at The Gathering Place is specifically for that organization’s clients. To check out more writing by the poets featured in this column, go to writedenver.org. JANIS OLSEN THE KEY SHALEEN VANESE FIGUEROA CHARLOTTE & WILBUR I still have her keys Singing in all the betweens The key to her heart. Such the tangled web we weave, When first we conspire to deceive. Direly at a loss, we diligently strive, to indeed achieve, To retain a win we had once thought, We would never ever receive. BENJAMIN ERIC NELSON WEPT Leaves are placed upon his dead body His eyelids pulled down for respect Ambulance is coming... Oddly To scoop him up he is blessed Order of name Scrub belief Scrub insane To lose my mind was a release It helps sometimes Force of habit Spell unwinds Alure is tragic Honor kept Seeing another one has wept Hurry up and wait. That’s how we play the game. Each day in and each one out, Seems to just never cease to amaze. Just never winning for losing, Is just LIFE, very simple, and cruising, Praying that one day there will be a win for all that losing, And maybe we can triumph over all those hardships, we tend to just daily grieve. ...To be continued. PRESENTED BY: November 2020 DENVER VOICE 11

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Availability of the Renew Active™ program varies by plan/area. 12 DENVER VOICE November 2020 Y0066_190904_083721_M 20CST20874_H0624-001-000 EVENTS WHEN: Nov 2, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE: Stanley Marketplace – 2501 Dallas St. MORE INFO: facebook.com/OhHeyStanley MLK/FBI AT THE DENVER FILM FESTIVAL MLK/FBI is the first film to uncover the extent of the FBI’s surveillance and harassment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Based on newly discovered and declassified files and utilizing a trove of documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and unsealed by the National Archives, this documentary explores the government’s history of targeting Black activists and leaders and the contested meaning behind some of our most cherished ideals. WHEN: Nov 7 COST: $18 MORE INFO: Online at denverfilm.org/dff43 VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE No spaceship? No problem. Learn about our place in the universe, how we fit into the solar system, and the ways we are integrally connected to space, all from the comfort of your own living room. Content is geared towards the entire family. WHEN: Nov 11, 6:30 p.m. COST: $8 MORE INFO: Online at facebook.com/DMNSorg OPENING DAY OF THE DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET This festive holiday tradition moves to Civic Center Park this year, allowing for more social distancing between guests. However, much of the charm will remain with festive music, big beers, Gluhwein, traditional cuisine, craft vendors, and heat lamps scattered throughout the park. Market runs through December 23, 2020; check the website for daily hours and entertainment. WHEN: Nov 20, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE: Civic Center Park – Colfax & Broadway MORE INFO: christkindlmarketdenver.com AFRO-CUBAN DANCING IN THE PARK Although the world of Afro-Cuban dance is vast, the instructor will focus on a few concepts for each class, explaining each movement and the connection of the dance to the music and history. All are welcome, this class takes place outdoors. Masks are required. WHEN: Nov 29, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Cheeseman Park – 1599 E. 8th Ave. MORE INFO: facebook.com/RastaSalsaDance November 2020 DENVER VOICE 13 ACROSS 1. “Aladdin” prince 4. 2006 Pixar film 8. Said something 13. (In) harmony 15. Sandler of “Big Daddy” 16. Reacted to fireworks 17. Jewish month 18. ___ good example 19. “___ Green Tomatoes” 20. Keystone XL and Dakota Access, for two 22. Muscle weakness 23. Had a homecooked meal 24. Emmy-winning Lewis 26. TV teaser 28. Croquet hoop 32. Beach, in Barcelona 35. Alternative to a fade 37. Reverse 38. Campus military org. 39. Dizzy 40. Opera house box 41. Aroma 42. Counter call 43. Wait with ___ breath 44. Take off 46. Fragrant wood 48. Consider, as options 50. Who’s who 53. Islamic teacher (Var.) 56. Withdrawing clerical status from 59. Be of use 60. “I’m ___ your tricks!” 61. Edible taro root 62. Change, as a clock 63. Ancient 64. Slap on, as paint 65. Flip, in a way 66. Viral sensation 67. Floral necklace DOWN 1. PDQ 2. One of the sisters in “Pride and Prejudice” 3. Not suitable 4. Slot spot 5. Gulf of ___, off the coast of Yemen 6. Numbers needed when converting currencies 7. Huge hit 8. Wildlife ___, animal park in Winston, Oregon 9. Specified 10. Buckeye State 11. Astute 12. Small whirlpool 14. Bugs 21. Turkish money 25. Missing from the Marines, say 27. Filly’s mother 29. Granny ___ 30. Halftime lead, e.g. 31. Pigeon-___ 32. Egg on 33. Mother ___ 34. Above 36. Network of nerves 39. Debate side 43. Island near Java 45. Property 47. Crack 49. Twilight, old-style 51. Kind of wave 52. Provide (with) 53. Neighbor of Earth 54. Eye layer 55. Glasgow gal 57. Tabloid twosome 58. Mongolian desert COURTESY OF DEAR DENVER DEARDENVER.NET PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, with Dear Denver.net, for coming up with some great ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. DAY OF THE DEAD FAMILY CELEBRATION Come experience this unique tradition at this family-friendly event, featuring music, dancing, a pumpkin patch, and beautiful altars throughout the building. Masks will be required inside and outside of the Marketplace. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

DONORS DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ Denver Foundation The NextFifty Initiative Help Colorado Now $10,000+ John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund Kenneth King Foundation Max & Elaine Appel DEDO Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Community Foundation of Boulder County Jerry Conover Meek-Cuneo Family Fund $1,000-$4,999 Josh Kauer Bright Funds Network for Good Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Arc Thrift Stores Jeremy Anderson City Side Remodeling Matthew Rezek Schuster Family Foundation Russell Peterson PEN America Craig & Teresa Solomon Signs by Timorrow Jim Ashe Wynkoop Brewery George Lichter Family Foundation Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Kauer Construction & Design Gaetanos Restaurant Patrick & Jan Rutty Conover/Wonder Family Fund Gaelina Tesfaye Donald Weaver Phoenix Capital $500-$999 Comedy Works Michelle Stapleton & James Thompson Michael Dino Christine Muldoon and Pete Iannuzzi Jill Haug Caring Connection Alistair Davidson Paul Manoogian Kroger Grocery Ridley McGreevy & Winocur Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop, Inc. Keyrenter Property Management Denver Gaspar Terrana Travis & Margaret Ramp Elizabeth A. Mitchell Stephen Saul Leigh Bingham and Chris Forgham James Stegman William Thorland Betty & Warren Kuehner Zephyr Wilkins Celestina Pacheco ACM LLP Cuneo Law Firm Paul Hoffman Jim and Nancy Thomas Peggy Mihelich Susan B. Jones 14 DENVER VOICE November 2020 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page add in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper RESOURCES RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs TRINITY UNITED METHODIST 1820 Broadway, meals served Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 trinityumc.org URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org November 2020 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THURSDAY, 6-7:30 P.M. The Denver VOICE’s second annual Pints Fighting Poverty Pub Crawl on November 19, 2020 is an incredible opportunity to show support for those in our community experiencing homelessness and/or poverty, gain insight into the realities, and make an impact by helping us raise the funds to continue to provide economic, education, and empowerment opportunities for those we have the privilege of serving! Happening during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the evening kicks off VIRTUALLY this year with a special online guest speaker and a series of featured vendors - includes four virtual stops and a host of exclusive drink selections at some of Denver’s premier brewery and spirit locations! You can register as an individual, couple, or host a small group in your home with special group pricing packages. 100 percent of proceeds raised go toward our mission to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community during a time when need is at an all time high and the challenges of the pandemic mean your support is more important than ever before. TICKETS: DENVERVOICE.ORG/PINTSFIGHTINGPOVERTY fighting Pints poverty a fundraiser v i r t u a l 2 0 t 2 r 0 t o u r

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE “WRAPPING UP” 2020 WITH THE HOLIDAY CHEER WE ALL NEED Original heartwarming designs from vendors inspire our fifth-annual wrapping paper insert. 72 AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS COMING TO SOUTHWEST DENVER LORETTO HEIGHTS CAMPUS WILL BE HOME TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING. PAGE 6 SYSTEMIC RACISM AND HOMELESSNESS JERRY BURTON DISCUSSES RACISM AND THE RECENT THREE-DAY HOMELESSNESS AND RACE VIGIL. PAGE 4 USING ALLEGORY TO EXPLORE RACISM WITH ART AS HIS PLATFORM, DENVER ARTIST REVEALS ONGOING SYSTEMIC RACISM. PAGE 8 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 11 EVENTS PAGE 11 DECEMBER 2020 | Vol.25 Issue 12 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: ORIGINAL ART BY LANDO ALLEN

DIRECTOR’S NOTE LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE, things at the Denver VOICE have looked a lot different in 2020. Our offices aren’t jam-packed with folks the way they normally would be, and with social distancing guidelines in place, our holiday celebrations won’t be quite the same. Since March, we temporarily JENNIFER SEYBOLD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR halted printing; established a vendor relief fund as we shifted our focus during stay-at-home orders to more immediate needs of vendors; instituted Venmo sales; decreased the rate our vendors pay for the paper by 50 percent when we resumed printing; canceled one fundraiser, while shifting a second fundraiser to a virtual event; distributed papers in the parking lot of our building; and trained several new vendors, increasing the number of individuals we’ve served since 2007 to 4,600. That’s a lot of change, but thanks to your unwavering support, we have managed to not just survive but thrive in the face of challenge! For 24 years, the VOICE has provided opportunities and given a voice to those experiencing homelessness and poverty. This year, alone, we’ve tackled major challenges of inequity, division, and community misunderstanding and bias that most heavily impact individuals like our vendors. And while this year has presented a constant stream of challenges, it has also provided reasons to celebrate, including the addition of new vendors and community supporters. Another positive step for the VOICE is our move to a new home in the Santa Fe Art District, which will allow us to serve our vendors more effectively, even as the pandemic and social distancing continue to be the norm. As you reflect on 2020, I hope you will recognize the resilience of our community, which your generous support has made possible. As the VOICE heads into our 25th year, I am so proud of the incredible community you’ve helped us build and look forward to the promise the future holds for all of us. Thank you! ■ DECEMBER CONTRIBUTORS DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Andrew Klooster GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Ty Holter DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes. Kate Marshall Austin Scott Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. WRITERS Brian Augustine Paula Bard Giles Clasen Ed Curlee Robert Davis Doug Hrdlicka BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins @OCE EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. WE’VE MOVED! 2 DENVER VOICE December 2020 VENDOR OFFICE (AS OF DEC. 1, 2020) 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open. New vendors must arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: RICKY RESOURCES DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST For individuals in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness – resources for food, medical care, counseling, education, holiday assistance, and more. RICKY IS SICK AND HOPES TO GET TO CALIFORNIA WHERE IT IS WARMER. HE HAS FOUND DENVER TO BE HARSH. CREDIT: PAULA BARD Denver has more than 6,000 people without homes, and more than 3,000 trying to survive on its streets. In 2012, Denver passed an urban-camping ban making it illegal for the homeless to protect themselves with “any form of cover or protection from the elements other than clothing.” Violations can bring a $999 fine or a year in jail. OUR Streets are stories of Denver’s unhoused residents as captured by Paula Bard, who walks the streets of Denver to photograph the faces and collect the stories of those her city has abandoned. WINTER WISH LIST DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Mon, Weds, Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. December 2020 DENVER VOICE 3

LOCAL STORY A DISCUSSION WITH JERRY BURTON ON SYSTEMIC RACISM AND HOMELESSNESS BY PAULA BARD “I tell people that the best person to advocate for you is yourself because you know what you want. You know what you’re trying to get to. I advocate for what we all have in common. Try to get people housed, try to get people jobs. But as far as what you want out of life, you have to advocate for yourself.” –JERRY BURTON BLACK ADULTS COMPRISE 5.3 PERCENT of the general population, but 20.5 percent of the homeless population, according to the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative Census data. Each Wednesday, Jerry Burton with Denver Homeless Out Loud offers a home-cooked meal, along with animated talks that encourage self-advocacy for the unsheltered. Jerry helped organize the three-day Homelessness and Race Vigil in Denver’s Civic Center Park during fall’s final days in October. The following is a recap of our conversation with him: Why did you organize the vigil about race with Denver Homeless Out Loud? There’s a lot of things in life that a lot of people don’t understand. How and why we [Black people] are in this position that we’re in. A lot of that comes from not knowing the history of their own country. The people that came here. The majority of the people that are Black have been homeless all of their lives. They’ve had a hard time finding or renting a place. And this goes way back to 1863 when the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. We have always been on the outside looking in. I’m just trying to get people to educate their white counterparts that we are not in this because we chose to be in this. We’re in this because it is the system in America. So, the vigil was a way to focus on this racial disparity and talk about it? When you bring up race, a lot of white people do not feel comfortable. So, doing it this way, I felt we could educate. It can be talked about. Positive in a way, we don’t have to be upset. If you do get upset, get upset about the way it was. Try to move on and try to fix this. We are all Americans, and we should be treated as such with dignity and respect. Most white people believe the myth about us instead of the truth. That’s why the country is so split right now. What myth is that? Such as, we don’t know how to do anything. No other race has been through what we’ve been through as Black people. This country gained its riches off our backs, and we still don’t own anything. Those African slaves did the work; they created the wealth of the country. How does this tie in with homelessness? Well, if everyone would have gotten 40 acres and a mule, that’s economic, it could have set up families for generational wealth— all the way down to this day. We did not get that. [Slaves] were turned out in a country they did not know about. They had no education. They were lost. A lot of them had nowhere else to go. Most of them had to walk from the south, to the north, and to the west just to make it. We were treated wrong. Our ancestors were turned away from the start and are still being turned away. So, what happens to those Blacks that are now homeless? Those guys arrested when they are 18, locked up in prison, and then dumped out on the street when they are 25? No education, no job skills? They end up on the streets, living in tents. It’s the same thing going on. It’s just a different approach. You got no education and go to court and get locked up for five or six years of your life. One or two things happen when you’re in prison. You’re either going to perfect your criminal craft or get out, not knowing anything. When you get out, you won’t be able to rent a house, apartment, or get a job to take care of yourself. You’re stuck, right back where you came from. Unless by some unforeseen incident, you get a second chance. But everyone doesn’t get a second chance. Unless you had money before you went in, your second chance is gone. What about going to their families for support? Most of the families aren’t going to be any help. Most of them are in the same situation. CREDIT: PAULA BARD 4 DENVER VOICE December 2020 LOCAL STORY “At its core, homelessness is a result of systemic issues and the resulting inequities which disproportionately affect different races. As evident in ... all data on the issue, there is a glaring overrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, people of color in the homeless population.” –METRO DENVER HOMELESS INITIATIVE CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD Barely making ends meet from month to month. Barely eating from day-to-day. See, the country has a debt to pay to Black people, and until this is done, we will not be on an equal economic base. You’re talking about an economic as well as a moral base. Blacks were enslaved, this history just hovers there, like a ghost. Can our country reckon with its history? It’s got to be dealt with in a way that is beneficial to all, especially Black people. Just to apologize, that’s not enough. With an apology, you still wake up hungry. COMING FROM ANNISTON, ALABAMA How does this feel to you personally to see this go on and on? It’s a messed-up feeling. It’s about power, keeping things under their control. Most of the bad things that have happened to me have come from the hands of white people. Can we talk about that? That you have been treated that way. That you carry this. Me growing up in the South, there are things you can and can’t do. Cannot say. Even though it was 100 years past slavery, you could not be hanging out with white people too much. Once you got to be 12 years old, you were not to be with a white person. What year was that? How old were you? I’m 58 now, so ’72, give or take. So, it was dangerous to hang out with white people, then? It was very dangerous. You had to be very careful about what neighborhood you walked through—any time of day. For me to come home from school sometimes when I was in junior high, I couldn’t take the short cut. I had to walk all the way downtown. What would have happened? I could have gotten jumped, or sometimes you gotta run because a bunch of white people would be out there waiting for you. THE JESTER ELICITS A SMILE — HIS HUMOR AS A SHIELD. CREDIT: PAULA BARD So, you’re learning at a really young age that things are not what they seem? To pay some attention because there are multiple layers? I grew up in a world where things are not as they seem. But at the same time, you have to be able to process it in a way to where it can benefit you in the long run and not hinder you, you know? So, I was able to do that. And you were able to do that because your family and your teachers told you that you had value and encouraged you. You felt recognized. It sounds like you had a deep sense of your own value. Well, I knew who I was. People are going to do what they are going to do and say what they are going to say. I have no control over that. The only thing I have control over is what I can do. That is the way I was brought up. A PLATFORM FOR THE ISSUE OF RACE People came, people gave talks, so after the vigil, then what? We should have gotten city council and the mayor involved, talked to them about what we need to do as a community, as a city. Well, Denver, maybe this work will help bring us another step closer to a much needed and long-overdue conversation. ■ This happened to you, just walking down the street? This happened to me on many occasions. So, trying to get home from school, home from football practice, and all of a sudden, you see three or four white guys start chasing you out of the neighborhood. They’re chasing you because they don’t want you in the neighborhood? Not only that, no matter what you do, they are going to treat you like you’re a second-rate citizen. Not treated with respect. How does it feel to be raised in a culture that told you that you had less value than someone else with a different color of skin? How does that feel? How do you process that? I had a mom that cared; I had sisters that looked out for us. I had a family that ate together every single day. I had teachers that were Black that lived in my neighborhood. They saw value in me. I went to a mostly Black school. I was taught that I was somebody. Some of the white people that I knew gave me encouragement. Like Mundy’s, for instance, back home, they owned a store; I used to shop there for my mom. They would sit down and talk to me as if I was a person. But, I understood and remembered some of their voices from under a sheet. It was kinda like that. December 2020 DENVER VOICE 5

LOCAL NEWS SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER WITH WRAPPING PAPER INSPIRED BYVOICE VENDORS BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN CREDIT: ROBERT DAVIS ONE THING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS NOT AFFECTED is Denver VOICE vendors’ holiday spirit, which means once again, the VOICE’s December issue includes wrapping paper with festive designs, inspired by our vendors. Even so, you will notice that the pandemic played a starring role in several of those designs. Our first design came from Brian Augustine, whose illustrations remind us that “social distance doesn’t bother me, as long as remember that you are so close to my heart.” Keeping with the theme of celebrating the holidays while being mindful of other people’s health, Rea Brown’s charming design shows a young man staying a safe distance from his snowman friend. The design inspired by Lando Allen is that of Santa smiling as he raises his arms in the air and with the word “Joy” floating above him. Raelene Johnson’s illustration of a crackling fire and fireplace with the words, “Merry Christmas, Best Wishes,” evokes the warmth of the holiday season. Jerry Rosen’s artwork inspired the wrapping paper with Christmas trees and candy canes. Jerry Mullinex, our newest vendor of the six mentioned here, created his paw print design with the help of his dog and frequent visitor to the VOICE office, Starla. Each participating vendor will receive $35 for their design, which is a small reward for the generous holiday spirit their creativity brings to this issue and the smile they will bring to the fortunate souls whose holiday gifts are wrapped with the vendors’ designs. BY ROBERT DAVIS THE CROWN JEWEL OF THE LORETTO HEIGHTS campus is on its way to becoming a 72-unit affordable housing development for families in southwest Denver. Known as the Pancratia Hall Lofts, the development is the result of a two-year community engagement effort. It will comprise “large apartments for families,” including 15 threebedroom apartments and two four-bedroom units, according to city officials. All of the units will be income-restricted, serving families making between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income, according to the Department of Housing Stability (HOST). Amenities include a landscaped courtyard, a business center, and open space for future shops and restaurants. Funding for the project was secured through a complex web of loans and tax credit financing. HOST provided a $3.3 million grant, while Denver utilized a slew of Private Activity Bonds, federal and state historic tax credits, and several loans from banks and investment firms. “Denver is proud to be a partner on this affordable housing project and historic restoration, one that aims to house families in our community and keep them housed,” Mayor Hancock said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be working with our partners to ensure these units are kept affordable for Denver families for decades to come.” Pancratia Hall is named after Mother Pancratia Bonfils, a nun educated by the Sisters of Loretto and founder of the Loretto Heights Academy, which was a Catholic boarding school for women. 6 DENVER VOICE December 2020 The Academy, built in 1889, predates Denver’s chartering. Pancratia Hall was constructed in 1929 with its red sandstone bell tower that has served as a landmark for Southwest Denver. During World War I, the campus was a training grounds for Colorado soldiers. In 1918, the Academy was a degreeattaining institution for women. This was two years before the passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteed women’s suffrage. Over its 120-plus year history, the building has been part of several educational institutions. After the Academy closed in 1941 due to declining enrollment, it served as dormitories and classrooms for Loretto Heights College. In 1988, the college was sold to Teikyo University, which operated Colorado Heights College for 29 years before selling it to Westside Investment Partners, Inc., in 2018 for $16.5 million. After the sale of the campus, Denver City Council rushed to pause development on the site until a land use plan could be developed. This effort resulted in City Council adopting the Loretto Heights Small Plan in 2019, one which incorporated 100 percent of the community comments into the final document. Many of the comments concerned keeping the Loretto Heights history alive for future generations. “It turned anxiety over potential loss into excitement for a lively, welcoming addition to our part of town where new neighbors of all means and cultures could prosper, the community could gather together with them, the campus buildings could be restored and re-used, and the rich legacy of the Spirit of Loretto could be preserved,” Councilman Kevin Flynn (District 2) said in a statement. ■ I PANCRATIA HALL TO BRING 72 AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS TO LORETTO HEIGHTS Got these cards? Get more. Get more benefits than you’re currently getting from Original Medicare with a UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® (HMO D-SNP) plan. It combines your doctor, hospital and prescription drug coverage into one plan — for a $0 plan premium. Additional benefits may include: Dental Coverage $2,000 toward dental services. Health Products Card™ Up to $680 loaded onto your card to buy health products you may need. Fitness Benefit A fitness program for body and mind with access to participating gym and fitness centers at no extra cost. Transportation Assistance Up to 24 one-way rides every year. Call today to enroll or get answers to your questions. Debbie Beaudry Licensed Sales Agent 303-881-9362, TTY 711 b00a5c@hotmail.com UHCCommunityPlan.com/CO Participation in the Renew Active™ program is voluntary. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine. Renew Active includes standard fitness membership. Equipment, classes, personalized fitness plans, and events may vary by location. Certain services, classes and events are provided by affiliates of UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or other third parties not affiliated with UnitedHealthcare. Participation in AARP® Staying Sharp and the Fitbit® Community for Renew Active is subject to your acceptance of their respective terms and policies. UnitedHealthcare is not responsible for the services or information provided by third parties. The information provided through these services is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. The Renew Active program varies by plan/area. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Participation in the Renew Active™ by UnitedHealthcare program is voluntary. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine. Equipment and classes may vary by location. Services, including equipment, classes, personalized fitness plans provided by fitness centers, and brain activities provided by BrainHQ, are provided by third parties not affiliated with UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse and is not responsible for the services or information provided by this program. Availability of the Renew Active™ program varies by plan/area. Y0066_190904_083721_M December 2020 DENVER VOICE 7 20CST20874_H0624-001-000

LOCAL STORY ALAN BROOKS: USING ALLEGORY TO EXPLORE RACISM BY GILES CLASEN R. ALAN BROOKS has always been creative and tried to find a way to lace that creativity into his life. A few years ago, he decided to change direction and make his artistic endeavors into a career. He stopped selling health insurance and started writing comics. In 2017, Brooks published his first graphic novel, the “Burning Metronome,” and just released his second book, “Anguish Garden,” in November of 2020. Both books use allegory to explore systemic oppression. Brooks also is an associate professor of writing at Regis University and writes a comic for The Colorado Sun news site. He also presented at the TEDxMileHigh Rise event in August 2020. The following was edited for clarity and length. How has art impacted social movements today? Oppression works best when the people who are oppressed don’t get a chance to speak up about it, so people can deny it. Art has always played a role in inspiring a revolution. There’s a reason that dictators and despots work so desperately to censor it. They recognize the power in it. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN CREDIT: GILES CLASEN 8 DENVER VOICE December 2020 LOCAL STORY The common person may ask, “Is art silly? Does it have a purpose?” But people in power, like Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s, believed art had power. He wouldn’t have been doing what he did to the entertainment industry, otherwise. It’s been interesting to watch this year. I don’t know why George Floyd’s murder mattered more than, say, Philando Castile’s, or other unarmed Black men who’ve been murdered. It seems like it’s a confluence of events that suddenly made people care about it in a different way. There was a litany of these kinds of videos for as long as people had videos on their phones. Or all the way back to the Rodney King beating in the 90s. In this particular case, you had George Floyd. You had Breonna Taylor. You had the brother walking through Central Park where the woman threatened to call the police, saying she was being attacked by Christian Cooper, a Black man in New York. People have had to sit home during the pandemic. Maybe without the distractions of life, they had time to actually look at the ugliness of what’s being done. That doesn’t answer [the] question about how art fits into it. But it goes to why it’s hard for me to identify it. This movement has been present virtually my entire life. It’s cool that it’s showing up on other people’s radar, really. But it’s hard to identify why. There has been plenty of art about police brutality, including my book, “The Burning Metronome.” [Police brutality] shows up in “Lovecraft Country,” the HBO show, in the first episode. It’s continuous. I guess because I’m so immersed in it and I see the art about it all the time, it’s hard for me to say, “Oh, there’s something this year that makes it different.” Even in [1999], there was Amadou Diallo. He pulled out his wallet to show his ID, and police shot at him, I think it was like, 41 times. That was in New York. All these rappers put out a special hip hop project talking about Diallo’s murder at the hands of the police. Seriously, all my life this has been a thing and there’s been art about it. I believe 100 percent that art helps to advance a cause. I think art can help people see through the perspective of a different group. Art does help people see from [the oppressed person’s] perspective. My difficulty is in saying what’s different about right now. I feel like maybe, finally, the people who were not affected by police violence had to sit down and pay attention. And that’s never happened in my lifetime. So, I think the fact that the art is there and that it exists is beneficial for the people who did not have to have this issue right up in their face the whole time. They had a chance, and finally, they had to listen. I don’t feel like there’s a new artistic movement about it so much as there’s a new awareness about the issues and the art that is pushing the issue to the forefront. Can art make a difference in today’s world? In the late 1890s, Tolstoy wrote his book, “The Kingdom of God Is Within You,” which was about being nonviolent. About 30 years later, Gandhi said that book was one of the top three influences of his life. Tolstoy created art that inspired Gandhi, who led a movement that changed the world. Then, Gandhi inspired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What if Tolstoy had never written his book? Would the Civil Rights Movement in America be different? Would it have happened at all? It’s hard to say, but it’s clear how one book had an impact. The point I made earlier about dictators working hard to censor art is one of the greatest indications of the power of art to influence. Why would people in power waste the energy? CREDIT: GILES CLASEN I think about Stalin and Hitler. They both worked hard to censor artists, they would burn books and things. Those people had no doubt about the power of art to influence social change. What role can allegory play in helping individuals see a story differently? When it comes to change, I think people feel like they’re being blamed. Fingers pointed at them, like, “You need to do X.” That’s challenging to anyone’s ego. When you can take that same principle and place it into a different context, then, suddenly, people aren’t as defensive. I think people can understand right and wrong in a different way when it’s put into allegory. In the Old Testament, Nathan the prophet told David about a shepherd and his sheep and all that, and David was like, “Who is this unrighteous person?” The prophet was like, “It’s you!” It’s not so clearly an indictment of what [people] are doing. After they’ve absorbed the message, they can think about how it applies to their own life. Sometimes that has good effects. All of these isms — racism, sexism, etc., — come from either a failure or a refusal to see the humanity of the other party. For people who fail to see the humanity of someone else, art is really powerful at communicating that humanity. As soon as you start to connect to humanity, [you can see] this is another human who is negatively impacted by something I’m doing or something I believe in. Art is really good at connecting humanity that goes beyond a list of facts or demographics. What must artists do to keep connecting us to one another’s humanity? I’ve been teaching a seminar called Overcoming Creative Fear. There are so many people I know who are good people and legitimately talented in a variety of areas, be it writing, drawing, or singing, or whatever. But they’re so terrified of finishing something, at the possibility of failing or succeeding, or of someone being mean to them on the internet. The state of the world right now adds to that anxiety for a lot of people. To any creative person reading this, if there’s any time for your voice to be heard, that time is now. I think about all the hateful people who don’t have any problems speaking up. Nazis aren’t having a problem speaking up right now. If they’re not afraid to say crazy stuff, then I really need people who have a sense of compassion and righteousness to take this time and speak up, too; whether it’s directly or through their art. This is the time we need to have it happen. ■ December 2020 DENVER VOICE 9

DONORS & LOCAL NEWS DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! When you support the Denver VOICE, you are helping support hundreds of homeless and impoverished individuals who are working to realize self-sufficiency through earning a dignified income. Your gift makes a world of difference for these individuals. Here, we list those who have given $500 and more in the last year. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ Denver Foundation The NextFifty Initiative Help Colorado Now $10,000+ John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund Kenneth King Foundation Max & Elaine Appel DEDO Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund The Christian Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Community Foundation of Boulder County Jerry Conover Meek-Cuneo Family Fund $1,000-$4,999 Josh Kauer Bright Funds Network for Good Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Arc Thrift Stores Jeremy Anderson City Side Remodeling Matthew Rezek Schuster Family Foundation Russell Peterson PEN America Craig & Teresa Solomon Signs by Timorrow Jim Ashe Wynkoop Brewery George Lichter Family Foundation Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Kauer Construction & Design Gaetanos Restaurant Patrick & Jan Rutty Conover/Wonder Family Fund Gaelina Tesfaye Donald Weaver Phoenix Capital $500-$999 Comedy Works Michelle Stapleton & James Thompson Michael Dino Christine Muldoon and Pete Iannuzzi Jill Haug Caring Connection Alistair Davidson Paul Manoogian Kroger Grocery Ridley McGreevy & Winocur Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop, Inc. Keyrenter Property Management Denver Gaspar Terrana 10x Business Consultants, Inc. Travis & Margaret Ramp Elizabeth A. Mitchell Stephen Saul Leigh Bingham and Chris Forgham James Stegman William Thorland Betty & Warren Kuehner Zephyr Wilkins Celestina Pacheco ACM LLP Cuneo Law Firm Paul Hoffman Jim and Nancy Thomas Peggy Mihelich Susan B. Jones 10 DENVER VOICE December 2020 DENVER AIMS FOR ECONOMIC REBOUND BY DOUG HRDLICKA IN 2019, the Denver Department of Finance recognized signs in short-term and long-term bonds that indicated a recession. Other markers and inconsistencies also forecasted a bust, so the City planned a conservative 2020 budget for good measure. Indeed, February 2020 marked the end of the longest economic expansion in Denver’s history. In March, Denver saw the largest decline in projected revenues in a single period since 1933. The economic fallout has left Denver in a crisis, but a rebound is sure, and the City plans to come back with equity at the forefront. “The thing about trying to anticipate and react in February is a little difficult because you don’t really know that you’re in a recession until six months after you’re already in it,” said Director of the Office of Economic Development Eric Hiraga. “It’s something that we had closely monitored. Then COVID hit, and it was just the nail in the coffin,” Statewide restrictions pushed unemployment to 5.2 percent in March, and in April it more than doubled. “The US economy lost 22.2 million jobs in a two-month period. So, if you look at our statistics since April when we spiked at 13.4 percent, we’ve almost recovered half of that in September, at 7.4 percent,” said Hiraga. Denver lost $221 million in projected revenue. The City quickly reached out to all its departments and asked them to cut 3 percent from their budgets, then 7 percent, and is now asking for 10 percent going into 2021. City employees were asked to work from home and were given mandatory furlough days, with higher-paid employees taking more days. These are not sweeping cuts, though. The Department of Health and the Department of Housing and Urban Development need sustained or additional revenue to operate at the demand COVID has yielded. Also, some departments operate with 90 percent or more staff, and the City doesn’t want to add to the unemployment crisis. The first cuts did save on ancillary costs like utility and travel. But the City still needed to pull from its reserves and its Special Revenue Fund — a 2 percent contingency reserve for city emergencies — to cover some of the costs to operate and provide emergency services related to public health. A portion of that money was covered by FEMA as part of a reimbursement program. The money being reimbursed was used specifically for PPE gear and shelter initiatives. “Those federal dollars have allowed us to recoup money that the City has spent responding to the emergency, but they don’t allow for revenue replacement,” said City and County of Denver’s Chief Financial Officer Brendan Hanlon. But thinning government spending and using reserve funds is only a temporary solution. One of the biggest factors when planning for a rebound after a pandemic is curbing consumer behavior. “This is a public health crisis that has led to a reduction of public activity, and we’re just not sure how it’s going to rebound,” said Hanlon. The service industry has undoubtedly suffered the brunt of the pandemic, with shutdowns and restricted capacity immediately impacting businesses. But it is the consumer that will ultimately decide the longevity of that impact. “If we can give people that financial support to get them through this difficult time, including the expansion of unemployment benefits, it will help people get through this level of economic uncertainty,” said Hanlon. The last period of comparable economic strife was during the Great Recession of 2008. At the time, the approach to recovery was to build the economy first. But over the five years it took to boom, people were sidelined from the success as an unintended consequence. This time around, Mayor Hancock has in his arsenal the Division of Social Equity and Innovation to consult on how to cut the budget so people who live in the throes of economic strife aren’t further impacted. “You have to look at it in tandem, as a nexus. Both of these forces are interconnected, and if we tease those out, we are doing ourselves a disservice. Our economy is built to serve our people, and our people are part of our economy; they’re interconnected, and we have to make sure both of those things work,” said Kim Desmond, director of the Office of Social Equity and Innovation. Through conversations about equity for all marginalized people, the City has discovered that certain revenue streams like property tax and court costs disproportionately affect low-income groups. “When we look at different outcomes across all different areas, the goal is to make sure there is no racial or ethnic disparity in all the different systems that we see, like health, like education, and like housing,” said Desmond. The service industry suffers more, compared to the tech and financial industries, and a significant number of its employees are minorities. During the pandemic, these are the groups that have historically been most disadvantaged and are paying the price. “If you look at unemployment statistics, you will see that the hospitality sector, restaurants and hotels, the retail sector, and some of the other sectors where you see a disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic workers, are the vulnerable jobs that are being lost the most right now,” said Hiraga. In addition to the equity group, Denver applied to be part of a multi-city project headed by Bloomberg Philanthropies to assist in budgeting equitably. “Multiple cities are put together to share experiences around financial health and sustainability, but also how to bake equity into your financial decision-making process. That is in both how you spend your money and also the origins of revenue,” said Hanlon. The Bloomberg project has accepted 30 cities as participants. City leaders will meet to collaborate toward an economy that serves their entire populations. “What I’m looking forward to is pilfering good ideas. I think we’ve made a lot of strides here in Denver, especially this budget year,” said Hanlon. What happens next is unknown. A third wave of the pandemic could mean more shutdowns and additional economic strain. But a vaccine could put to rest this dark period. “From my side of the shop, I feel like it’s about trying to make sure we’re doing what we need to do financially to maintain core services in the city and making sure we have a quality of life here in Denver that people and businesses are attracted to,” said Hanlon. ■ EVENTS COURTESY OF DEAR DENVER Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, with deardenver.net, for coming up with some great ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. CARNE Y ARENA (VIRTUALLY PRESENT, PHYSICALLY INVISIBLE) Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s conceptual virtual reality installation explores the human condition of immigrants and refugees. Based on true accounts, the lines between subject and bystander are blurred and bound together, as participants navigate through a vast space and live a fragment of the refugees’ personal journeys. WHEN: Dec 1 – Jan 30; times vary COST: $35 - $55. Tickets must be purchased online. WHERE: The Hangar at Stanley – 2501 N. Dallas St. MORE INFO: denvercenter.org SHIKI DREAMS Shiki Dreams is a multi-sensory immersive art experience that combines traditional art forms with cutting edge technology to create a dreamlike universe. While this journey is designed for adults, it also appeals to children as young as 3-years old. WHEN: Dec 3 – Dec 31, Thursdays – Sundays at various times. COST: $14 WHERE: 2219 E. 21st Ave. MORE INFO: facebook.com/Prismajic DECEMBER DELIGHTS Don your most festive snowsuit and enjoy December Delights, a winter spectacular that features seasonal food and bevvies, twinkling lights, ice skating, crafts, and a winter scavenger hunt. WHEN: Dec 4 – Dec 27, Fridays – Sundays from 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. COST: $10 - 19; children 6 and under are free WHERE: Four Mile Historic Park – 715 S. Forest St. MORE INFO: facebook.com/FourMileHistoricPark THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE HOLIDAY MARKET Shop local and stay safe at this second annual holiday bazaar. Support local artisans while shopping holiday gifts, wreathes, beauty products, jewelry, and more. WHEN: Dec 4 & Dec 5, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: Admission is free, but you must reserve a timed ticket in advance. WHERE: 1115 Acoma St. MORE INFO: facebook.com/goldentrianglefm FULL MOON YOGA NIDRA Relax, reset, and balance the nervous system with a guided yoga nidra session on the last full moon of 2020. WHEN: Dec 29, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. COST: $8 WHERE: Online MORE INFO: facebook.com/SacredGroveHealing SANTA RESPONDS BY BRIAN AUGUSTINE, VOICE VENDOR I TEND TO BE A WORRIER. Not for myself, for other people – family, friends, or people in the news. So, as Halloween went by, my thoughts turned to Christmas. I started to worry about Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all of the elves, and what was going on at the North pole. So I sent an email to my favorite friend. This is what he wrote in reply: Dear Brian, Thank you for your concern. Covid-19 has changed things here. Like everyone else, we are taking all the steps to stay healthy, wearing our masks, and doing social distancing. That is really hard on the elves. They are very social and love to hug and pat each other on the back. We have cloth screens between their workplaces. So to cheer their friends up, they sing to each other. When we first heard about the sickness, we never considered a shutdown. Some elves have gotten sick, but all of those who were, have gotten better. We are working hard to keep making Christmas presents. We are a little behind schedule, but Christmas will go on as scheduled. We haven’t had much time to make the extras we usually give to the less fortunate. They need more this year than in the past. We are hoping to catch up. We love to watch our Christmas tree lights grow brighter as children open their presents and smile. It is how we know that we have succeeded in our year’s worth of work. There is a way for everyone to help this Christmas. Along with the treats you leave for me and the reindeer, some hand sanitizer would be nice. So, I will be delivering on Christmas. Yes, Brian, we are so happy to say that Christmas will happen, and this year will be no different. Just a little more special. Again, thanks for your concern and your letter. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Your friend, Santa Claus VOICES DARK OF OUR COMMUNITY BY ED CURLEE, HARD TIMES CONTRIBUTOR In my aloneness I find you Though we live And laugh And love as two It’s from deep within the silence we are one As Snow blanket woods melting downstream, The frozen quiet The dark running in us The Hard Times writing workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. This workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. December 2020 DENVER VOICE 11

GIVE where you Dec 8th LIVE COLORADO GIVES DAY DONATE TO and make your donation go further /DENVERVOICE YES, I WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE! ☐ JOIN OUR TIME TO THRIVE CIRCLE $150 ☐ $500 ☐ $250 ☐ $100 ☐ GIVING FORM NAME: ADDRESS: EMAIL: PLEASE MAIL DONATIONS TO: THE DENVER VOICE / PO BOX 1931 / DENVER CO 80201 PHONE: ADD TO EMAIL LIST? YES/NO BY CHECKING AN AMOUNT ABOVE, you pledge to give to the VOICE. TO SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC MONTHLY GIVING, go to denvervoice.org. THE DENVER VOICE RECEIVES 50¢ FOR THIS PAPER. WE DEPEND ON YOU FOR THE REST. ON THE DENVER VOICE IS A 501(C)3 AND ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE VENDOR PROFILE: DAVID GORDON DOING MY BEST TO TR T Y TO FIND THEM FOR SEVEN YEARS, DALE SAWIN HAS HANDED OUT SANDWICHES, WTER, AND CLOTHING TO FOLKS LIVING ON THE STREETS. PAGE 8 BILLS ADDRESS HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS LAWMAKERS ADD NEW PROTECTIONS FOR RENTERS, LOW-INCOME EARNERS, AND COMMUNITIES TO HELP ALLEVIATE HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DISCRIMINATION. PAGE 5 WE NEED TO BE HAVING CONVERSATIONS LISA RAVILLE WITH THE HARM REDUCTION CENTER TALKS ABOUT COLORADO’S SYRINGE ACCESS PROGRAM. PAGE 6 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 4, 11, & 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 JANUARY 2021 | Vol.26 Issue 1 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: PAULA BARD

EDITOR’S NOTE ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR WRITING THIS FIRST EDITOR’S COLUMN FOR 2021, I am not filled with the same enthusiasm as I usually feel this time of year. Looking ahead to 2021, I don’t want to dwell on the negativity that the past year spewed at the world, but it’s difficult to mention 2020 without mentioning how awful much of it was. Working with Denver VOICE vendors and our community partners has helped me keep my whining about the past 12 months somewhat in check. I have running water, electricity, clean clothes, warm meals, and a roof over my head. If I am exposed to anyone who may have tested positive for COVID, I can quarantine at home without fearing that the place I rest my head and keep my belongings will be swept while I’m away looking for food or work. Despite my reticence over expecting great things from 2021, I will continue to hope that the New Year delivers more positive news about good people and their acts of kindness. I’ve learned not to ask, “what could go wrong?” but my hope is that there will be more stories about things going right. So, I will go ahead and wish you all a healthy and happy 2021, which I mean most sincerely. ■ January CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. @OCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Andrew Klooster GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Ty Holter DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes. Kate Marshall Austin Scott Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WRITERS Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis Doug Hrdlicka WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. Daniel Angel Martinez Jerry Mullenix Marianne Reid Jerry Rosen Pete Simon Viggo Wallace BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open. New vendors must arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE January 2021 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY Vendor Profile: DAVID GORDON BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN Growing up in Denver during the 1970s, Gordon has witnessed first-hand the city’s growing pains and events that paved the way for the challenges the city and its residents face today. While the VOICE was on a printing hiatus, Gordon navigated the streets of Denver, observing the civil unrest over the killings of Black men and women throughout the country. If you ask him about his observations, he will tell you he doesn’t favor violence or the destruction of property, but he believes that for people to move past the pain, they need to have an uncomfortable conversation. For Gordon, it is active communication that will lead to healing – let people speak, even if you don’t agree with them. Listen to each other, and treat each other with respect. Gordon brings to the Denver VOICE his passion for people treating each other with dignity, no matter where they sleep or what their jobs may be. And he treats his customers or prospective buyers with that same dignity – even those who walk right past him, pretending he’s not there. When a group of sixth-graders recently visited the Denver CREDIT: ELISABETH MONOGHAN THIS IS THE DENVER VOICE’S FIRST TIME handing out a Vendor of the Year award, and even though the VOICE’s vendors are all worthy of recognition, it is David Gordon who received the award for 2020. VOICE, Gordon took time to speak to these students as his equals. When the students asked, “How can young people like us make a difference to those experiencing homelessness?” Gordon let them know that their voices mattered and reminded them that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity – regardless of a person’s age, or where they sleep at night. Based on the positive feedback we received from his customers and fellow vendors, it’s no wonder that David Gordon was recognized as the 2020 Denver VOICE Vendor of the Year! ■ OUR Streets: CHRISTINA & MICHAEL BY PAULA BARD CHRISTINA AND MICHAEL WERE LIVING IN ARIZONA UNTIL RECENTLY. WHEN THEY CAME TO DENVER, THERE WERE NO SHELTER BEDS AVAILABLE. THEY WERE TICKETED WHEN THEY TRIED TO FIND SHELTER FROM THE SNOW. CREDIT: PAULA BARD OUR Streets are stories of Denver’s unhoused residents as captured by Paula Bard, who walks the streets of Denver to photograph the faces and collect the stories of those her city has abandoned. HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. January 2021 DENVER VOICE 3

LOCAL NEWS Ask a VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. Q What positive changes are you hoping to make in 2021? LAWMAKERS PASS BILLS TO ADDRESS ISSUES ON HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS BY ROBERT DAVIS HISTORICALLY, COLORADO HAS BEEN a landlord-friendly state. However, lawmakers recently have added numerous protections for renters, low-income earners, and communities to help alleviate housing and economic discrimination. The following laws will either take or remain in effect on January 1, 2021. A JERRY MULLENIX I want to get my camper running and to make a lot more money [vending the VOICE]. JERRY ROSEN I hope to make more sales in 2021. I hope to please more people by doing a really good job in many aspects. I also will make positive changes by thinking positive and being more productive. VIGGO WALLACE Positive changes I would like to make: setting and sticking with my short- and long-term goals, being consistent with my goals and following up... take the time to celebrate people while they’re living, showing appreciation for life, stopping to smell the roses every now and then, working on personal growth – mentally and physically. SPECIAL SESSION HOUSING SUPPORT AND PROTECTIONS Governor Jared Polis announced on November 23 that he was convening a special session for lawmakers to address housing instability and economic issues caused by COVID-19. A week later, lawmakers held their first session, introducing several key pieces of legislation that would become law by the weekend. Some of the bills passed include: SB20B-0052 Direct Housing Assistance Payments SB20B-003 Money for Energy Bill Utility Payment Assistance HB20B-0034 Food Pantry Assistance Programs In total, these bills make $70 million available in grant funding. Of that, $60 million comes from the direct assistance payment program. Effective upon passage, these bills are scheduled to sunset in June 2021. All funds appropriated by these bills must be spent before the deadline. HB20-1332 PROHIBIT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION SOURCE OF INCOME In 2019, Colorado prohibited landlords from rejecting a potential renter’s application because of the source of their income. However, the bill lawmakers passed left much to be desired. During the 2020 session, the General Assembly added protections for those who draw government or private rental assistance by defining them as a person’s “source of income.” It also prohibits a landlord from refusing to rent, limiting the duration or terms of a rental agreement, or falsely advertising a home’s availability for the purpose of discriminating against someone’s income. SB20-224 What do YOU want to ask? If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. 4 DENVER VOICE January 2021 IMMIGRANT TENANT PROTECTIONS ACT Over the summer, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers introduced the Immigrant Tenant Protections Act to help undocumented persons and families stay in their homes. The Act prohibits landlords from refusing to rent a unit or repossessing a unit based solely on a tenant’s immigration status, or demanding a current tenant prove their citizenship to avoid eviction. However, landlords are still required to comply with state and federal immigration laws. If a tenant brings a successful action against a landlord for violations under this Act, the tenant can be awarded up to $2,000 per offense and “other equitable relief the Court finds appropriate,” the bill says. HB20-1196 MOBILE HOME PARK ACT UPDATES Colorado adopted the Mobile Home Park Act in 1985 to regulate the relationship between landlords and their tenants. However, until 2019, these provisions were kept separate from the State’s other landlord-tenant laws and had no oversight authority enforcing them. Lawmakers updated the Act in 2020 to clarify notice requirements for landlords who intend to terminate a tenant’s occupancy. The bill increased the time a tenant has to cure instances of noncompliance from 30 days to 90 days. If a landlord intends to sell the property, the notice they must give tenants has increased from 60 to 90 days. Landlords must also give their tenants a 12-month notice if the property is rezoned for a different usage. Prior to the Act’s passage, mobile home management companies could charge up to two month’s rent as a security deposit. This law reduced that to no more than one month’s rent. HB21-1201 MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE The additional notice requirements give mobile home tenants time to make financial plans to purchase their units, if the opportunity arises. In an instance where a mobile home management company intends to sell their property, they must give tenants a 12-month notice. Tenants then have 90 days to submit an offer to the management company to purchase the unit the tenant currently occupies. If a sale occurs and the tenants are not the buyers, the company must send their city and county an affidavit of compliance with the law. SB20-106 CONSENT TO SHELTER FOR HOMELESS YOUTH Individuals who are at least 15 years old are now allowed to enter the homeless shelter system. Referrals can be made by county social workers or a host family. However, the stay cannot last longer than 21 days. Within 72 hours of intake, the shelter or care center caring for the youth must attempt to contact the youth’s parent or legal guardian and identify counseling options, the availability of longterm care, or a possibly refer the youth to a county department. Youths between the ages of 11 and 14 years-old, who return to a shelter or care facility, will automatically be referred to a county department. ■ To read more about these bills, visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/ special-session-bills-authorized-sponsors-pre-release. PROGRAM UPDATE Volunteer of the Year: LANIE LEE COOK BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO, Lanie Lee Cook saw a post from the Denver VOICE come across the news desk at KDVR/KWGN, where she works as an assignment editor. Curious, she read the post and saw the VOICE was looking for volunteers to help on different days of the week. Among those days was Wednesday, the one day that Cook happened to have open. Cook called the VOICE to ask how she could get started. Since joining the team of VOICE volunteers, Cook has proven to be a calming influence and significant morale booster for the Denver VOICE vendors and staff, alike. Cook studied journalism in Lafayette, Louisiana, which is where she grew up. After cutting her teeth as a journalist in Louisiana, she was ready to take on a bigger market and decided to move to Denver. When she returned to the VOICE after our offices were closed from March through May, due to the pandemic, Cook helped establish safety protocols for Denver VOICE vendors, so they could purchase their papers while remaining socially distanced. Cook said she had no idea what volunteering at the VOICE would be like, but as a newcomer to Colorado, she saw quickly how homelessness here was very visible. She wanted to know more about the causes behind homelessness and to know more about the people experiencing CREDIT: ELISABETH MONOGHAN homelessness. Volunteering for the VOICE was a way for her to learn. The fact that the Denver VOICE produces a newspaper appealed to Cook’s journalist side, but it is the social interaction with the vendors that she appreciates the most about her volunteer work. Cook’s kindness and her ability to remain calm amid the numerous challenges wrought by 2020 have been a beacon to the Denver VOICE community, and we are so grateful for her generous and compassionate spirit. ■ NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Bottled water, ARE YOU READY FOR TAX SEASON? TAX PLANNING & PREPARATION | PAYROLL & BOOKKEEPING INVESTMENT MGMT. & WEALTH ADVISORY | NETWORK MARKETING non-perishable snacks Hand-warmers, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office 1” notebooks GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Refurbished laptops or desktop computers Heavy jackets Scarves Winter hats Gloves Backpacks WE CAN HELP! VISIT US AT DBS-CPAS.COM For years, 10x Business Consultants, Inc. has been providing quality, personalized fi nancial guidance to individuals and businesses. Our expertise ranges from basic tax management and accounting services to more in-depth services such as tax planning and QuickBooks advisory services. 10x Business Consultants, Inc. is one of the leading fi rms in and throughout the area. By combining our expertise, experience and the team mentality of our staff, we assure that every client receives the close analysis and attention they deserve. Our dedication to high standards, hiring of seasoned tax professionals, and work ethic is the reason our client base returns year after year. DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Mon, Weds, Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. January 2021 DENVER VOICE 5 Winter WISH LIST

LOCAL STORY CREDIT: GILES CLASEN WE NEED TO BE HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SYRINGE ACCESS PROGRAMS BY GILES CLASEN LISA RAVILLE JOINED THE HARM REDUCTION CENTER in 2009 as its executive director. The center is the largest syringe exchange program in the state of Colorado and provides clean needles to drug users, as well as other support services, to more than 10,000 individuals. In 2020, the program had more than 4,000 participants. What makes the center unique is that it provides services to both participants who are housed as well as those experiencing homelessness. The organization seeks to build trust with the people it serves and does not judge individuals seeking new needles. This approach, at the very least, helps reduce the public health risks related to drug use. (Raville is eager to tell you no one has gone to rehab after they died.) The center’s success lies in the fact that the staff treats all participants with the highest level of respect and provide other services. The organization also can be a place to receive mail, find help getting on Medicaid, or even receive wound care. Ultimately, the Harm Reduction Center helps keep individuals alive by teaching the safest way to use drugs. It also teaches individuals to never inject alone and provides training on how to administer Narcan, a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. Additionally, the Harm Reduction Center collects and safely disposes of thousands of used syringes a year, which helps protect the public and the environment from exposure to the waste. Since Raville joined the Harm Reduction Center, the organization has worked to help pass multiple pieces of statewide legislation to expand services to drug users and helped make multiple policy changes in Denver. The following are comments Raville made during a recent interview and have been edited for clarity. HOW HAS 2020 IMPACTED DRUG USE IN DENVER? I just got the new numbers from the coroner’s office on drugrelated deaths in Denver this year, and they’re super high, so everyone’s upset, as you can imagine. There have been 284 drug-related deaths in Denver, as of December 4, 2020. In 2019 the number of deaths was 225, so this is the deadliest year ever in Denver for overdoses, and we’ve got to do better. Doing better will take a multi-pronged approach. We need to be having conversations with folks that fentanyl is here. Getting fentanyl testing strips and having access to Narcan is essential. We also know that using alone is a problem, so we need overdose prevention sites, where we can remove use out of the public sphere and put it into a controlled environment. We need to be having conversations about stimulant overdoses. A lot of people who use stimulants don’t know that they can overdose on them. Stimulant overdoses present a little different, more like a heart attack, stroke, or seizure. I think we need a lot of education and a supervised use site. Lastly, we have a very unpredictable drug supply so we need to start talking about what a safer supply would look like, as they do in other countries. WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO CREATE OVERDOSE PREVENTION SITES? It’s difficult to go from zero to an overdose prevention site. We have to talk about what we can currently do with a syringe access program and engage with folks in the deadliest overdose crisis we’ve ever had in parallel with an unprecedented global pandemic. The number one substance use treatment admission requirement in Denver, Colorado and the United States is that people have to be alive. Dead drug users do not have the opportunity for recovery, and when people are alive, there’s hope. The problem is there’s no good media representation of a syringe access program. A lot of times people think it’s dark and dingy; they’re not sure what’s going on in there. We had a lot of those issues initially with syringe access programs. In particular, we heard, “Oh, it’s going to decrease property values in the neighborhood; they’ll be terrible neighbors.” Well, of course, we’ve been great neighbors, dare I say, award-winning neighbors. What’s nice about how we’re 6 DENVER VOICE January 2021 LOCAL STORY pushing forward is that syringe access programs, such as the one I oversee, have a good relationship with neighbors. We know that people need to be a good neighbor in the community and have folks rise to that occasion. [Critics] were concerned that [the center] would increase inappropriately discarded syringes in the neighborhood. We have safe disposal here, so it’s better to be within a mile of a syringe access program because people can take those used syringes and properly dispose of them here. What happens is there’s a lot of misinformation. I’m always on the defense rather than being able to be on the offense. Misinformation comes out and people just start spewing it. It’s very difficult to come back to them with evidence, science and public health, and things like that. Ultimately, people don’t want to hear you’re going to be a good neighbor; they want to see it. That’s why it’s so important for us to be a good neighbor in the communities in which we serve. Our folks are invested in being that good community member because they want to be part of a community; they want to keep us safer and healthier. I want to be really clear: in the state of Colorado, when we talk about an overdose prevention site, it’s simply a program arm of an already flourishing syringe access program. We can do everything possible to prevent and eliminate the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C — resources, referrals, naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl testing strips — but it’s not legal for them to inject on my property. Use and possession on the property can get seized. So [our participants] go a few blocks away to an alley or a business bathroom and they inject there, often alone. Then they’re dying in these public places. We can do better than that. HOW DO OVERDOSE PREVENTION SITES BENEFIT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY? Everybody that overdosed was found by somebody. We know that RTD transit stations struggle. They’ve had 13 overdose deaths in the last two-and-a-half years in a transit station in Denver. Who’s coming up on people overdosing in the transit station? Is it a transit worker, or is it a community member? WHO’S TALKING TO THAT PERSON AFTER THAT? It’s a larger community trauma issue that no one’s really talking about. We want to reduce that larger community trauma. I want [it to be safe and legal for] people to inject at my place. I want them injecting with me present. When has anyone said something like that? It’s safer [to inject] when experts are present. We want to take that off of the businesses and the larger community, as well. It reduces public injecting and promotes public safety. Harm reduction increases public safety. Drug use is already happening. We want to reduce the harms associated with public injecting; we want to reduce the harms associated with overdosing and dying of overdoses. When people are alive, there’s hope. So, 284 drug-related deaths in Denver in 2020 is unacceptable; 225 in 2019, unacceptable; 209 in 2018, unacceptable. We need to be chipping away — we’re getting worse, not better. WHAT HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC’S PERCEPTION OF SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS? The United States has never done a good job with the war on drug users. The war on drug users has been incredibly racist and classist. The DEA, the police, they can’t arrest their way out of drug use. They continue to try stigma, shame, and incarceration. Incarceration never should have been the answer and never worked. Stigma and shame haven’t worked, either. We’ve never had a good conversation in the United States, in general, about drug use. There’s so much misinformation out there. There’s a lot of misinformation even among health care CREDIT: GILES CLASEN providers about chaotic drug use. Health care providers have a lot of terrible information, too. Here’s the thing: I don’t want it to have to affect you for you to give a fuck. I don’t want to give the example of, “What if it was a family member?” That shouldn’t even matter. People should not have to die of preventable overdoses. People matter, even if they use drugs. So many people have such misinformation about people who use drugs like, “Oh, they’ll never go to a syringe access program, they don’t care about their health.” Actually, [our participants] do. That’s all we talk about sometimes: necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, Hep B, Hep C, HIV. My people thirst for factual health information. I think there’s just so much misinformation, and then, it just perpetuates that stigma. DO NEEDLE EXCHANGES AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION SITES ENABLE DRUG USERS? People talk a lot of shit about “enabling.” I’m not sure where that comes from. Rock bottom is death. We need to have a better conversation about that. We’re enabling folks for a healthier and safer “them” today. We are engaging with folks with dignity and compassion. When [drug users] want to do something different, we’re the first folks they come to. WHAT WILL CHANGE WHEN MEDICAID BEGINS COVERING DRUG ADDICTION? I think a lot of people are thirsting for an inpatient setting. Twenty-eight days, though, isn’t the greatest inpatient that’s ever lived. That’s all that usually the insurance companies will pay for. But 28 days to give you some time to figure out what life is going to look like without using substances has value. But there aren’t a lot of great solutions to drug use. Medicationassisted treatment is a possible answer. The problem is that you have millions of people using drugs, and you only really have a few treatment modalities: inCREDIT: GILES CLASEN patient, AA/NA, LifeRing or Lifeline, and medication-assisted treatment. That’s about it. WHAT IF TREATMENT DOESN’T WORK? There is a lot of relapse that happens for folks in recovery, but also sometimes, people are like, “Oh, I don’t know, I failed treatment.” And it’s like, “No, what that sounds like is treatment failed you. So how can I be supportive?” We need to be supportive. Our staff doesn’t talk about treatment unless participants bring it up with us. The world wants [the people using drugs] abstinent, and for one reason or another, today may not be the day. And abstinence may never be in the cards. But today is the day to do something healthier and safer and engage with folks who are just, quite honestly, fucking rooting for you. We’re rooting for you. WHAT HOPE IS THERE FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP DRUG USERS? 2020 has been a hard year for being optimistic, I got to tell you. But I think there’s still hope. There are still opportunities for people to find solace in one another, to find mutual aid opportunities to save people’s lives. We continue to train drug users to help one another, to use Narcan. People who use drugs are the true first responders in midst of this overdose crisis. I also see people testing their drugs with fentanyl testing strips and being, like, “Yeah, I did a behavior change; there was something I did differently because I knew what was in my drugs.” That’s overdose prevention. Fentanyl testing strips test to see if fentanyl or fentanyl analogs are present in your drug before you use your drug. It just shows if it’s positive or negative. It doesn’t say how much or anything like that. Once you know what’s in your drug, you can do something about it. Sometimes, they’ll throw the drug away entirely. Sometimes they do a little bit — they don’t do as much as they were initially going to do. Once you know what’s in your drug, then you can do something about it, and that’s an overdose prevention technique. They’re quite literally lifesavers. ■ January 2021 DENVER VOICE 7

COMMUNITY PROFILE CREDIT: PAULA BARD DOING MY BEST TO TRY TO FIND THEM BY PAULA BARD SCOUTING OUT MARGINAL SOULS living on Denver’s streets, Dale Sawin wends his way through Confluence Park, downtown Denver, and then catches the edges of the RINO district. One of his gloved hands firmly grasps the handle of his wagon train. It’s cold. He devotes hours to making sandwiches and shoring up his wagons before he heads out on Saturday afternoons, often trudging late into the evening. From his wagon train, called “Atheist Alley,” he hands out sandwiches, jackets, water, socks, and sometimes, cans of beer, to folks living on the streets. He has been doing this for seven years. He went out once a week until last summer, then backed off to just once a month. for now. Sometimes, he brings his kids, but mostly this is his personal project. He collects donations from friends, coworkers, and local businesses. “For the most part I buy the food myself,” Sawin explained. “Sometimes, families will call me up and say they’d like to make the sandwiches. But mainly, I get a lot of donations, like socks, toiletries. Last year the Fallen Owl [tattoo parlor] on West Colfax, did a huge donation and asked everybody on their mailing list to donate. They filled up my truck with their donations. Sometimes, my work [at Jeffco Open Space] gets together donations; they all know what I do.” His mission has evolved. “The first year I didn’t really tell anybody, but these days, lots of people donate. I thank everybody. Otherwise, I couldn’t afford this. I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars doing this. But you know what? I’m not starving, and my kids aren’t starving. And the mortgage is paid, so why not try to give a little bit?” CREDIT: PAULA BARD 8 DENVER VOICE January 2021 CREDIT: PAULA BARD COMMUNITY PROFILE Street Stories FROM DALE SAWIN THE THIRD TIME I WENT OUT, I wasn’t sure I was going to keep doing this. I knew people were hungry, and I knew people were living on the streets, but I didn’t know people were actually starving, ya know? So, the third time I went out, I went out through Confluence Park, and I got right to where the creek and river meet, right there by that little hill, and I was walking through. A guy was sitting in the grass, sitting in the sun, he felt blah, just kind of there. So, I walked by, and I said, “Hey, Man, do you need anything, are you hungry?” He didn’t answer the first time, and he looked up, and he said, “What did you say?” I said, “Are you hungry? I have sandwiches CREDIT: PAULA BARD and water.” And he looked at me and just started crying. He was just crying non-stop, and I thought he was kind of crazy at first. I was like,“Hey, Man, are you all right?” And he was like, “Dude, I can’t even tell you how hungry I am right now.” He was just crying, like non-stop. “I rode the train from Kansas City to here, I don’t know anybody here. I don’t know where to go, I don’t know where the shelters are, and I haven’t eaten in three days. I am so hungry you wouldn’t believe it.” And he was crying. Because he was so hungry, he was crying. I didn’t realize there were actually people in the streets that were starving. There must have been a hundred people CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD GROWING UP ON DENVER’S WEST SIDE. Sawin went to Alameda High School. Once a painter with an art degree, he now works at Jefferson County Open Space. Earlier, his life followed the predictable pattern; married and two kids within a secure Baptist community and family. Uncles and cousins were Southern Baptist ministers. He had an affinity for “old Denver,” which he loved to document. He played a record player for the elderly at the Barth Hotel, downtown. Still does. But at some point, his life fractured, and he found himself in a painful divorce, while around him, his secure Baptist life broke open and let in the sharp light of doubt. Sawin’s life faltered. And then, he resurrected himself; created a new path. And thus, the name of his wagon train was etched: Atheist Alley. WHEN I STARTED QUESTIONING, I REALIZED I JUST DIDN’T BELIEVE ANY OF IT ANYMORE. “There was a lot of hypocrisy going on. I just didn’t believe the whole thing of it.” I was like, ‘this is not real.’ That was cool; I felt free all of a sudden. But it was frightening because when you give up religion, you give up everything with it.” Although Sawin welcomed a new level of accountability, it came with added responsibility. He worried that at the end of his life he would look back and say, “Ya know, I lived a full life, and I did the best I could. I have no regrets. What does that mean for me…? I gotta do something with my life, more than I’m doing now.” His answer to those deeply human and unsettling questions was to hook up a wagon full of homemade sandwiches and make his way downtown. He made direct contact with troubled folks and brought sustenance. “If I only have one life, I’ve got to make the most of it. What can I do to make the world a better place? I didn’t know. I don’t have any way, you know? But I knew I could make a few sandwiches and walk them out to those kids on ‘Stoner Hill.” Stoner Hill sits just west of Confluence Park, and unsheltered kids began making it their home back about seven years ago. “And that’s what I did. That first day I took ‘em out I was like, ‘oh my god, this is something. It’s a little thing. But man, it’s something better than just going to work, and being a dad, and being a good son, and a good employee. It’s something more than that.’ That’s when I started doing it.” The wagon train was born. Sawin now looks for the few people off by themselves to contact, and he offers food, conversation, and warmth. “Because, you know, that the people in the camps are going to share everything they’ve got, or they can make it to the shelters. Or, they can show up for dinners at the places that provide them. But, there’s always the people that are more isolationist, or by themselves. That’s why I always start at the far-off places like down by the river, or at Confluence, to hit those guys that are by themselves, but then I work my way to the camps, too.” ■ walking by him; nobody knew this guy was sitting there. Just in total isolation, in the middle of this huge city, starving. He was the same age as me, so at the time, late 40s. But he was so desperate, he didn’t know what to do; he didn’t know where to go. I gave him a bunch of food and told him where the shelters were. THE HUMANITY BETWEEN THEM I was walking down 16th Street with one sandwich left. And this guy walks by and says, “Is that food? Oh my god, I’m so hungry.” And he just took the bag and started eating it, like right there. He ate the sandwich, and he ate the chips, and he was standing right there, right in the middle of the mall, just eating everything as fast as he could. And this other guy walks by and asks if we have any sandwiches left. I’m like, “No, Man. This guy just got the last one.” And the homeless guy, who just ate the sandwich, says, “Oh wait, there’s still a candy bar left here. You can have it.” I was like, “Holy shit! You know people sitting in a restaurant aren’t going to say, ‘Hey, I’m not going to eat this, do you want it? You eat it.’” How they share everything. They seem more giving, more human, than the majority of the world. From those few sandwiches for kids out on Stoner Hill to reaching out to the hundreds of marginalized and unseen folks on Denver’s harsh streets, Sawin’s epiphany brings a touch of kindness to those among us who need it the most. ■ January 2021 DENVER VOICE 9

LOCAL STORY CREDIT: GILES CLASEN 2021 POINT-IN-TIME SURVEY EXPECTED TO REVEAL RAVAGES OF PANDEMIC BY DOUG HRDLICKA THE ANNUAL POINT-IN-TIME (PIT) count is set to take place at the end of January, and many wait with bated breath to see the impact the past year has had on people experiencing homelessness, as well as the strain on services for the upcoming year. The 2020 PIT count revealed that 6,104 people were experiencing some form of homelessness at any given time. It was the latest number in an increasing statistic, yet only telling of pre-pandemic life. Projections predict the severe cost-burdened population will double by 2022. And to make matters worse, on August 28, the unemployment trust entered a state of insolvency and is estimated to remain there until 2026, while Colorado borrows from the federal government to pay out its current claims. The Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Status Report of 2020 reported that “Benefits will continue to be paid through loans from the Federal Unemployment Account after the UITF becomes insolvent. Those federal loans are interestfree through 2020—no determination has been made as to whether the interest deferral will continue beyond that.” The last far-reaching catastrophe this alarming was the Great Recession of 2008. The PIT count documented more than 8,000 people experienced some form of housing insecurity. During that time, many homes were foreclosed, 10 DENVER VOICE January 2021 and the job market yielded few opportunities. There are similarities between the two catastrophic events regarding housing and unemployment, but in the past, the City of Denver was able to launch construction projects to offset the backlash. Colorado has used many of its funds to offset depleted trusts and provide healthcare initiatives and short-term housing, among countless other programs, all while revenue streams from small businesses have been cut off. Last March, Gov. Polis issued several executive orders to help curb the fallout and slow the spread of the virus. One of the most talked-about is the eviction suspension moratorium. The order protects renters who have been culled from the workforce and whose unemployment benefits fall short of financial demands. As of December 31, 2020, all measures protecting tenants from evictions will have lifted, and the New Year could mark the beginning of 26,112 evictions that were filed in 2020. But it is difficult to say whether or not these evictions are a true representation of the renter landscape, considering the freeze. To help understand and offer guidance on how to proceed, Gov. Polis formed the Special Eviction Prevention Task Force made up of people with diverse backgrounds. “Eviction filings are slightly lower than they were during the Great Recession. Colorado eviction filings peaked between July 2008 and 2009 at 55,000 annually—or nearly 4,600 per month,” the Special Task Force reported. Between August 26 and Nov. 28, the Task Force set out to estimate just how critical the housing situation is. Once it is disbanded, the Task Force will be absorbed by the Department of Housing. During non-pandemic times, the renter population for Colorado is 760,000, the study reported. Of these, 150,000 are cost-burdened and pay 50 percent or more towards living; one-third of whom face evictions each year. The renters most affected are those who have historically been pushed to the fringes, such as low-income families and communities of color. According to the Task Force, “Models based on unemployment predictions and cost burden suggest that between 150,000 and 230,000 Colorado households could be at risk of eviction by December 31, 2020.” By January 2021, the cost-burdened population is estimated to reach 360,000. With influenza and COVID-19 in full swing, the strain of services and aid could reach a critical point. “As of October 2, 2020, Colorado’s new Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) has served 1,192 households, with nearly $2.5 million of assistance provided. The Department of Housing (DOH) estimates that current funding dedicated to the EHAP program will run out in late December 2020,” the Task Force reported. After the report was completed, the Task Force offered short-, medium-, and long-term solutions to mitigate against mass evictions. They recommended another eviction moratorium and to increase funds for rent relief, late fees, and interest forgiveness. “The primary purpose of regulatory intervention in landlord/tenant laws is to mitigate the most extreme consequence of housing instability—housing displacement that leads to homelessness,” the Task Force reported. ■ WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP THE HARD TIMES WRITING WORKSHOP IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP. IT’S OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. EACH MONTH, THE DENVER VOICE PUBLISHES A SELECTION OF WRITING FROM THESE WORKSHOPS. INFORMATION ABOUT VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS: LIGHTHOUSEWRITERS.ORG/WORKSHOP/DENVER-PUBLIC-LIBRARY-HARD-TIMES MORE WRITING BY THE POETS FEATURED IN THIS COLUMN: WRITEDENVER.ORG PETE SIMON THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY Everything was too quiet, all was too peaceful as they welcomed another believer into their unmasked midst. The procession continued too quiet, when the invisible destroyer fell them one-by-one; leaving each gasping for air; like gasping ones who were placed on triage, because there are not enough hospital beds and respirators left. Like Old Man River, The Invisible Destroyer of no boundary; no social; no economic status; just keeps quietly moving along. DANIEL ANGEL MARTINEZ TIME TO BURN Under a viaduct a homeless veteran stands before a barrel fire. He feeds it with badnewsletters, notwantedads and crumpledpastlifenotes. An overwhelming smoke joins forces with storm clouds overhead conspiring to stir up the barrel ingredients to create a toxic brew. Will it swallow him up or will he swallow it up? He takes a deep breath, reaches in his tattered coat for his rot gut (now his chaser) and he drinks his medicine. MARIANNE REID ACROSTIC POEM Racial unity Essential to our survival Cultural exchange to engage Options for meaningful peace No political division Careful to honor the Image of God we see in each person Loved equally Inspired forgiveness A peace that overcomes fear To cover us, to Inhibit misconceptions Of others Nothing is impossible PRESENTED BY: January 2021 DENVER VOICE 11

IN YOUR OWN WORDS CREDIT: GILES CLASEN PRETTY LIGHTS TELL SAD STORIES BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW, a display of purple and white lights has returned to Sonny Lawson Park and will remain there until the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) conducts its annual Point in Time survey of those experiencing homelessness in Denver. Each of the purple lights represents an individual sleeping unsheltered at night, and the white ones represent individuals staying in shelters or transitional housing. The total number of lights in the display at Sonny Lawson Park is a little more than 4,000, which is up from 2019’s total of 3,445. Among those represented by these lights is Denver VOICE vendor Jerry Mullenix. Mullenix recently purchased a camper, but before that, he spent his most of his nights in encampments around Denver. On Tuesday, November 17, Mullenix was staying at the encampment located on 19th Avenue and Emerson Street when the Denver Police Department conducted a sweep of the property. Following is an account of his experience. “The camp that I was at got raided by the police on Tuesday. We were asked to pack up and go, and we had a week to do so. [Protesters from] Denver Homeless Out Loud got put in jail for trying to stop the police, who put up a fence around our campsite to make us move out of the area. I left the camp with what I could grab, which was not much, just my pillow and blankets.” As unemployment rates surge and more people are being evicted from their homes, we can expect the number of lights in next year’s display, and the individuals represented, to be even higher. ■ CREDIT: GILES CLASEN WE MOVED! 12 DENVER VOICE January 2021 Our vendor offi ce is now located at : 989 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204 We are still settling into our new Denver VOICE office at 989 Santa Fe Drive. When it is safer to gather in large groups again, we hope you will stop by and say hello! EVENTS WHEN: Anytime (online) COST: Free MORE INFO: dazzledenver.com/dazzle-online-stage COOKING ON-DEMAND Whether you’re looking to make empanadas, pierogies, fondue, quiche, or curries, this online library of cooking classes will make your tummy growl. WHEN: Anytime (online) COST: $35 MORE INFO: theseasonedchef.com/cooking-on-demand ACROSS GENTLE YOGA FOR TERRIBLE TIMES Simple and accessible breathing exercises, stretches, and guided meditation for all bodies, minds, and spirits. No experience necessary but you must register in advance. WHEN: Jan 9, 16, 23, and 30, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. (online) COST: Free MORE INFO: eventbrite.com 1. Small whirlpool 5. Factions 10. “Hey, over here!” 14. Singer India.___ 15. Braid 16. On the safe side, at sea 17. Comfortable indoor setting PAUL RAMIREZ JONAS IN CONVERSION WITH KENDAL HENRY What is “public” about public art? And who is the public it’s for? Join artist Paul Ramirez Jonas for a conversation with artist and curator Kendal Henry, who directs the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Percent for Art Program, about public art – how it’s made, who it’s for, and why it’s important. WHEN: Jan 13, 5 p.m. (online) COST: Free MORE INFO: mcadenver.org/events ANTI-HERO SHORT FILM FEST The Anti-Hero Short Film Festival seeks to share and celebrate stories and experiences that have been left out of history by highlighting the voices of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities. WHEN: Jan 22, 6 p.m. (online) COST: Free MORE INFO: mcadenver.org/events 20. Crabwise 21. Religious retreat 22. Andrea Bocelli, for one 23. “Pat, I’d like to buy ___” 24. Isolating by race 31. Leveling wedge 35. Way to go 36. Time piece 37. Cotton fabric 38. ___ Wednesday 39. Sicilian rumbler 40. From a distance 41. Beginning 43. “No sweat” 44. Traditional 47. Carte start 48. Battery type, briefly 52. Sustained, in music 56. Scampered 59. With deep grief 61. Filly’s father 62. Spiny Scottish shrub 63. Allocate, with “out” 64. Writes 65. ___ limit 66. Periods DOWN 1. All ___ 2. French right 3. Electron tube 4. Land on the Red Sea 5. Harpoon wielder 6. Full of certain shade trees 7. Beanies 8. 20-20, e.g. 9. Peculiar 10. Trail 11. Epithet 12. “Buona ___” (Italian greeting) 13. Abound 18. Rare bills 19. ___ Minor 23. Heavens (Var.) 25. Australian monitor lizard 26. Either director of “Avengers: Endgame” 27. Quaker’s “you” 28. Little bit 29. Women with habits 30. Overcast 31. Petty quarrel 32. LP player 33. Muslim holy man 34. Filly’s mother 41. Tea varieties 42. Like some professors 45. Despise 46. Scuttlebutt 49. ___ de menthe 50. Support person 51. Atlanta-based airline 52. Cookbook abbr. 53. Lake near Niagara Falls 54. Norse goddess of fate 55. Hawaiian strings 56. Arid 57. Detective’s assignment 58. Salon supplies 60. ___ Fastpass (TriMet fare card) COURTESY OF DEAR DENVER DEARDENVER.NET PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, with Dear Denver.net, for coming up with some great ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. DAZZLE ONLINE STAGE PERFORMANCES Free, on-demand performances from your favorite or soon-to-be-favorite musicians. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 January 2021 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

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DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ Denver Foundation The NextFifty Initiative Help Colorado Now $10,000+ John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund Kenneth King Foundation Max & Elaine Appel DEDO Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund The Christian Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Community Foundation of Boulder County Jerry Conover Meek-Cuneo Family Fund $1,000-$4,999 Kauer Construction & Design Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Josh Kauer Bright Funds Donald Weaver Network for Good Arc Thrift Stores Russell Peterson Jeremy Anderson City Side Remodeling Matthew Rezek Schuster Family Foundation PEN America Gaelina Tesfaye Craig & Teresa Solomon Signs by Timorrow Jim Ashe Wynkoop Brewery George Lichter Family Foundation Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. 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Jones Michael Vitco Jennifer Stedron Graham Davis 10xBusiness-Consultants Jeff Cuneo SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page add in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper 14 DENVER VOICE January 2021 RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs TRINITY UNITED METHODIST 1820 Broadway, meals served Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 trinityumc.org URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org January 2021 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,400 people experiencing homelessness. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE COMMUNITY FRIDGES COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY DENVER ORG HELPS FEED THE HUNGRY WITH BRIGHTLY-PAINTED FRIDGES BURSTING WITH FREE FOOD PAGE 8 ALLIANCE COMES TO MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS’ AID GROUP WORKS WITH THOSE IN MANUFACTURED HOUSES TO UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS PAGE 4 ZONING’S IMPACT ON HOMELESSNESS IN DENVER CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE ON CPD’S LATEST OVERHAUL TO DENVER’S ZONING CODE PAGE 5 2020’S ANNUAL HOMELESS PERSONS’ VIGIL IN UNUSUAL YEAR, SOMBER VIGIL AND FESTIVE HOLIDAY MARKET HAPPEN SIMULTANEOUSLY PAGE 6 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 11, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 FEBRUARY 2021 | Vol.26 Issue 2 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: PAULA BARD

EDITOR’S NOTE ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR EVERY MONTH, when it is time to identify the question for Ask a Vendor and I don’t already have one lined up, I ask the vendors if there is a question they answer all the time. In the past, because vendors frequently have people ask why they’re homeless, we asked, “How do you respond when people tell you they think homelessness is a choice?” For the February issue, the question “Why do you think homelessness has existed for so long?” was suggested by Denver VOICE Vendor Rea Brown. This question is not one that anyone can succinctly answer; however, based on the participating vendors’ responses, it is a subject they felt compelled to address. As long as people continue to assume that homelessness is a choice or an inconvenient unpleasantness that interferes with a city’s charm, these two questions will continue to resurface, and Denver VOICE vendors will continue to talk about them. If you have a question you’d like the vendors to answer, or if there’s a topic you’d like them to discuss, please send it to me at editor@denvervoice.org. ■ DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes. February CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. @OCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Andrew Klooster GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Ty Holter Kate Marshall Austin Scott Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WRITERS WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. John Alexander Paula Bard Rea Brown Kendell Clarke Giles Clasen Robert Davis Fran Ford Doug Hrdlicka Raelene Johnson Jerry Rosen Val U Able Rodney Woolfolk BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins 2 DENVER VOICE February 2021 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: LEVI BY PAULA BARD LEVI IS FROM THE SOUTH, where his children still live. He came to Colorado when marijuana was legalized. He caught a staph infection when he stayed in Denver’s homeless shelters. OUR Streets are stories of Denver’s unhoused residents as captured by Paula Bard, who walks the streets of Denver to photograph the faces and collect the stories of those her city has abandoned. CREDIT: PAULA BARD HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. February 2021 DENVER VOICE 3

Ask a VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. Why do you think homelessness has existed for so long? Q A JERRY ROSEN It has existed so long due to economic situations. A lot of people cannot afford housing, as some people don’t make that much money. A lot of people want to save money, and they don’t want to spend it on housing. RODNEY WOOLFOLK Lack of compassion. I was homeless for many years, and no one would help me. Everywhere I’d go, the answer was, “No!” But these days, eyes are opening because homelessness is now in their backyard. JOHN ALEXANDER “Things are bad, and they are going to get worse before they get better.” These are the words from our leaders and experts. With this kind of attitude, homelessness will always be around. One reason homelessness has existed so long is greatly because of negative attitudes and lack of understanding – especially among our leaders and so-called experts. Our society, as a whole, must understand that there is no big mystery about where homeless people come from. Simply put, homelessness is caused when an individual is faced with situations beyond their control. Homelessness can and does happen to anyone, regardless of age, color, gender, political affiliation, etc. You show me someone that has experienced homelessness, and I will show you a person who has experienced a difficult situation they had no control over. What do YOU want to ask? If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. 4 DENVER VOICE February 2021 MOBILE HOMES ARE SEEN AT THE BELLA-B MOBILE HOME PARK, WHERE OWNER YACOV SINAI DECREASED RENTS BY $225, OR ABOUT 27%, TO HELP RESIDENTS IN DIFFICULT ECONOMIC SITUATIONS DUE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK, IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. CREDIT: REUTERS/DAVID RYDER “UNOFFICIAL” ALLIANCE COMES TO MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS’ AID BY ROBERT DAVIS AMANDA COBB COULDN’T FIND THE EMERGENCY CONTACT for Denver’s Front Range Mobile Home Park after her gas was inadvertently shut off on December 26. So, she turned to her friends in a Facebook group, the Colorado Mobile Home Residents Alliance (CMHRA). Within an hour, she was in contact with the manager. “We went the whole weekend without gas. Luckily it was nice that weekend, but we still couldn’t cook, shower, or heat our home,” she told the Denver VOICE. Little wins like Cobb’s success with reaching CMHRA are exactly what the group is about, according to its founder, Billy Bear Jarrett. He describes CMHRA as an unofficial residents’ union because the group has helped members win legal battles, find jobs, furnish their homes, and understand their rights as manufactured home residents under Colorado law. Jarrett said a 2019 lawsuit filed against Kingsley Management, a Utah-based corporation that owned several manufactured home parks in Colorado, really solidified the group’s resolve. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs claimed Kingsley should return unwarranted fees it charged tenants. In response to the lawsuit, Jarrett said the management company sent residents outrageous water bills, and that he and other group leaders were also subjected to intimidation tactics. An investigation by Colorado’s Consumer Protection Division revealed Kingsley had wrongfully held security deposits and collected more than $20,000 in excessive fees. The lawsuit was settled in October 2020, with state Attorney General Phil Weiser returning a $150,000 settlement. Jarett said the victory doesn’t change the fact that several families were illegally removed from their homes, but it is progress. “Before this, and even for the first couple of years, I had no clue that mutual aid existed. I thought it was just us vs. them. If that had been true, CMHRA wouldn’t exist at all. I would hope that we’ve been of some help to all of [the families] in return. I know I do my best to jump to assist any time any of them have a need, and a lot of others do too.” PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS A decade ago, Jarrett may not have been able to bring the lawsuit against Kingsley. Colorado law simply didn’t have a mechanism for mobile home renters — who are often lowwage earners — to bring claims against landlords without paying for a lawyer. In 2019, Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) released a sunset review recommending lawmakers update the Mobile Home Park Act (MHPA), a bill from 1985, that outlines the rights and responsibilities of mobile home landlords. Shortly thereafter, legislators like Edie Hooton (D-Boulder) got to work. During the 2019 legislative session, lawmakers passed HB-1309, which allows both park owners and residents to file complaints with DORA’s Division of Housing. Before the law passed, park residents could only request a voluntary mediation with the owners. “MHPA set the standards for park living before 2019, but it lacked teeth because there was no public enforcement mechanism,” Hooton told the VOICE. “With the Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program, every homeowner in a park can now file a complaint if they believe their rights have been violated, even if they don’t have the money for an attorney.” During the 2020 regular session, lawmakers passed two bills strengthening other protections for mobile home residents. HB-1196 increases the time a homeowner or renter has to cure instances of noncompliance from 30 days to 90 days, and HB-1201 requires landlords to provide a notice of impending sale or land-use change. It also allows renters a 90-day window in which they may purchase the rental property from their landlord if it is put up for sale. Hooton said her team isn’t working on any legislation specific to manufactured homes for the 2021 session, but they are considering taking action to continue protecting renters from eviction. She added that these policy decisions will be guided largely by both state and federal approaches to evictions. During the 2020 extraordinary session, held between November 30 and December 3, lawmakers passed a housing relief bill that provided $60 million in direct rental and mortgage assistance. “The pandemic has led to serious economic problems, which has taken a great toll on people of fixed or lower incomes. Increases in homelessness right now will only make the public health impacts of the pandemic worse, especially during our cold weather months,” Hooten said. “This is a time when we as a society need to make sure as many Coloradans as possible have warmth, running water, and shelter,” she added. FAIR SHAKE Jarrett thinks mobile home residents are better off now than they were because of the new laws, but there are still several issues to resolve. Chief among them is housing affordability. “It’s hard enough overcoming the park owners, now we’re contending with major developers too, who are building $300,000 ‘low income’ housing they think will be subsidized when in truth, there are really no subsidies left,” Jarrett said. But simply lowering the cost of homes is just the start. Once people like Jarret can afford to move into other neighborhoods, the community needs to be willing to accept them. “I don’t know if we’ll ever actually see fair treatment across the board. The parks see us as an exploitable commodity, most of the city governments consider us ‘trailer trash’ and uneducated LOCAL NEWS LOCAL NEWS drug addicts that lower their tax income and property values,” Jarrett said. CMHRA is working on developing a pilot program that will place mobile home residents in stable affordable housing. In partnership with local food banks and other service organizations, Jarrett thinks the program can help lower someone’s cost of living to around $700 a month or less, depending on the family size and size of the home. Until that day arrives, Jarrett hopes local leaders focus on helping people keep the homes they’re in until the pandemic ends. Otherwise, the state could see a drastic increase in poverty and homelessness. “COVID-19 distracted everyone from the lesser epidemic, the national housing crisis, which is really going to go crazy when the moratoriums on evictions eventually expire,” he said. ■ ZONING’S IMPACT ON HOMELESSNESS IN DENVER BY ROBERT DAVIS zoning classification and was used primarily in neighborhoods like Cherry Creek, Washington Park, and Hilltop. This new group is known as Former Chapter 59. Today, 20 percent of Denver’s land is zoned as Former Chapter 59, according to estimates by Community Planning and Development (CPD). In 2015, Denver’s auditor conducted a performance audit of CPD’s administration of both codes. He found they hampered the agency’s ability to produce equitable re-zonings, even though the code is intended to promote the “health, safety, morals, or general welfare” of city neighborhoods. Denver also places limits on who can be considered a household or a family, thereby restricting who can buy homes in certain areas of town. Under the 1925 code, dwellings were limited to one household which consisted of “any number of individuals, depending on the type of unit, sharing one kitchen.” This definition could allow multiple generations or different families to live together under one roof. In 1956, Denver’s zoning code further restricted households to just “families,” or “any number of persons immediately related by blood, marriage or adoption.” City Council also added new zoning classifications and increased restrictions to keep certain dwelling types out of the city. For example, rooming houses and basement apartments were prohibited under the R-0 residential classification, the City’s most restrictive form of residential zoning. These dwelling units were primarily rented by Blacks, immigrants, and poor whites. MAP COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY’S WESTERN HISTORY COLLECTION. LAST DECEMBER MARKED THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY of the first comprehensive zoning codes in the U.S. Passed in Baltimore, Md., on December 17, 1910, The Baltimore Sun hailed the law as “probably the most remarkable ordinances ever entered upon the records of a town or city in this country.” At the time, limited zoning ordinances had been on the books for two decades. Washington D.C. enacted height requirements in 1899. Los Angeles later adopted the first “use” zoning ordinances to separate residential and industrial developments in 1908. But, the deliberate targeting of Black and immigrant communities by Baltimore’s ordinances was unique to the times. While the practice of overt racial segregation in housing was outlawed six years later by the Supreme Court in Buchanon v. Warley (1917), racially motivated zoning continues to impact communities of color, the impoverished, and people experiencing homelessness to this day. ZONING IN DENVER Denver’s form-based zoning code, restrictions on what qualifies as a “family,” and deference to residential development all are regulatory burdens on the city’s ability to help its poor and unhoused. The City adopted form-based zoning in 2010 after emerging from the 2007 housing crash nearly unscathed. Form-based zoning does not consider a building within the context of a city, only its built form. It also nullifies the ability of city councilors to reject a project for political reasons. Applications that meet the requirements outlined in the zoning code are approved, no matter the consequences. A component of the City’s new zoning code was that properties previously zoned as R-0 in Denver’s 1956 code were exempt from the new provisions. R-0 was the most restrictive HOMELESSNESS AND GROUP LIVING CPD’s latest overhaul to Denver’s zoning code is up for a vote by City Council on February 8. Known as the Group Living Text Amendment, it would expand the definition of “family” to include four unrelated adults and allow community corrections and residential care facilities to be developed in single-family neighborhoods. Under current zoning guidelines, homeless shelters and other residential care units can only be built in industrial areas along I-70 and some areas of southwest Denver. This amounts to about 1,200 parcels citywide, CPD estimates. The Group Living proposal would increase the number of available parcels to approximately 19,000 by “allow[ing] these uses on commercial corridors around the city, where there are structures that could accommodate them and access to transit, jobs, and daily needs,” according to the proposal. While the group living proposal is a big step forward for equity in Denver’s city planning, it does not address more burdensome aspects of the zoning code that impact homelessness. For starters, the amendment doesn’t address the review criteria city officials are expected to adhere to. For homeless shelters, officials must consider whether a proposed development would “substantially or permanently injure the appropriate use of conforming residential properties located within 500 feet of the proposed use.” Furthermore, shelters are limited to 200 beds and are not permitted near many residential and mixed-use zone districts. Buildings must also be able to provide commercial parking. Other use restrictions apply depending on what kind of entity operates the shelter. Like other aspects of law, zoning codes are malleable to public sentiment. According to CPD’s website, some of the primary concerns property owners raised about the prospect of a homeless shelter operating in their neighborhood include the “spacing, density, and size” and “unintended consequences” of homeless shelters. So while lawmakers spar with residents about the amendment’s impacts on residential properties, thousands of unhoused Denverites eagerly await the day fighting in their name is as noble a venture. ■ NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Bottled water, non-perishable snacks Hand-warmers, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office GENTLY USED ITEMS NEEDED: Refurbished laptops or desktop computers Heavy jackets Scarves Winter hats Gloves Backpacks Winter WISH LIST DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Mon, Weds, Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. February 2021 DENVER VOICE 5

LOCAL STORY CREDIT: GILES CLASEN COVID-19 CHANGES FORMAT OF ANNUAL HOMELESS PERSON’S VIGIL BY GILES CLASEN NOT A NORMAL YEAR Most years, the stairs of the Denver City and County Building create a shelter for the “We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Vigil;” the building’s U-shape blocking out the noises and lights of the city. Normally, the event put on every December 21 by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is attended by a few hundred individuals who stand in silence while the name of each individual who died during the year is read. But 2020 wasn’t a normal year, and the vigil was surrounded by dissonant brightness and noise because a short distance from the site, Civic Center Park was hosting the annual Christkindl Market. The Market was moved to the larger venue for 2020 to accommodate social distancing requirements. Sharing the space with the Market meant those enjoying the holiday wares were festive and upbeat, while those attending the vigil mourned. Still, the reverence for the people Denver lost was front and center. REMEMBERING EACH ONE “It is so important to remember each individual,” said Cathy Alderman, chief communications and public policy CREDIT: GILES CLASEN officer for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. “Many of these individuals aren’t connected to family and generally don’t have funerals. Sometimes they can feel forgotten. We think it is really important to honor each person that passes and make sure that we’re acknowledging the risks people experience when they’re forced to sleep outside.” To ensure safety and compliance with COVID 19 restrictions, the Coalition changed the structure of the 2020 event. Instead of a group gathering in one space, the vigil was streamlined, so participants could pass through the space individually, safely socially distanced from others. Rather than read the names of the more than 220 people who died, each name was printed on a lantern. The sidewalks were lined with rows of names, giving a visual sense of how many of those living in homelessness were lost. Among them was Dwayne Pride, a beloved Denver VOICE vendor. PRIDE MEMORIALIZED Pride was a gentle man and very kind. An important part of the community, he lived a humble life. Pride died after being found sick on a bus while traveling to Detroit in 6 DENVER VOICE February 2021 LOCAL STORY community. He had been volunteering with other organizations and helping in so many different ways.” She even learned he had been a long-time member of the African American Council in Denver. “He really broke all of the stereotypes of individuals experiencing homelessness,” Seybold said. The VOICE was planning a memorial for Pride when COVID-19 restrictions made it an impossibility. Seybold said more than 350 people were expected to come together to remember Pride. Now, like so many others, it may be a long time before a group can gather to honor his memory. “I think it is a reminder that people often die too young and for senseless reasons when they are living in homelessness and poverty,” Seybold said. “That was a really tough loss for us.” Individuals living unhoused existences die from many different causes and often have multiple contributing factors. They are more likely to die from trauma or accidents than their housed counterparts. Trauma includes violence but also exposure to extreme temperatures. With COVID-19 came an resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people in Denver who were stricken with the virus while living on the streets. WE’RE NOT DOING ENOUGH According to Alderman, the annual vigil serves as a call to action because every year the number of individuals dying while living on the streets of Denver goes up. “If more people are dying while experiencing homelessness, then we’re not doing enough,” Alderman said. “It is a call to the community that not only do we need to remember these individuals that passed, but we also need to do better to make sure these numbers don’t continue to increase.” As the vigil wound down, the somber mood of the vigil CREDIT: GILES CLASEN February 2020. He was adventurous and on occasion would scrape together enough money to visit friends or go watch a basketball game in other cities. When he was found, the only ID he had with him was his Denver VOICE badge. Authorities had trouble tracking down Pride’s family, so they reached out to Jennifer Seybold, executive director of the Denver VOICE. With a little help from Facebook, Seybold was able to reach Pride’s family. Then, she began to learn more about Pride than she had known while he was alive. “He was an amazing person,” Seybold said. “When he passed, I heard from hundreds of community members. I had no idea that he was doing so much in the Denver attendees did not go unnoticed by some of those visiting the Christkindl Market. One woman leaving the Market, strobe wand in-hand, inquired about the vigil. Upon learning the purpose of the quiet gathering, she said to the friend leaving with her, “I didn’t even know this was happening. It’s so sad. We should do something about it.” ■ additional vulnerability, CREDIT: GILES CLASEN CREDIT: GILES CLASEN February 2021 DENVER VOICE 7

COMMUNITY PROFILE COMMUNITY FRIDGES COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY CREDIT: PAULA BARD BY PAULA BARD “IT IS THE MOST SIMPLE HUMAN THING YOU CAN DO.” – Jim Norris, Mutiny Information Cafe I VISITED THE COMMUNITY FRIDGE on Ellsworth Ave. and Broadway St. on a warm Saturday afternoon recently. This Denver fridge, bursting with free food, sits outside Mutiny Information Cafe. Painted exuberantly with greens and blues and orange mountains, you can’t miss it! The neighborhood has made sure to keep the well-organized and clean fridge jam-packed with food. The fridge is quickly becoming a valuable neighborhood resource. While I was there, a man and woman came by and left a loaf of fresh, home-baked bread. “Still warm!” the woman announced, clearly pleased with her contribution. With trepidation at first, Jim Norris of Mutiny Information Cafe agreed to host the fridge. Now, after a trial of two months, he is delighted and feels that “this gives the people donating a sense of ownership in our community. You give food to someone in your neighborhood, you see that reaction right away.” Norris has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. “We can make sure that our community is fed and is safe,” said Norris. “We can do it ourselves. We can do these things.” It is important to him that they are not relying on the government or charities for help. As Norris explained, “We can watch people that have been lying in the street, watch their color improve, it gives them a sense of self-confidence because they’re eating regular food. It is the most simple human thing you can do.” Mutiny Information Cafe’s community fridge opened at the beginning of December and has been embraced by the neighborhood. Since then, three more community fridges have opened in Denver. Denver Community Fridge was founded by Eli Zain, a graduate student at the University of Colorado. What exactly is a community fridge? According to the Denver Community Fridge website, “Our fridges are a type of mutual aid project that is aimed for local business and community members to drop off fresh plus homemade meals to support and combat food insecurity within the community.” Zain believes that “if you give people the opportunity to step forward and help their community, they will.” These fridges are beautifully painted, well maintained, and abundantly stocked! Clearly, the community has embraced this mutual aid food exchange as a critical, collaborative way to sustain each other. Base Coat Nail Salon hosts a fridge at 27th Ave. and Walnut St. in the RINO district. Huckleberry Roasters hosts their fridge at North Pecos St. and 43rd Ave. Amethyst Coffee company hosts theirs at 4999 W. 44th Street in the CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD Sunnyside neighborhood. There are more planned for East Colfax and Capitol Hill. Ana Sofia Cornelius, an organizer with Denver Homeless Out Loud, said they are looking at putting one in front of their office at Park Ave. and California St., north of downtown. That is, if they can figure out the electrical hook-up situation. Estimates vary, but the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment has estimated that 25 percent of the population is struggling with food scarcity some or most of the time. That amount represents one in four, a staggering number that has more than doubled since the pandemic started. IT BEGAN IN BROOKLYN The first community fridge in the U.S. was placed last February, by Thadeus Umpster, an organizer with In Our Hearts and associated with the Bed-Stuy Food Not Bombs community food share. He set up the group’s first refrigerator in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, a city struggling with hunger, calculated around 25 percent. According to an article in the New York Times, Umpster had snatched the fridge from Craigslist for free, hoping to put it in his building’s laundry room. But when it didn’t fit through the front door, it ended up outside and was immediately utilized by the community. “We are trying to have a different type of relationship with people, a relationship between equals and not a hand out from a higher authority or privileged person,” said Umpster, referring to the standard lack of hierarchy, which is a core value of mutual aid projects. The idea of community fridges and offering free food to those who need it – has been around for decades. More than 50 years ago, the Black Panther Party distributed free breakfasts to children. Mutual aid groups have been stepping up to sustain each other through hard times since the mid8 DENVER VOICE February 2021 COMMUNITY PROFILE CREDIT: PAULA BARD nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. During the big mining strikes, workers pooled resources and offered medical care, women’s health care, strike pay, food, and sick leave. Community fridges have continued to take off in New York and New Jersey. Los Angeles and Oakland both have Community Fridge networks which are expanding to Houston, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Miami, and Seattle. Fridge Yourself (freedge.org) encourages everyone to start a community fridge in their neighborhoods. They track the community fridge movement expanding worldwide: UK, Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Brazil, France, Germany, Argentina, Singapore, China, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Denmark, and India. Community fridges are spreading rapidly across the U.S. and the world, as poverty and food scarcity, currently exacerbated by the pandemic, roll through communities. In true mutual aid fashion, neighbors are getting involved because they see a need, and, in the most fundamental and essential ways, they are reaching out to the vulnerable, stepping up to sustain each other. Citizens are seeing each other through this crisis. ■ CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD February 2021 DENVER VOICE 9

LOCAL STORY PHOTO PROVIDED BY NIKKI JOHNSON, PSY. D. DENVER SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT APPOINTS FIRST CHIEF OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BY DOUG HRDLICKA ROUGHLY 50 PERCENT of people incarcerated are suffering from mental health issues at any given moment, noted Dr. Nikki Johnson, chief of mental health services for the Denver Sheriff Department. Upon intake, 35 percent of incarcerated people report that they’re either homeless or transient, and 65 percent report they have nowhere to go upon release. “Those individuals stay in jail longer than individuals without mental health issues,” Johnson said. “I definitely think that the treatment of those with mental illness is a large priority for the Denver Sheriff Department.” Johnson has led an impressive 15-year career migrating, overseeing, and bolstering mental health access to inmates at correctional institutions. That time includes long stints at the Colorado Department of Corrections, in a maximumsecurity prison, and as program coordinator of Jail Based Evaluation and Restoration for the Colorado Department of Human Services, to name just a few. Most recently, Johnson served as the director of mental health for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Detention Facility before moving to Denver to assume the first-ever position of chief of mental health services. “I think that this position will really give the Denver Sheriff’s Department the opportunity to be at the forefront of criminal justice reform,” Johnson said. 10 DENVER VOICE February 2021 During her first year with the Denver Sheriff Department, Johnson plans to focus on three main goals. First, she plans to implement a 12-bed competency restoration program trial to track an inmate’s level of competency during the court process. That trial will happen in partnership with the Office of Behavioral Health. “We have at least weekly meetings, where we have an ongoing list of individuals who are involved in the competency process,” Johnson said. Her second goal is to bring on a round-the-clock team of civilians with backgrounds in mental health and crisis intervention to step in when inmates succumb to behavior brought on by mental illness. “Crisis in the jail can look similar to in the community,” she said, in reference to Denver’s Co-Responder Program, which enlists the help of medical and mental health professionals on scenes in lieu of officers. Johnson’s team will act much like the folks on the CoResponder Program to help prevent the worst outcome for both inmates and staff. “Criminal charges can be pressed if [a mental health breakdown] escalates, so the goal is that we decrease those types of incidents and keep our staff safe,” Johnson said. Next, she plans to develop a strong exit strategy with the aim of reducing a person’s likelihood of returning. This starts with access to basic needs like shelter, food, and employment. “The third goal is looking at entry-to-exit mental health treatment in the jail system and reviewing and ensuring that we are really providing the best practices from right when the individual enters the facility to when they exit the facility,” said Johnson. “A large focus will be on that reentry process and making sure those individuals have those connections they need to be successful within the community.” Many of the programs were put in place prior to Johnson’s arrival, but with oversight and implementation of new and useful tools, the aforementioned 50 percent of inmates with mental health issues might find reprieve. “I think there are a lot of options within the Denver community, and we’ll be partnering and working with them to make sure we can create those relationships and foster that transition process.” ■ WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP THE HARD TIMES WRITING WORKSHOP IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP. IT’S OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. EACH MONTH, THE DENVER VOICE PUBLISHES A SELECTION OF WRITING FROM THESE WORKSHOPS. INFORMATION ABOUT VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS: LIGHTHOUSEWRITERS.ORG/WORKSHOP/DENVER-PUBLIC-LIBRARY-HARD-TIMES MORE WRITING BY THE POETS FEATURED IN THIS COLUMN: WRITEDENVER.ORG FRAN FORD IHELDMYBREATHALLTHROUGHTHEINAUGURATION Half expecting something awful to happen, but it didn’t! So my gratitude is-Oh! like helium, like white water under the keel, like a sapling that curls under my heels between my toes and sunders the soil with roots that swell and draw power from the core of every blessed, beautiful, earthly, molecular thing until the tender shoot shoot shoots thick branches that embrace the sky and leaf-lips that kiss the slender fingers lifted by the clouds. What an even greater relief it is to remove this mask of our transparent authenticity with a mask exodus to end our mask-erade once and for all! VAL U ABLE MASK-ERADE It wasn’t your typical masquerade ball. It didn’t fall on Halloween, nor New Year’s Eve. Instead, on this sweltering summer day we sat sizzling in the scorching sunshine... invited over by a brave soul, amidst a cacophony of COVID cancellations. Following precisely prescribed guidelines, one by one we marched single file around the side yard of our host’s home and perched on the parched lawn the predetermined 6 feet apart, all mouths muzzled and voices muffled by masks. As a primary portion of our group discussion, we were encouraged to contemplate, then share, what we’ve learned from the lingering global pandemic. My immediate conclusion was: what a relief it is to remove the mask! This concept cascaded into an additional reckoning of the invisible mask we all tend to wear — and wore long before a virus forced us to don a facial facade. PRESENTED BY: February 2021 DENVER VOICE 11

IN YOUR OWN WORDS SELF, THANK YOU FOR LOVING SELF BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR WHY HOMELESSNESS HAS EXISTED FOR SO LONG BY REA BROWN, VOICE VENDOR VALENTINE’S DAY POEM BY KENDELL CLARKE, VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA REA BROWN. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN SELF, THANK YOU FOR LOVING SELF! When Self doesn’t love Self, we let others do wrong to Self. Self, you finally found Self. Before finding Self, you let people walk all over you! Before Self knew Self, Self was very lost. Self didn’t know how to stop the abuse. Over time, the only thing Self knew was pain and couldn’t find a way out. Why did this or that happen to me? Why do they cause me pain? Questions that keep you stuck in pain. That pain can last for years until Self steps up for Self and wants the pain to stop. Self must start to love Self. Self must speak up so everyone knows, “You can’t talk to me that way. You can’t use me anymore!” Speak up and show love to Self. When you stop letting bad things around you, then you can start to love Self. Over time, Self will find Self, and then, Self will find peace in Self. When Self has found love and peace, Self will live a happier life. February is the month of love, so truly love Self because if Self doesn’t speak up, you will be lost. Thank you, Self, for letting me find my Self. Self, now we have found real love and peace in Self. May you find your true Self, and give it love, and find peace. ■ The following is a poem that Rea Brown wrote in response to the question he suggested for this month’s Ask a Vendor: Why do you think homelessness has existed for so long? Because there was no space in that column for his response, we are including it here: IT’S AMAZING, to say the least, wickedly nonetheless, that such a thing should exist on a planet so blessed. I ask How can Africa have poverty bleeding diamonds forever, year-round good weather with gold and historical pleasures. Yet poverty has continued so long? From the richest to the poorest country, it’s all the same, weak or strong the blame falls on the grown, as well as the child and has carried on from the first man until now it’s wherever in man selfishness found all those years and it still drags us down it’s crazy how much it is true it’s like the ancients knew when they made the golden rule do unto others as you would have them do unto you ■ KENDELL CLARKE. CREDIT: JUSTIN CANELAS SWEET SUGAR, add a little lemon lime for my valentine. Right on time beneath the sunshine. Bright or dark wine, depending on the circumstances of a treasured time. Sharing your heart with the intentions of being smart, Optimistic of the bridge, which is built on a solid foundation of two equal parts, never to depart Cheers. Glad everyone’s happy and yelling loud Cause someone must have let out a silent fart Even the dog was smart to bark! ■ WE MOVED! 12 DENVER VOICE February 2021 Our vendor offi ce is now located at : 989 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204 We are still settling into our new Denver VOICE office at 989 Santa Fe Drive. When it is safer to gather in large groups again, we hope you will stop by and say hello! EVENTS COURTESY OF DEAR DENVER DEARDENVER.NET PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, with Dear Denver.net, for coming up with some great ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. VIRTUAL STORYTIME WITH RIO CORTEZ Tattered Cover welcomes author Rio Cortez as she reads aloud from her newest book, The ABCs of Black History, a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy. WHEN: Feb 4, 10:30 a.m. COST: Free MORE INFO: facebook.com/tattered.cover COLORADO DRAGON BOAT FILM FESTIVAL Founded in 2016, this four-day Asian and Asian-American Film Festival is programmed with the theme, “representAsian,” which focuses on films, organizations, and individuals that boldly highlight culture and identity. This yeah, the entire festival will take place online. WHEN: Feb 4 – Feb 7 COST: $12 - $15 per film MORE INFO: denverfilm.org BEER SCHOOL Learn about a variety of beer styles in these educational, guided tastings. Classes will be offered virtually and the link and “shopping list” will be sent out by Wednesday prior to each class. WHEN: Feb 13, 20, and 27, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: $20 MORE INFO: facebook.com/doslucesbrewery ARVADA WINTER SESH This year’s WinterFest will look a bit different, hence the name change. However, a few core things will remain - local artisan and craft vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and family-friendly entertainment. WHEN: Feb 20, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: McIlvoy Park – 5750 Upham Street MORE INFO: arvadafestivals.com MEDITATE & MINGLE - COMMUNITY WELLNESS Meditation and breathwork can improve your state of being, state of performing, and your overall ability to show up in areas of your life. In this session, participants will be shown how to tap into the power of breath to enhance the ways they think, behave, and interact with the world. WHEN: Feb 28, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. COST: Free WHERE: Cheesmen Park Esplanad – on Williams St., between E. 7th Ave. and E. 8th Ave. MORE INFO: facebook.com/HabitualRoots ACROSS 1. Auspices (Var.) 5. Have the lead role 9. Cookbook abbr. 13. Hands (Sp.) 15. Container weight 16. Ancient alphabetic character 17. Trudge through melting snow 18. Guinness and others 19. Persia, now 20. Follower of the Pope 23. Dejected 25. Tolkien beast 26. Pain in the neck 27. One who came before 31. Fairly tale baddies 32. Gardener’s supply 36. Lug 37. Macbeth, for one 39. Backside 41. Mast attachment 43. Small lizard 44. Letters notifying customers of a partial refund 47. Noah’s landfall 51. Cause for a shootout 52. Anger 53. Chief commander of combined armed forces 57. “Dream on!” 58. Level, in London 59. Church council 62. Apple, pear, or other fleshy fruit 63. “___ do you good” 64. Big mess 65. Water pitcher 66. White hat wearer 67. Choir member DOWN 1. Middle of summer? 2. Hoedown participant 3. “...___ form a more perfect Union” 4. Mediocre 5. Position on an issue 6. After-bath powder 7. Region 8. Residential care facility 9. Small bands 10. Tree knots 11. Slowpoke 12. Change for a shilling 14. Nobodies (Var.) 21. ___ welder 22. Stringed instrument 23. Assist, as a weightlifter 24. Insider’s vocabulary 28. Hard to fathom 29. Burn with hot water 30. Prince, to a king 33. Creme-filled cookie 34. Type of sofa 35. Selfish sort 37. ___ acid (baking powder component) 38. Hurry 40. Like some wines 42. Slash mark? 43. Banded metamorphic rock 45. “The only thing we have to fear is fear ___” 46. “___ the season to be jolly” 47. Slack-jawed 48. Seed again 49. “Cowboy Bebop” genre 50. Allude (to) 54. Strip of wood used in building 55. “Cast Away” setting 56. Chatty bird 60. Frequently, in poetry 61. Tegan and Sara, e.g. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 February 2021 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ Denver Foundation The NextFifty Initiative Help Colorado Now $10,000+ John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund Kenneth King Foundation Max & Elaine Appel DEDO Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund The Christian Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Jerry Conover Cranaleith Foundation, Inc $1,000-$4,999 Kauer Construction and Design Bright Funds Russell Peterson Phoenix Capital, Inc. Signs by Tomorrow City Side Remodeling SEI Giving Fund Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Josh Kauer Caring Connection Kroger Gaelina Tesfaye Network for Good Charities Aid Foundation of America Jim Ashe Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Matthew Rezek Conover/Wonder Family Fund The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Patrick & Jan Rutty Conover/Wonder Family Fund Phoenix Capital $500-$999 Colorado Cross Disability Colalition Graham Davis Betty & Warren Kuehner Jeremy Anderson Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop, Inc. Community Health Charities Michelle Stapleton & James Thompson Michael Dino Paul Hoffman Michael J. Fehn & Jan Monnier Jennifer Stedron Mr. Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Jill Haug Travis & Meggie Ramp Alistair Davidson Jim and Nancy Thomas Jennifer Seybold Sheryl and John H Parker Susan B. Jones Maggie Holben Elsbeth Williams Michael Vitco Gaspar Terrana Catherine Hegedus Christine Muldoon and Pete Iannuzzi James Stegman 3M Foundation 10X Business Consultants SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page add in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper 14 DENVER VOICE February 2021 RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Hot meals served at 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church), Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 mealsforpoor.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org February 2021 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,400 people experiencing homelessness. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE THE UPHILL BATTLE OF HOMELESS YOUTH Y DENVER IS MAKING STRIDES TO REDUCE YOUTH HOMELESSNESS, BUT THE SKYROCKETING COST OF LIVING MAKES IT TOUGH TO LEAVE THE STREETS BEHIND. PAGE 6 SECOND CHANCES IN A TINY HOME VILLAGE THE NEW WOMEN’S VILLAGE OFFERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND INDEPENDENT LIVING IN PRIVATE TINY HOMES. PAGE 8 COVID-19 AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SERBIA AS MANY AS ONE-THIRD OF WOMEN ARE EXPOSED TO SOME FORM OF VIOLENCE. PAGE 10 FORGET NO ONE FEDERALLY MANDATED POINTIN-TIME COUNT OFFERS SNAPSHOT OF THE UNHOUSED POPULATION, BUT THE DATA HAS LONG BEEN CRITICIZED BY HOMELESSNESS ADVOCATES. PAGE 12 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 11 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 MARCH 2021 | Vol.26 Issue 3 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: GILES CLASEN

EDITOR’S NOTE FOR THE PAST SEVERAL DAYS, temperatures have been brutally cold. Before the pandemic, our office was a place that vendors could get a cup of hot tea or coffee, have a snack and warm up before heading out to their vending spots. One year later, with COVID-19 ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR still raging, we must continue practicing social distancing, so large groups cannot gather in our office, and those who do come in must conduct their business and then leave. Although vendors can no longer linger in the office, they know they can at least grab a snack to take with them. On days we have hand warmers in stock, they can take a pair of those, too. I am sick of the pandemic. It is a terrible inconvenience that is taking a toll on even the most benevolent among us. Resenting the negative effects of the pandemic, however, is not going to make it go away; nor is complaining. Even so, I await the time when our stories about the pandemic or personal experiences with getting COVID are all past tense. I look forward to no longer worrying about too many people being in confined spaces. I am especially looking forward to seeing our office full of vendors purchasing their papers and then sitting in one of our mismatched chairs, a cup of coffee or other hot beverage in hand, as they catch up with each other and the Denver VOICE staff. ■ CONGRATULATIONS to Denver VOICE Peer Navigator Rachel Gotwald on the birth of her daughter, Paisley Rose, who was born on February 3. March CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Anthony Cornejo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg 25 Years OF THE VOICE THANK YOU, readers and supporters, for empowering thousands of Denver VOICE vendors to improve their quality of life. Here’s to another 25 years of giving voices to thousands more! VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Ty Holter Kersten Jaeger Andrew Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. WRITERS Lando Allen Paula Bard Dean Glorso Habeel Harney Jacob Marsh Jerry Rosen BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Pamela Gravning Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins 2 DENVER VOICE March 2021 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY New Program Coordinator: ANTHONY CORNEJO OUR Streets: RAY BY PAULA BARD ANDREW KLOOSTER, who joined the VOICE as our program coordinator at the end of the summer, has accepted a full-time position with the non-profit for whom he had been working part-time. Fortunately, he will not become a stranger and instead, will volunteer for the VOICE as his schedule permits. After an extensive search, we recently hired Anthony Cornejo to fill the program coordinator role. Following is a brief introduction from Cornejo. Hello, Denver VOICE Readers. My name is Anthony Cornejo. I am a third-generation Colorado Native, who grew up in Aurora and currently lives in Denver. My work in non-profits includes Aurora Mental Health Center and Fort Collins Housing Catalyst. Most recently, I worked as an emergency shelter services coordinator with Denver Human Services and also was part of the DHS Early Intervention Street outreach team. I am enjoying getting to know the Denver VOICE vendors and look forward to working with them, the staff, and our community partners. ■ RAY LIVES IN A TENT north of downtown. He delivers sandwiches to his unhoused neighbors. OUR Streets are stories of Denver’s unhoused residents as captured by Paula Bard, who walks the streets of Denver to photograph the faces and collect the stories of those her city has abandoned. CREDIT: PAULA BARD HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. March 2021 DENVER VOICE 3

Ask a VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. Q Why do you think you’re successful as a Denver VOICE vendor? CREDIT: GILES CLASEN A LANDO ALLEN You’ve got to have a good attitude and keep things positive when you vend the VOICE. Being successful at the VOICE is making enough to pay bills and putting money away for a rainy day, but the real success you can have is that you get off the streets. The success I’ve experienced has allowed me to buy a camper and keep me on a path to buying a house. JACOB MARSH I don’t stay in one spot for more than a week unless I have built a client list. Then I keep that spot and find better or newer spots. We have a great production crew at the [VOICE] office, and I have a great peer navigator. Having a family that pushes both personal goals and family goals, helps as well. I also have awesome coworkers that strive to push each other to get our sales up. That’s why I’m a successful vendor here at the VOICE. JERRY ROSEN I’ve been successful vending the paper for quite a while because I’m courteous to customers, and I like working with the Denver VOICE. I try to vend full-time. I have had some slow periods, but I try to be persistent always. CITY COUNCIL APPROVES CONTRACT FOR NEW SAFE OUTDOOR SPACES BY ROBERT DAVIS IN A CONTENTIOUS VOTE, Denver City Council approved a nearly $900,000 contract that will allow two temporary safe outdoor spaces to operate through the end of the year. One site will be at Denver Community Church, while the other location has yet to be determined. Like their predecessors, both campsites will accommodate up to 100 households and provide full access to housing, rehabilitation, and labor services. Colorado Village Collaborative (CVC) is responsible for operating both sites and finding the land to accommodate them. “We need these spaces all around town so we can connect people to services,” said Cole Chandler, CVC’s executive director. “However, right now all the outreach efforts and services people need are concentrated downtown.” Chandler said the current safe outdoor spaces focused their outreach efforts within a four-block radius of both camps. The reason was to reduce the impact of the sites on the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood. According to Chandler, within minutes of the campsite opening, campers in an encampment across the street moved in and filled up the outdoor space. The other camp has since dispersed, and those staying there have not returned. The contract approval passed by a 10-1 vote with District 5 Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer voting against it. Sawyer took issue with the fact that Denver is actively funding a campsite that violates city ordinances while also paying legal fees to defend enforcing its camping ban in court. She added that over 80 percent of Denverites voted against campsites in 2019 when Initiative 300 was on the municipal ballot. “It’s What do YOU want to ask? If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. 4 DENVER VOICE March 2021 really causing confusion for our most vulnerable residents,” Sawyer said. “And, frankly, they deserve better. They deserve a warm home with a roof and a door. But, right now we have about 2,000 people sleeping on the streets, in addition to those in our shelters and couch surfing. We can do better.” Chandler replied that the safe outdoor spaces are very different from the unregulated camping that I300 would have allowed. CVC holds a permit with the City and is under contract with the Department of Housing Stability. Outside of regulation, Chandler says the sites are also achieving their aims: to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and connect people with housing and services. Since the campsites opened, five people have been placed in the Beloved Tiny Home Village, and two others were connected with a case manager who helped them with housing vouchers. Another eight residents were connected with services. Both campsites currently house 80 people. Meanwhile, the camps have experienced a zero percent transmission rate, Chandler said. At-large Councilwoman Robin Kniech said she hasn’t heard the same complaints about the campsite even though her office has done extensive informal and scientific polling on the issue. Kneich’s primary concern is that the City’s approach to solving homelessness is too focused on long-term solutions when emergency fixes are needed right now. Without the temporary safe outdoor space, Kniech wondered how many more of Denver’s unhoused could have succumbed to hypothermia or worse, hopelessness. Kniech said supporting the outdoor space makes sense right now but urged her colleagues and the Hancock administration to keep thinking creatively about solutions. “We have a long road ahead of us. If this is our destination, then we are in big trouble,” Kniech said. ■ MISTRUST AND MOBILITY SLOW COVID-19 VACCINE PUSH FOR NORTH AMERICA’S HOMELESS BY MATTHEW LAVIETES AND JACK GRAHAM Homeless people are at higher risk of COVID-19, but groups face challenges in finding them and convincing them to have the shot. WITH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC showing no signs of abating in the United States and Canada, some cities have begun vaccinating their homeless - an effort clinicians warn will be challenging given the incomparable circumstances they face. Homeless people’s mobility, tendency to mistrust the vaccine, and focus on more immediate needs like finding LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL STORY food and warmth all make it harder to protect them against COVID-19, health experts say. “The struggle [homeless people] go through every day to survive, on the streets or in the shelters, has a real immediacy to it,” said Dr. Jim O’Connell, president of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP). “As many people have told me, ‘a little virus’ doesn’t seem frightening to them because they face death every day and the virus is just one of the many things they face,” said O’Connell. The BHCHP, a non-profit which provides medical services to the northeastern city’s homeless population, has vaccinated roughly 200 homeless people and 300 staff since the program started in late January. The group is expected to administer about 3,500 doses of the Moderna vaccine in shelters across the city within the next month. Similar rollouts are underway in other cities around the continent. So far, New York City has vaccinated more than 500 homeless people and staff who serve them. Over 730 of Montreal’s homeless population have been vaccinated to date, according to official figures. VULNERABLE Since the pandemic started pummelling the globe last year, advocates and physicians have been urging lawmakers for greater protections for the homeless. Without regular access to healthcare, homeless people are often much more susceptible to chronic medical conditions, which may predispose them to a more severe illness from COVID-19. Sheltered homeless people in New York City were 75 percent more likely to die from COVID-19 than the city’s general population, according to the Coalition for the Homeless, an advocacy group. Pandemic shutdowns have also cut off homeless people’s access to public spaces, such as restaurants and libraries, that they usually use to stay warm and wash their hands during the day. And packing homeless communities into overnight shelters has also become a problem, due to concerns over social distancing. People eat together, share bathrooms and often sleep on beds within several feet of one another. “On one hand, you have higher individual vulnerability because of health,” said Tim Richter, chief executive of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. “But people experiencing homelessness can’t follow public health measures: social distancing, staying at home, isolating, accessing healthcare when you need it, hygiene.” In response, some cities throughout North America have moved people off of the streets or out of shelters into hotels to alleviate concerns over spreading the virus. Under former U.S. President Donald Trump, cash-strapped cities were promised 75 percent of the money to pay for the hotels and were not given a timeline of when aid would run dry. Last month, President Joe Biden vowed to reimburse cities for the full cost of the hotels and fully cover the costs through September. In Canada, the federal government has made extra funding available for provinces and municipalities VIOLA ROBERSON, 75, RECEIVES A CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) VACCINATION AT THE LA MISSION HOMELESS SHELTER ON SKID ROW, IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S., FEBRUARY 10, 2021. REUTERS/LUCY NICHOLSON “The first 25 percent is always easy. We had no problem recruiting for the first number of clinics that we had to deal with,” said Sam Watts, chief executive of Montreal homeless charity Welcome Hall Mission. “But, as we’re moving along, it’s harder and harder because there are some people who don’t want to get it for a variety of reasons,” he said in a phone interview. Some are afraid of needles, others believe in a variety of conspiracy theories that question the safety of the vaccines or have mental health issues, like paranoia, that impede them from complying with vaccine rollouts, explained Watts. Marty Hames, the spokeswoman for Circle the City, a non-profit that provides healthcare services to the homeless in Phoenix, Arizona, echoed similar concerns about vaccine compliance. “Just like you’re going to find people in the general population that are not going to want the vaccine or they’re not going to want to see a doctor when they’re ill, the same exists within the homeless population,” she said. None of the groups the Thomson Reuters Foundation spoke with were making vaccinations mandatory for the homeless people they serve. SLOW THE SPREAD Other barriers include a lack of internet access to sign up for online vaccine portals, a lack of transportation to vaccination sites, and difficulties tracking down homeless people to give them the second dose of the vaccine, health experts say. The consequences of not getting the vaccine rollout right to prevent the spread of the virus among its homeless. Ottawa announced in December it would spend an additional $300 million to help local communities. COMPLIANCE So far, clinicians and advocates say they have been successfully able to find homeless people - a group that is largely distrustful of healthcare providers - who want the vaccine. However, they caution that things may soon change. can spread beyond homeless populations and to entire communities, warned O’Connell at the BHCHP. At the start of the pandemic in late March, O’Connell and other Boston researchers found a 36 percent positivity rate among homeless people. “Most people recognize that if homeless people have the virus, they’re walking all day and passing it (around),” he said. “If you’re riding the subway and there’s a homeless person and they have a 30 percent chance of having the virus, you want to protect yourself as much as that person.” ■ Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Mon, Weds, Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. March 2021 DENVER VOICE 5 NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Bottled water, non-perishable snacks Hand-warmers, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office GENTLY USED ITEMS NEEDED: Refurbished laptops or desktop computers Heavy jackets Scarves Winter hats Gloves Backpacks Winter WISH LIST

LOCAL STORY CREDIT: GILES CLASEN CREDIT: GILES CLASEN DENVER IS MAKING STRIDES TO REDUCE YOUTH HOMELESSNESS, BUT ISSUES REMAIN BY GILES CLASEN AND ROBERT DAVIS JOSHUA LEFT HOME after his grandmother began stealing from him to subsidize her drinking habit. Had it been something of lesser sentimental value, he may have overlooked it. Instead, Joshua said his grandmother stole his Magic the Gathering cards and sold them for booze. “She isn’t a violent drunk; verbal assaults are more her style,” Joshua explains. After one particularly incendiary incident, he reported her to the Denver Sheriff’s Department and has been staying in a city-funded hotel room on Colfax ever since. This isn’t his first experience with homelessness, either. At 15 years old, Joshua ran away for a week because his parents wouldn’t let him smoke pot. He camped in Boulder, but the looming threat of blizzard snow drove him back home. Now at 19, Joshua says it’s been particularly difficult to find work during the pandemic because he doesn’t have access to the internet. Most days, he panhandles downtown. He wants to get back home to Washington and says his mom is trying to scrounge up enough money to help. 6 DENVER VOICE March 2021 “I don’t think Denver is the place for me,” Joshua told the VOICE. BACKWARD SLIDE While Joshua isn’t alone on the streets of Denver, he represents an alarming trend — a growing number of unaccompanied youths are experiencing homelessness. Too old for the foster system and often overlooked for work, unaccompanied youth face an uphill battle in Denver as the city’s skyrocketing cost of living and competitive job market make it tough to leave the streets behind. According to the 2020 Point in Time (PIT) Count, which was conducted before COVID-19 began, 189 unaccompanied youth were experiencing homelessness in Denver. Eighty youths slept in emergency shelters, 55 were placed in transitional housing, and another 54 youths were unsheltered. Compared to 2016, this represents a net increase of six youths experiencing homelessness. The latest McKinneyVento numbers reported by Colorado’s Department of Education show Denver had a total of 1,849 homeless students, 108 of whom were unaccompanied, a 17 percent increase since 2016. Over the same time frame, Denver has drastically revamped its reporting of PIT Count data. Four years ago, the City released a detailed 11-page report that statistically compared the age and demographic information collected. A revealing data point is that youths between the ages of 18 and 24 years old made up the highest percentage of Denver’s homeless population in 2016. In comparison, data from the 2020 Count was released in a one-page fact sheet with an experimental online dashboard accompanying it. The dashboard itself doesn’t delve any deeper into the numbers; it merely reports statistics based on a user’s selected criteria. NUMBERS AND LIVED EXPERIENCE To better understand how to help Colorado’s homeless youth, the State’s Office of Homeless Youth Services (OHYS) developed the Youth Supplemental Survey (YSS) in 2016 to help bridge the gap between the state’s PIT Count data and the lived experience of homelessness. The survey is conducted in partnership with the state’s four Continuums of Care (COC): El Paso/Pikes Peak, the Metropolitan Denver Homeless Initiative Balance of State, and the newly formed Northern Colorado COC. Each COC is required to participate in the survey. However, not all have enough resources or volunteers to do a physical count. Instead, all COCs provide OHYS with sheltered youth counts for the relative ease of pairing it with the PIT Count. The YSS data is then subdivided between youths who are enrolled in school and those who are not, according to OHYS Director Kristin Toombs. “Comparing school status amongst youth experiencing homelessness helps identify potential trends in demographics, social determinants, homelessness history, LOCAL STORY or other barriers and life experiences,” Toombs told the VOICE. “One of the most revealing parts of the survey was that 85 percent of youth counted were older than in previous counts, suggesting they are experiencing multiple episodes of homelessness or prolonged periods of homelessness,” Toombs added. The survey also found higher incidences of youths experiencing homelessness with various mental, physical, or behavioral health issues, something the State was making good progress to reduce. Between 2017 and 2019, the prevalence of homeless youth reporting mental health issues dropped by 30 percent, according to the YSS. Similarly, the incident rates for physical health and domestic violence issues dropped 19 percent and 9 percent, respectively. However, the incidence rates in each category increased in 2020. The number of homeless youths experiencing mental health issues increased by 20 percent; physical health issues increased by 7 percent, and domestic violence increased by four percent. While these figures are useful in determining trends, OHYS Program Specialist Paul Vong cautions against using the data to make deductions. The survey only identified 401 homeless youth statewide in 2020, a very clear and obvious undercount. According to Vong, the amount of overlap between YSS data and other youth homelessness counts is unknown to researchers as well. Current privacy laws and the anonymous nature of the survey make it impossible to compare data at the individual level. “There is no conclusive evidence provided from YSS data to determine the spike in youth experiencing homelessness. Much more information is needed regarding the ways youth enter into homelessness and the manner youth exit homelessness into permanent housing,” he said. WHY YOUTHS BECOME HOMELESS Data captured through the YSS does reveal two significant needs and gaps in youth homelessness: affordable housing and access to income. Colorado’s affordability crisis is well-documented, but the impact of the pandemic on youth employment is still coming into focus. According to Mathematica, a data analytics company, Colorado experienced a 20 percent spike in youth unemployment after the pandemic began, accounting for one of the highest increases in the nation. Economists at the University of Colorado Boulder anticipate Denver’s economy to fall short of a full recovery in 2021 as well. Industries most primed for growth include hospitality, transportation, and finance, according to the Leeds School of Business Research Division. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows more than 20,000 workers were shed from Denver’s workforce in the first four months of 2020. The workforce has since nearly returned to its January 2020 totals, but the city’s available job stock remains low. In practice, this means homeless youth are competing with adults for part-time and entrylevel positions. The pandemic’s economic impacts have also increased the number of households facing housing instability. Federal and state funds are available for Colorado renters facing eviction, but a report by The Colorado Sun found many landlords aren’t accepting the assistance. As a result, the Denver County Court may hear tens of thousands of eviction cases if the state moratorium ends. Meanwhile, many low-income and homeless youths can’t participate in city-run youth employment programs because they transitioned to a virtual setting. FORGING A PATH FORWARD An easy solution the YSS data points to is helping unaccompanied youth enroll or stay in school. Only 44 percent of YSS participants said their last stable residence was in Colorado. Sixty-nine percent of those who reported a stable residence in the state attended school, which speaks to the important role schools play in providing children and their families with necessary services. YSS data also shows that school attendance correlates with a greater quality of life. Homeless youth who attend school often have a connection with their family but live doubled up with relatives or friends. On the other hand, a majority of homeless youths not in school are more connected to caseworkers and often sleep on the streets or in shelters, the survey found. Another solution is to increase supportive housing and social services. One way is to build permanent supportive housing and pass rental assistance policies for homeless and low-income youth, the survey said. For example, in 2020, the City of Fort Collins built a 34unit apartment complex for homeless and at-risk teens known as the House. The House serves as a temporary shelter for kids aged 13 to 20. Social support services should also address the overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ youths experiencing homelessness, the survey recommends. YSS data shows nearly 30 percent of survey participants who disclosed their sexual orientation reported being LGBTQ+. However, there is still so much researchers don’t know about youth homelessness in Colorado, according to the survey. The questions volunteers ask do not address whether the experiences with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems are a result of homelessness, or if the system’s involvement contributed to the experience of homelessness. “The report certainly highlights what some homeless youth have in the past, or are currently experiencing across Colorado. However, the highlight really is on areas where we need to learn more,” Toombs said. ■ The Denver VOICE is looking for volunteer board members to help lead and strengthen our programs to provide economic empowerment and education tools to those experiencing homelessness or poverty in our community. If you are looking for a meaningful way to participate in advocating on behalf of those we serve, email your resume or CV to president@denvervoice.org Ideal candidates will have non-profi t development and or fundraising experience and have a passion for making a difference in traditionally marginalized communities. BOARD MEMBERS WANTED! CREDIT: GILES CLASEN March 2021 DENVER VOICE 7

COMMUNITY PROFILE SECOND CHANCES IN A TINY HOME VILLAGE BY PAULA BARD TAMMY “With this COVID thing, everything got harder.” A NATURAL STORY-TELLER, her face brightens with a mischievous smile. Tammy is a self-styled hippie in her late 50s. She came out to Aspen from New York in the early ‘80s to be a ski bum and stayed, because, as she explained, “I loved the sun!” She worked as a nurse in Capitol Hill for years, often commuting to her teepee near Deckers while volunteering with environmental groups. She and her husband traveled to Rainbow Gatherings all over the country, giving her “lots of practice in intentional community living.” She feels prepared to handle her new communal life in the Women’s Village at Clara Brown Commons, Denver’s second tiny home village. Tammy was struggling before the pandemic. A longtime CREDIT: PAULA BARD ICU nurse for PresbyterianSt. Luke’s, she had always worked the night shift. After her second husband died, Tammy just didn’t have it in her to keep it up. She took a job working on the 16th Street Mall at a medical clinic but could no longer afford housing in Denver’s skyrocketing rental market. To survive, she began sleeping in her broken truck while it was parked at a friend’s house in Lakewood. Then the clinic closed when the pandemic hit last spring. “I was saving money to fix the transmission, keeping it in my friend’s driveway. I would take the last bus out of Denver to Lakewood and sleep in my car at night. My friend didn’t know I was sleeping in it. But then it needed more repairs than a transmission; I couldn’t afford it. So last summer I stored it up in RINO, but then it got stolen. No insurance.” Tammy camped out in Lakewood all summer, often under her tarp with a sleeping bag, to avoid being seen. She camped along the RTD W line and in Belmar. “I was getting unemployment, but then they changed the website, and I stopped getting it.” Finally, in late fall, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless hooked her up with the opening of the Women’s Village. In early December, she moved in. This new stability has allowed Tammy, a restless soul, to look forward to joining some friends putting together an organic farm. She now muses about getting her Airstream trailer outfitted for travel, teaching yoga, and dispensing medical herbs. She is currently involved in an online yoga certification program. Eager to get on with her life, she just needs a running truck to carry the rig. VALARIE “It’s good that we help each other out here, and it feels supportive, you know – you get a second chance.” VALARIE AND HER TWO DOGS joined the Women’s Village recently after her heart surgery. She is recovering and feeling optimistic. She has welcomed the support in the village. Originally from Denver, Valarie worked for an AARP community center supervising the kitchen, which closed during the pandemic. She really likes working with seniors and hopes to go back when she has recovered – and they reopen. As a woman in her 60s, she is very aware of the rough road for the elderly in today’s economy, having lived it herself. “Things happen you know, I mean ... everybody knows that half the population is one paycheck away from being homeless.” Valarie ended up on the streets in Denver after her mother died, and their house in Park Hill was sold. “It’s really hard to take care of yourself when you’re out on the streets. To feed yourself. It’s too hard, and especially for women, it’s too hard. Especially for older women it’s much too hard.” She feels grateful to have such a supportive community in the Women’s Village for her recuperation and to be able to have her dogs with her – dogs are not allowed in the shelters. CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD 8 DENVER VOICE March 2021 COMMUNITY PROFILE KIMBERLY Support has made the difference. “I love to look forward to doing things – these people helping you.” ORIGINALLY FROM NEW YORK, Kimberly slept on friends’ couches and stayed on the street, all while trying to study for the GED and work on her cosmetology certification. She wants independence and fights to do it on her own. But, unhoused, it was too hard, never knowing where she will sleep or shower or eat and “having to worry about safety, you know.” On the wall of her colorfully decorated tiny house, she has posted pictures of the beautiful two-year-old daughter that she hopes to reunite with, eventually. Children are not allowed in the women’s tiny home village. It’s been rough. She is researching the possibility of acquiring a service dog to help with her anxiety. CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD “NOW THEY ARE SLEEPING IN A SAFE, STABLE, BRIGHT, COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEIR HEALING JOURNEY CAN BEGIN TOGETHER.” – Cole Chandler, executive director of Colorado Village Collaborative CREDIT: PAULA BARD NEAR I-70 IN NORTH DENVER, the Women’s Village at Clara Brown Commons sits behind a fence in an inconspicuous cluster at 37th Ave. and York St. It includes 14 homes and a common house with a bright, spacious kitchen, bathrooms, and storage. This is Denver’s second tiny home village organized by the Colorado Village Collaborative. Building on their success in housing the unhoused and getting people back on their feet, they plan more tiny home villages in the future. The new Women’s Village offers independent living in separate, private tiny homes, plus community support for formally unhoused women and transgender folks. The University of Denver’s Center for Housing and Homelessness Research began monitoring Denver’s first tiny home village, called Beloved Community Village, back when it opened in 2017. They found that residents were four times more likely to be working or in school. They also reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Hannah Fageeh, who has a background working in domestic violence programs at SafeHouse Denver, is the Women’s Village coordinator. She first worked with the Beloved Community Village, which is now situated in the Globeville neighborhood. Fageeh started as a volunteer for Beloved Community and ended her stint there as the village coordinator. Fageeh is excited about all the support they are able to offer the residents at the Women’s Village. This includes a resource navigator for education and employment and a new mental health grant with many choices for individual and group care, both on-site and via telehealth. “We want to see people actually healing and not sticking in survival mode, because I think that’s really the hardest thing – getting out of this survival mode.” Survival mode is understandable. Women coming off the streets often carry a heavy burden of trauma. One resident reported she had been raped four times while she was living on Denver’s streets. Trauma therapy can make all the difference. In both tiny home villages, residents can stay in their new community for a year or more if they need it. They have assistance finding appropriate, attainable, and affordable housing when they are ready to move on. According to Fageeh, some stay at Beloved Community Village for a year. Some people for only three, six, or seven months. Some people stay for a couple of years. Both tiny home communities are flexible with a primary focus on healing and community. The Women’s Village, which is the anchor for a large property at 37th Ave. and York St., is owned by Mile High Ministries. They are expanding ambitiously and aim to build 60 affordable, below-market-rate apartments in the near future. Habitat for Humanity will build affordable homes. Tiny home villages will not solve the crisis of the unhoused in Denver, but they are one humane and successful piece of the puzzle. Tonight, 14 more people in our community are off the streets. They are safe and on the road to healing from the trauma of economic hardship and displacement. They have a second chance. ■ March 2021 DENVER VOICE 9

INTERNATIONAL STORY report violence safely, say the researchers who worked on the report “Gender Analysis of the COVID-19 Response in the Republic of Serbia”, which was produced by the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Women’s Platform for the Development of Serbia 2014–2020. “It’s been confirmed worldwide that violence against women in the family and intimate partnership increased during the crisis, as well as the risk factors that impacted the manifestation of violence,” the report stated. “Hence, it is certain that during the state of emergency in Serbia and other countries violence against women has increased, not decreased.” This was also confirmed by the large numbers of women who sought help from women’s organizations during the spring of 2020. Although the number of reported cases of violence AN ACTIVIST POSES FOR PICTURE DURING A PROTEST BY NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION (NGO) RIO DE PAZ (RIO OF PEACE) AGAINST RAPE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ON COPACABANA BEACH IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, JUNE 6, 2016. REUTERS/SERGIO MORAES COVID-19 AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SERBIA BY JOVAN DJUKIC The measures implemented around the world in the attempt to halt the coronavirus pandemic have triggered a parallel epidemic of violence against women. As part of Liceulice’s ‘COVID-19 and Marginalised Groups’ series, Jovan Djukic examines how Serbia has responded to the challenge of supporting women who are victims of domestic violence during the pandemic. WHEN THE STATE OF EMERGENCY WAS ANNOUNCED on March 15th, it was tagged with the message, “Stay home, stay safe.” However, it has turned out the be quite the opposite for women whose homes weren’t a safe place before the coronavirus pandemic. And there are lot of them. World Health Organization data paint a devastating picture of modern society, identifying that as many as one-third of women are exposed to some form of violence. Most often, this takes the form of economic violence, which is followed by psychological aggression and, finally, physical violence, which in its most brutal form leads to death in the form of femicide. STRESS AND UNCERTAINTY LEAD TO BREAKDOWN While the eyes of the public were focused on the novel coronavirus as it swept around the globe, violence could take place unhindered within four walls. “We were all caught by surprise by the rapid decisions that were made on restrictive measures – that includes non-governmental organizations, institutions, and the victims of violence themselves,” says Mirjana Mitic from the Autonomous Women’s Centre. “Restrictive measures, which included curfews and quarantine, facilitated the use of one of the basic techniques of the perpetrators of violence – the isolation of the victim. When it comes to domestic violence, in many cases the victim was unable to get in touch with other people and get 10 DENVER VOICE March 2021 necessary information and support. This made it easier for the perpetrator to convince the victim that there was no one to help and that state institutions had more important things to deal with.” Lidija Vasiljevic, a psychotherapist and feminist activist, explains that it was to be expected that any kind of pressure, and especially the great amount of stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, would affect even those who wouldn’t lose control under “typical” circumstances. “Violence is a form of communication, and people who lack control project themselves onto others,” she explains. “In our society, violence is also a mechanism for gaining false control and maintaining control in intimate partnerships. The longer people feel helpless and are exposed to a crisis, the more violence can be expected. Unfortunately, women are the easiest target: they are the ones closest to the perpetrator, they often have nowhere to go and, in the patriarchal system, it is thought that they deserve such treatment if they are not obeying [their partner]. The increase in violence is already happening, and we are yet to appreciate the true numbers [of those affected].” She points out that violence is not necessarily most common in families with a low social status and low level of education; however, members of such families often find themselves in the local news because conflicts can be more intense. MORE VIOLENCE; FEWER POLICE REPORTS According to the Ministry of the Interior, the number of women who reported violence during the state of emergency in 2020 was 48.6 percent lower than the average; however, organizations working with victims warn that this does not mean that the amount of violence decreased. The lower number of reports is a result of the limited ability to decreased, and the number of calls to the National SOS helpline remained unchanged, the number of women who contacted the Autonomous Women’s Centre during the first month of the state of emergency state tripled. The number of calls to the Human Rights Committee SOS helpline in Vranje increased by 25 percent, and the number of calls to the Roma Women’s Association – Osvit – in Nis doubled. According to Mirjana Mitic from the Autonomous Women’s Centre, the civil sector had to adapt overnight and transfer all its work online; as a result, SOS services were provided via mobile and messaging services such as Viber, WhatsApp and Facebook, and over e-mail. Women approached the Autonomous Women’s Centre primarily because state institutions were either not available or would give them conflicting and sparse information. There were also cases where women reported violence to state institutions but did not receive appropriate protection as the perpetrators were only given verbal warnings. “If you have institutions that do not send a clear message,” Mirjana Mitic says, “it cannot be expected that women will contact these institutions to report violence.” In addition, she says, it is vitally important to never ask women to report violence without first creating a safety plan; this is because reporting violence is the point at which the level of violence may escalate. MASK 19 AND OTHER SOLUTIONS The first wave of the pandemic in spring 2020 made clear the importance of the state reacting quickly and systemically during a crisis. Many countries came to the conclusion that banning movement is dangerous for women who are in intimate partnerships or share a living space with an abuser; as a result, a number of customized solutions were developed. The above-mentioned report by the OSCE Mission and Women’s Platform for the Development of Serbia states that the introduction of a solution that would enable women to seek help without risking their safety was on the agenda of the Coordination Body for Gender Equality and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, no specific solutions were implemented in Serbia. One of the few institutional reactions to the issue of domestic violence during the pandemic was the decision of the High Court Council, which stated that domestic violence cases should not be delayed as a result of the pandemic. Between March 15th and April 25th, 44 urgent measures were imposed against abusers, although it can be assumed that this number would be far higher if violence could have been easily and safely reported at the time. Sadly, there are numerous cases in which the existing solutions proved to be inadequate under the new, changed conditions brought about by coronavirus. For example, women’s safe houses accepted new users only if they were COVID-19 negative, but at that time you could only get tested if you were showing symptoms. Another blow to women at risk of violence was the case of a woman being sentenced for trying to report violence during the ban on movement – this despite the fact that top state officials encouraged her to do so on PAGE TITLE several occasions. The sentence was later withdrawn; however, we know that the initial story will always reach more people than its retraction, Mirjana Mitic reminds us. She adds that the Autonomous Women’s Centre is in regular contact with the Centres for Social Work and that state institutions did not provide clear instructions to these centers. “We even addressed the Ministry in writing and demanded that they provide specific guidelines when it comes to models of seeing children during curfew, according to a verdict or a temporary measure,” she says, “and to this day we haven’t received an answer.” There are many examples of how the problem of violence against women has been dealt with worldwide during the pandemic. In France, transit information points were opened in shopping malls in cooperation with local associations, public services, and shopping center managers. These have enabled women to seek help in conditions that guarantee confidentiality and their safety, particularly in terms of their health. In parts of the UK, police have trained postal workers and drivers delivering goods to recognize the signs of abuse. There is also the Mask 19 initiative (which was initially launched in Spain but has since spread to many countries). If a woman asks for such a mask in a pharmacy, she is discreetly indicating that she is a victim of abuse. In France, women and children were given accommodation in empty hotel rooms instead of being placed in collective accommodation. GETTING READY FOR A NEW WAVE The Autonomous Women’s Centre used the lower incidence of COVID-19 during the summer months to prepare for how to provide support during future waves of the pandemic and future emergencies. Consultants were trained in how to safely use video applications to provide individual sessions to female victims of violence. The center’s staff also distributed leaflets containing SOS numbers in the seventeen municipalities of Belgrade (in Centres for Social Work, private clinics, and pharmacies). However, Mirjana Mitic believes it is necessary for both state institutions and civil society to act together. “Even without a crisis, we have to have a unified response to domestic violence and agree on the minimum standards for providing different services,” she says. Lidija Vasiljevic agrees with this statement and points out that systemic institutional support is lacking, regardless of the current health crisis. “The problem is the lack of permanence and continuity in providing support,” she explains. “Help is sporadic and often inadequate. There is a lack of free help and free counseling, but also a lack of mental health crisis centres. Both the mental and physical health of individuals are equally threatened. “A good model would be self-organization, which formerly existed within the networks of psychotherapists and psychologists. However, due to the excessive administrative and technical procedures, fewer people were able to get help,” Vasiljevic continues. “The Mental Health Crisis Centre could be the place where those who need help can stop by 24/7, in compliance with all the current COVID-19 measures. At the moment, so much money has been made available for online conferences and other less necessary things.” We do not know whether there will be any further developments in this area as the pandemic continues. We are also unsure about what the response of institutions will be and whether they have learned something from the challenges encountered during the pandemic. Judging by the experience of other countries, we can conclude that it is vital to have a unified response from state institutions and civil society organizations in order to create sustainable solutions during crises and find new and specially tailored ways to help vulnerable women. ■ Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo March 2021 DENVER VOICE 11 HABEEL HARNEY GOD You make rules that seem absurd! Ones that make us think! Others we dare not try in our conscious! So we strive for the impossible! Hoping on clouds and winds! To be let down and disappointed! Yet through the constant discussion! Your appearance shows! Through unexpected wonders! D. GLORSO INCENTIVE With this COVID-19 Pandemic Dreams have become Almost too real for me In last night’s dream you were so glad to see me As I was thrilled seeing you Others told me you were waiting Near the end of my slumber We were finally connected As the clouds cleared You drove up in the old Woodie Your left elbow was hanging out The driver side window You’re smile greeted me You said it’s been a long time son I’m glad you finally invited me Into your dreams I love you mom I’m sorry I’ve been away so long I didn’t know you kept The old woody Why did I not remember We had such great times together I recall you driving A carload of kids To Lake Wakanda We swam all day long Those hot summers were cool I recall finally being tall enough To go down the giant slide You coached me As we watch the other kids Climb the steep tower Viewing a shiny stainless steel slide Almost vertical My eyes glued to the face Of each kid hanging from the bar Release and tuck their hands Behind their heads Bracing now for the giant loop Casting their bodies into the air High above the water surface Feet first gliding into the wind Then splashing deep into the water Your repetitious words of coaching Helped me gain courage Through my entire childhood Why did I not ever thank you? Many challenges You bolstered in me As now I write down my thoughts And read them back to you I love you always Mom Thank you For all the incentives you instilled in me WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org

NATIONAL STORY FORGET NO ONE: U.S. CITIES USE REAL-TIME DATA TO END HOMELESSNESS BY CAREY L. BIRON As U.S. President Joe Biden vows to tackle the country’s housing affordability crisis, one group is trying to convince cities they can end homelessness outright armed with one thing: better data. The Built for Zero anti-homelessness program says a pause on the annual federal homeless count could help local officials tackle the problem. FOR HOMELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS across the United States, this time of year means the “point-in-time” count, in which volunteers spend a single night combing streets, parks, and forests for people sleeping rough, or living in cars or tents. The federally mandated count offers a key snapshot of the unhoused population, but the data has long been criticized by some homelessness advocates. “It’s crazy,” said Jake Maguire, co-director of the antihomelessness program Built for Zero at the national nonprofit Community Solutions. “We’re told it’s scientific, but it produces a very uncertain number.” Local officials send their findings to the federal government and get back aggregated statistics 11 months later, he explained. “It’s data for someone else – it doesn’t give us any insight to improve our system. We don’t know who these people are and what they need.” Now the pandemic has complicated the annual count, and many local officials are calling it off for this year due to public health concerns. As of 21 January, nearly 60 percent of point-in-time counts had requested exemptions or waivers, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Instead, the agency is allowing communities more flexibility in how they determine this estimate. And for some, Built for Zero thinks it has an answer: using the constantly updated homelessness data it has been helping cities produce since 2015. Unlike the once-a-year federal tally, Built for Zero cities create a comprehensive list of people experiencing homelessness, including information on their situation and needs, that is updated at least monthly, Maguire and other organizers said. Local groups and agencies involved in homelessness response not only have access to this “by-name” list but regularly come together to address each individual case and any obstacles standing in the way of getting them housed. “We cannot expect to drive meaningful reductions in a ... dynamic problem like homelessness without comprehensive, real-time, person-specific data,” said Built for Zero co-director Beth Sandor. She called HUD’s decision on this year’s count a major step and urged the department to make the change permanent and provide funding “so every community can collect real-time, quality data.” HUD did not respond to requests for broader comment. ‘ADDING A YEAR OF HOMELESSNESS’ Built for Zero’s name comes from its aim to bring homelessness down to what supporters call functional zero, “where homelessness is rare overall, and brief when it occurs,” according to the project website. Fourteen communities working with the program have reached this point for either homeless veterans or chronic homelessness – when someone has been homeless repeatedly or for at least a year – and more than 80 jurisdictions are currently participating. Maguire recalls a Los Angeles workshop early on in the project, where the group brought together local officials and others to map the process for a homeless person to get housing. The teams figured it took an average of 389 days and 44 steps for one person to get through the process, Maguire noted. “So, you’re adding a year of homelessness to someone’s experience,” he said. They realized that constantly updating the data and looking at individual cases can help dramatically cut down this wait, sometimes to 30 days or less. That was a major help for Marvin Minor Jr. of Lynchburg, Virginia, who was homeless from July 2019 to December last year, eventually living in his car until a respiratory illness forced him into the hospital for weeks. He was referred to homeless outreach specialists and placed into a process that had been created with Built for Zero, which led to getting Minor, 41, quickly into housing. Within a week, he had been placed in a motel, and shortly thereafter he moved into his own apartment. “By having a (home) of my own, now I’m able to wash and bathe, cook, have fresh food and clean clothing. I just became a grandfather a few months ago, and now it’s a place where my granddaughter can come,” Minor said by phone. INFLOW AND OUTFLOW Last year, Lynchburg achieved “functional zero” for veteran homelessness – from about 20 homeless vets in 2019 – and the federal government has acknowledged Built for Zero’s efforts nationally. Randal Noller, spokesman for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, highlighted in an email the initiative’s use of real-time data to analyze the “inflow” of those entering homelessness. That issue has been key for Lynchburg, which is now shifting its focus to ending chronic homelessness. “The change is that no one gets forgotten – there’s an accounting that has to happen for every single (person),” said Sarah Quarantotto, executive director of Miriam’s House, a non-profit that leads the Lynchburg effort. Rosten Callarman, coalition coordinator for the West Texas Homeless Network, has been working with Built for Zero in Abilene, Texas, one of five communities that the program considers to have ended chronic homelessness. He said the project represents a shift in attitude for homelessness service providers. Usually, he explained, “the talk is not about progress, but about maintaining the system as it is. It’s very pessimistic, a sense that homelessness is not something that can be fixed.” DYNAMIC PROBLEM Some anti-homelessness advocates worry that Built for Zero’s strategy potentially glosses over critical gaps in efforts to eradicate the problem. “This idea of functional zero is not actually ending homelessness,” said Megan Hustings, deputy director of the Washington DC-based National Coalition for the Homeless. Hustings acknowledged that the program has built a system that can identify people who need housing and quickly get them resources. But, she worried that by saying they have ended homelessness in an area, the community can assume the issue has been addressed. That does little to tackle the root causes of homelessness, she said, primarily the major shortfall of affordable housing nationwide. For Katie Hong, director of special initiatives at the Raikes Foundation, where she has focused on youth homelessness, understanding the inflow and outflow of homelessness can help response as a whole. The sector has long focused on crisis response, with no incentive for other systems – hospitals and prisons, for example – to take responsibility for those moving into homelessness, she said. With COVID and the eventual end of eviction moratoriums, “everyone is now bracing for the inflow,” Hong said by phone. “I don’t think we’ve gotten smart enough as a community to understand that this is a dynamic problem. If we don’t talk about that, it makes it seem like we’re not making progress.” ■ A MEMBER OF THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY WALKS PAST A HYATT HOTEL THAT IS COMPLETELY CLOSED TO GUESTS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) OUTBREAK, IN WASHINGTON, U.S. MAY 8, 2020. NEW UNEMPLOYMENT DATA SHOWS THE U.S. ECONOMY LOST A STAGGERING 20.5 MILLION JOBS IN APRIL. REUTERS/JONATHAN ERNST 12 DENVER VOICE March 2021 Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo EVENTS COURTESY OF DEAR DENVER DEARDENVER.NET PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, who provides this list of ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. 1 14 17 FRIDAY MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION A regular meditation practice can help you cultivate kindness and inner peace – two things we desperately need in these stressful times. Each class will include instruction on some mindfulness themes followed by 30 minutes of practice. All levels are welcome! WHEN: Mar 5, 12, 19, and 26, 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. COST: Free but registration is required. MORE INFO: denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming ADAM CAYTON-HOLLAND VIRTUAL EVENT 51 52 Local funnyman, Adam Cayton-Holland, brings his bits online to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. And who doesn’t need a laugh these days? There will be birds. WHEN: Mar 11, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. COST: $15 MORE INFO: comedyworks.com VIRTUAL FAMILY PROGRAM: CONNECTING FROM AFAR – CELEBRATING WOMEN All artists have family and loved ones supporting them behind-the-scenes, and Clyfford Still was no exception. Celebrate Women’s History Month at this virtual event and discover the women who played key roles in Clyfford Still’s life, career, and legacy. For children ages 4 – 8 years old and their families. WHEN: Mar 13, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. COST: Free but registration is required. MORE INFO: clyffordstillmuseum.org/events SATURDAY MATINEE: WALTER CHAW AND BARBARA CRAMPTON TALK WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? Join film critic Walter Chaw and the American actress Barbara Crampton to take a closer look at this iconic film. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is available on DVD at the Denver Public library. Not a cardholder yet? Grab your ID and get started online at denverlibrary.org/library-card. WHEN: Mar 20, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. COST: Free but registration is required. MORE INFO: denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming FROM LAWN TO XERISCAPE: RETROFITTING A SMALL SUBURBAN LANDSCAPE This program provides a practical how-to guide for transforming a water-dependent lawn into a natural, thriving ecosystem. WHEN: Mar 21, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. COST: $9.99 MORE INFO: facebook.com/coloradonativeplantsociety 6 5 2 9 4 56 60 63 57 61 64 32 37 41 44 45 48 49 53 58 62 65 50 54 55 59 38 39 42 46 47 20 23 25 26 27 33 34 35 40 43 21 24 28 29 30 31 36 2 3 4 5 6 15 18 22 7 8 COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 9 10 11 12 13 16 19 ACROSS DOWN 1. One of the senses 6. Arctic native 10. It’s a long story 14. Bathsheba’s husband, in the 17-Across 15. Doing nothing 16. Ball of yarn 17. Christian scriptures, with “the” 18. Pinocchio, at times 19. Character in a play 20. Smug 23. Ear-related 24. “Cheers” regular 25. Full of vigor 28. Flamethrower fuel used in the Vietnam War 32. First man in the 17-Across 33. Des Moines resident 36. Royal insomnia cause 37. Backstage 41. Web crawler? 42. Illegal fi ring? 43. Part of a bottle or guitar 44. Take out a policy on 46. Princes of India (Var.) 48. Egg holder 50. Pudding starch 51. Place on the body that may be targeted in martial arts or alternative medicine 56. Croat, e.g. 57. Bibliographical abbr. 58. Merger 60. Sweat source 61. Astronaut’s insignia 62. On edge 63. Gulf of ___, off the coast of Yemen 64. Hidden valley 65. Th at is, in Latin 1. Grinder 2. Colored eye part 3. Jeer 4. Cheese from Cyprus 5. Burglaries 6. Light purple 7. Mine entrance 8. Garden-variety 9. Outward appearances 10. ___ and save (be frugal) 11. ___ vera 12. Neuter 13. Amaze 21. Canine command 22. Coin replaced by the euro 25. Jewish scholar 26. Ancient Greek theater 27. Th ai coins 29. Sleeper’s breathing problem 30. Bloodsucker 31. Divers’ gear 33. Part of TGIF 34. “Well well well!” 35. Cyst 38. Nostrils 39. Salad ___ 40. Legally prohibited 45. Lopsided 46. 50 Cent piece 47. South American rodent 49. ___ ligation (one form of surgical sterilization) 50. Four-door 51. Trudge 52. Pink, as a steak 53. Climb 54. Primetime time 55. Jettison 56. Mudbath locale 59. Aft er expenses 5 1 6 8 7 2 3 1 4 6 3 7 2 7 8 9 1 8 4 March 2021 DENVER VOICE 13 3 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ Denver Foundation The NextFifty Initiative Help Colorado Now $10,000+ John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund Kenneth King Foundation Max & Elaine Appel DEDO Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund The Christian Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Jerry Conover Cranaleith Foundation, Inc $1,000-$4,999 BNSF Railway Foundation Kauer Construction and Design Bright Funds Russell Peterson Phoenix Capital, Inc. Signs by Tomorrow Energy Outreach Colorado City Side Remodeling SEI Giving Fund Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Josh Kauer Caring Connection Kroger Gaelina Tesfaye Network for Good Charities Aid Foundation of America Jim Ashe Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Matthew Rezek Conover/Wonder Family Fund The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Patrick & Jan Rutty Conover/Wonder Family Fund Phoenix Capital $500-$999 Colorado Cross Disability Colalition Graham Davis Betty & Warren Kuehner Jeremy Anderson Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop, Inc. Community Health Charities Michelle Stapleton & James Thompson Michael Dino Paul Hoffman Michael J. Fehn & Jan Monnier Jennifer Stedron Mr. Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Jill Haug Travis & Meggie Ramp Alistair Davidson Jim and Nancy Thomas Jennifer Seybold Sheryl and John H. Parker Susan B. Jones Maggie Holben Elsbeth Williams Michael Vitco Gaspar Terrana Catherine Hegedus Christine Muldoon and Pete Iannuzzi James Stegman 3M Foundation 10X Business Consultants 14 DENVER VOICE March 2021 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Hot meals served at 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church), Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 mealsforpoor.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org March 2021 DENVER VOICE 15 7 5 1 3 8 6 2 9 4 2 9 6 1 7 4 5 3 8 4 3 8 5 9 2 6 1 7 8 7 9 6 3 5 4 2 1 3 4 2 8 1 9 7 5 6 1 6 5 2 4 7 3 8 9 5 8 4 7 2 1 9 6 3 9 2 3 4 6 8 1 7 5 6 1 7 9 5 3 8 4 2 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13 S I G H T U R I A H B I B L E R O B U S T A D A M I N S U R E N E S T S L A V L A P P S A G A I D L E C L E W L I A R R O L E S E L F S A T I S F I E D O T I C N O R M N A P A L M I O W A N P E A B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S B O T A R S O N N E C K R A J A H S S A G O P O R E N A S A A D E N G L E N P R E S S U R E P O I N T I B I D U N I O N T E N S E I D E S T

Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,400 people experiencing homelessness. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION The LONELINESS EPIDEMIC HARVARD RESEARCH DESCRIBES LONELINESS AS THE NEW EPIDEMIC SWEEPING THE COUNTR. COMMUNITY LIVING OFFERS A SOLUTION. PAGE 10 CITIES URGED TO LEARN FROM THE PANDEMIC LESSONS LEARNED DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC COULD BE HARNESSED TO IMPROVE CITY LIFE FOR YEARS TO COME. PAGE 5 BASIC NEEDS INSECURITY IN U.S. COLLEGES STUDENTS NEGLECTED BY THEIR INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT ARE COMBATING POVERTY WITH THE HELP OF NONPROFITS. PAGE 6 A STAR TOUCHES DOWN LIGHTLY IN DENVER A COLLABORATION OF GOVERNMENT, HEALTH CARE, AND NONPROFIT ENTITIES, STAR PROVIDES A UNIQUE MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE. PAGE 8 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 11, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 APRIL 2021 | Vol.26 Issue 4 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) @DenverVOICE FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: GILES CLASEN

IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH GIVING TIME COSTS NOTHING AND BENEFITS EVERYONE NIKKI LAWSON BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR BEING A LIFELONG VOLUNTEER is one of my proudest accomplishments. My first experience volunteering was as a Girl Scout at the Denver Dumb Friends League. I was there for an afternoon filling food and water bowls, sweeping up animal hair, and taking out the trash. It was a day I will never forget. After college, I moved to China to serve two years in the Peace Corps. Rather than sweeping up hair, I taught English to eager young adults on the doorstep of the Gobi Desert. I came back to Denver with more volunteer experience than I ever thought possible. In 2017, when I found out I was expecting my first child, I was eager to get back to volunteering. After spending so much time abroad, it was time to find a cause in the community my daughter would call home. Choosing to volunteer with the Denver VOICE was easy. As a long-time reader of the paper, I knew the VOICE is an organization that not only creates an excellent paper, but it also offers an incredible opportunity to the person vending it. Being a distribution volunteer for the VOICE has become the most rewarding volunteer role I have ever held. Volunteering is far more than giving your time, experience, and resources. It is committing to an organization because you believe in its cause and want the organization to succeed. Volunteering is a simple and accessible way to help your community and become a catalyst for positive change. It is also one of the few things in life that costs nothing but offers everyone involved something in return. Whether it is halfway across the world or in your own backyard, volunteering makes the world a better place. ■ April CONTRIBUTORS DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Anthony Cornejo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Ty Holter Kersten Jaeger Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WRITERS WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. John Alexander Lando Allen Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis David Gordon Nikki Lawson Benjamin Eric Nelson Jerry Rosen BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Pamela Gravning Raelene Johnson Zephyr Wilkins 2 DENVER VOICE April 2021 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: MARK AND JESSICA BY PAULA BARD MARK I’ve been homeless since I was 11 years old. When I wasn’t in prison, I had an apartment, and I lived with Jessica. I’m 43 now. I’ve been writing a book [about political scandals in Arapahoe County]. It’s almost finished. The police stole my bike. For this new bike, we found pieces of it behind a dumpster in Glendale. We put it together, and I can ride her in the front, a chariot! The dog has a home in the back. As we were getting ready to go live in the streets, I didn’t want Chico to have to feel the strain of it, so I made him the best seat in the house. I just felt like if we had a place to sit down and rest that things would just be better for us.” JESSICA I lost my place, I was renting a janitorial closet on Ogden with the plumbing, electricity, $450 a month. I’m 28. I can’t get an ID so I can’t get help for getting off heroin. My mom passed away 4 years ago, my grandpa died on the same day. My anxiety is just through the roof. I’ve never set foot in a shelter. I’d go hungry first. ■ OUR Streets are stories of Denver’s unhoused residents as captured by Paula Bard, who walks the streets of Denver to photograph the faces and collect the stories of those her city has abandoned. “I’VE NEVER SET FOOT IN A SHELTER. I’D GO HUNGRY FIRST.” CREDIT: PAULA BARD HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. April 2021 DENVER VOICE 3

Ask a VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. Do you plan to get a COVID vaccine? If so, once you are vaccinated, will you feel safer vending the VOICE? Q A DAVID GORDON I plan to get the vaccine for COVID. I will feel safer however, what would ultimately make me feel even safer would be if vaccines distribution increases while the number of cases goes down. I will still protect myself and others until the numbers dictate so. I will feel safer... JOHN ALEXANDER Yes. I have been blessed with victory because I had the COVID virus. I was in the hospital for a little over two months. I was in the hospital for COVID blood clots, and a double stroke – all related to the virus. During the first two weeks, I was on my death bed, and my family was making funeral arrangements. I have learned firsthand that the diagnosis of COVID is not an automatic death sentence, but I do have familiarities with this disease, and I will feel very much safer vending the Denver VOICE once I do get my vaccinations. RAELENE JOHNSON Yes, I will feel safer! I have COPD, and this last year was very hard on me! I felt safer not working than to end up dead! I am thankful the end is in sight. I know the vendors will see more people out and about. Thank you, Everyone, who worked to make and distribute the vaccinations! JERRY ROSEN Yes, I plan to get a vaccine, as I was told it was very safe. Yes, I will feel safer, as I know it will be effective in many ways. Vendors interested in receiving the vaccination can speak to Program Coordinator Anthony Cornejo. What do YOU want to ask? If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. INSIDE THE RESTROOM. PHOTO COURTESY OF DENVER’S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE 4 DENVER VOICE April 2021 RESTROOM LOWERED INTO FOUNDATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF DENVER’S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE RENDERING OF FINISHED AREA. PHOTO COURTESY OF DENVER’S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE The new restrooms come five years after the City initially DENVER TO OPEN PUBLIC RESTROOMS DOWNTOWN BY ROBERT DAVIS DENVER’S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DOTI) announced Wednesday the City will open public restrooms downtown near Champa Street. and the 16th Street Mall. The freestanding unit includes one standard restroom and one American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant room. DOTI said it anticipates the facilities opening in the spring after the utility connections and other site work details are complete. It measures approximately 18 feet by 7.5 feet and is installed in what was previously a parking lane along Champa St. “I’m proud to have worked with city agencies to launch the creative, mobile restroom program that expanded access to sanitation for those who are away from home or living without one in Central Denver,” At-large Councilwoman Robin Kniech said in a statement. “I look forward to building upon this success to ensure our infrastructure matches the vibrancy and needs of our city,” she added. piloted a public restroom program. In 2016, the city parked mobile restrooms on Clarkson Street in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood and along East Colfax for 50 days to gather data about the need. Each unit was in operation for 12 hours per day. In 2018, the City released its final report about the pilot, which described the data it collected as “compelling” evidence to continue the program. It found that some locations would see as many as 200 users per day. One-third of the users were people experiencing homelessness. LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL STORY DOTI said the program is designed to offer “convenient, clean, and safe facilities for the whole community.” Amenities include a full-time attendant, security cameras, waste and recycling stations, and a micro-mobility station for users to park their bicycles. “Providing residents and visitors with access to a comfortable, clean restroom meets a basic and universal human need and we’re proud to deliver this facility to the people of Denver,” said Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “By making restroom facilities more accessible to all, we increase people’s ability to get out and enjoy our downtown area with confidence and improve quality of life and the way our city looks and functions,” he continued. ■ TURNING POINT: CITIES URGED TO ACT ON LESSONS LEARNED IN PANDEMIC BY CAREY L. BIRON From Chicago to Mumbai, the public health crisis created by the coronavirus could be a chance to tackle long-standing problems in major cities – from social inequality to infectious diseases. FROM BETTER HYGIENE to greater awareness of inequality and recognition of ‘essential workers’, lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic could be harnessed to improve city life for years to come. The health crisis has gutted urban economies, emptied offices and public transport, and shuttered communal spaces, but it might mark a watershed as cities seek to get back on their feet, the annual CityLab global summit heard. “One of the big headlines coming out of the pandemic is that the things we thought were impossible before are actually possible and really absolutely necessary,” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot told the three-day event, this year held virtually. COVID-19 has laid bare “a lot of the economic fault lines around race, around class, gender and inequalities that people believed were intractable – too big to actually solve,” Lightfoot said. In the United States, the pandemic’s economic effects have taken a far heavier toll on Black and Hispanic families, while federal data from December showed women have been disproportionately affected by job losses. “The crises we face have made clear the inequity and injustice that persist,” U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris told the event. “We want our cities and countries to thrive, not just survive.” There are hopeful signs, several participants said. The pandemic creates an opening to tackle issues exposed over the past year, such as the financial struggles of low-paid workers and their lack of social protection, said Ai-jen Poo, executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. “Now we all see that some of the work that was least visible to us is actually essential – to our safety, health, and our well-being,” Poo said. She noted advances made amid the pandemic for domestic workers, most of whom are women and from minorities, including a new “bill of rights” in Philadelphia and a push in Chicago to ensure fair wages, time off, and safe workplaces. Such opportunities are not limited to rich countries, said Reuben Abraham, chief executive of the IDFC Foundation and IDFC Institute in Mumbai, suggesting the pandemic could be a “turning point” for cities in the developing world. “Is there a way for us to embed the good behaviors that we’ve learned during COVID?” he said, noting the possibility of addressing “crowding” in cities through land use management, zoning, and the provision of affordable housing. Diseases such as cholera and typhoid have dropped substantially in Mumbai due to COVID-related hygiene practices such as hand-washing, Abraham said, while the wearing of face masks has had a significant effect on tuberculosis. “[The pandemic] has been a disaster for all of us,” he said. “But if we do the right thing now, net-net we end up with a positive outcome.” ■ Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Bottled water, non-perishable snacks Hand-warmers, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office GENTLY USED ITEMS NEEDED: Refurbished laptops or desktop computers Backpacks Gloves Heavy jackets (Men’s L, XL, XXL; Women’s M, L, XL) Spring WISH LIST PEDESTRIANS WALK PAST A STORE WITH GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL DISTANCE AND FACE MASKS AS THE GLOBAL OUTBREAK OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) CONTINUES, IN NEW YORK CITY, U.S., NOVEMBER 14, 2020. REUTERS/CAITLIN OCHS DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Mon, Weds, Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. April 2021 DENVER VOICE 5

NATIONAL STORY PHOTO BY NATHAN DUMLAO ON UNSPLASH THE KNIGHTS FOR NUTRITION PANTRY RECEIVES ITS DONATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY. PHOTO COURTESY OF INSP.NGO U.S. COLLEGE STUDENTS BATTLE BASIC NEEDS INSECURITY BY JILL SHAUGHNESSY Three in five college students in the United States faced problems like housing insecurity or hunger in 2020. Despite their effort to receive a higher education, many students are neglected by their institutions and the government in terms of basic needs. Strides are being made across the U.S. by students and nonprofits to combat these issues. THE STORY OF THE “STRUGGLING COLLEGE STUDENT” is perpetuated in the United States. It may bring to mind the idea of subsisting on a diet of Ramen noodles or couch surfing for a semester. The example of a hungry, poor college student has been made out to be a common rite of passage. It’s considered almost normal to “struggle” during those crazy, college years. A demographic often overlooked in terms of hunger and homelessness is college-aged citizens and those enrolled in college. In some cases, these problems arise because parent support stops when entering college, while others have experienced hunger or housing insecurity prior. Some college students may find themselves financially unprepared to meet their basic needs after paying for tuition. Beyond that, universities are often ill-equipped to help these students. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this. In 2020, when many schools were forced to hold only virtual classes, some students had to scramble for accommodation. While many students find themselves back with their parents, others just don’t have the option. Those who used to rely on university meal plans may no longer have this accessible food resource. The Hope Center is a nonprofit aiming to assist colleges and universities with research and resources about food and housing insecurity. Their study surveying over 38,000 college students found 3 in 5 students were experiencing basic needs insecurity. Food insecurity affected 44% of students at two-year colleges and 38% at four-year institutions. 15% of the students surveyed who attended 4-year colleges were experiencing homelessness due to the pandemic. Maya is a 21-year-old college student who currently attends Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Maya struggled with food insecurity before going to college. As a high school student, she relied on her mother’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly referred to as food stamps, to supplement her family. When she entered university, she was no longer receiving any government benefits nor financial support from her mother. Maya was used to working 40 hours a week to help support herself, her sisters, and her mother. Once entering college, this all changed. “I think a lot of people think college at a four-year university is a luxury, but it shouldn’t be,” she says. “When I was living with my mom, she couldn’t really help me, I was helping her. Since parents can’t always step in, the government should be the helping hand because we are just starting off on our own”. Maya recalls a time when she was not able to make ends meet for the semester. She was denied a loan and couldn’t figure out how to continue to take all of her classes and pay for groceries. She sat down with her roommates and they looked at her budget. She had bills to pay and was unable to manage everything. Her roommates offered to pay for her food for the term. “They had the resources, and they were kind enough to help. But I just don’t want to rely on anybody else. It’s not their responsibility to take care of me,” she says emotionally. Existing challenges have been only compounded by the pandemic in the past year. For example, Maya received the stimulus check from the United States government which helped her during the pandemic, but other students were excluded from this relief bill. The first 2 rounds of stimulus checks did not grant college-aged dependents the benefits. The term ‘dependent’ refers to an adult that is still claimed on their parent’s taxes. It is often not the choice of the student. The government ignored dependents; despite the fact the group was hit hard by the pandemic. With dining halls shut down and student housing paused, the stimulus check would have gone far for many students. Many schools have been trying to fix these problems and make sure their students can meet their basic needs. At Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania, this meant allowing housing-insecure students to continue living on campus while the majority of the school was shut down. In addition, they are helping students by offering a free food service, called Knight’s for Nutrition Food Pantry, to supplement their food needs. The Knight Pantry was to combat the obstacle of college hunger. There are no started before the pandemic 6 DENVER VOICE April 2021 NATIONAL STORY restrictions on who can get food or what items can be taken. They have a “no questions asked policy” for the students. The pantry is managed by the housing office but almost completely student-run. Tyanna Taylor operates the pantry three days a week. “I will say there has been a high demand for the pantry. We are trying to do our best to destigmatize its use. We want everyone to feel comfortable coming to get the things you need for free because you have the right to feed yourself,” she says. The pantry has things like feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, and deodorant, as well. There is an option for groceries to be delivered at no cost right to the student’s doors through a larger local pantry, if needed. These services go a long way for the food insecure. Taylor says keeping up with studies at a university is a full-time job. She believes college students should not have to worry about feeding themselves, especially in a pandemic. Taylor says: “We are trying to make it known that it is not just a food pantry, but a resource pantry. We want to be able to educate students, like how you can apply for food stamps. We want to be that bridge for students.” There are other efforts being made across the country to tackle college hunger. Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit based in California. They were founded in 2010 to help college students and universities design anti-hunger programs. Tenille Metti Bowling is the communications director for Swipe Out Hunger. She describes one of their more popular resources, the Swipe Drive, as a project that “allows students from different colleges to use their leftover meal swipes for their peers on campus who are facing food insecurity.” In most colleges in the U.S., meal plans work on a swipe system where students have a certain number of swipes or points that can be exchanged for access to a dining hall or a meal. The students who have extra, unused “swipes” are able to give them to students who are food insecure at no charge. The eligibility for this resource varies between the 130 campuses affiliated with Swipe Out Hunger. Swipe Out Hunger believes in “the lowest barrier to access” for college students. They work directly with different universities to allow students to receive the help they need with projects like the Swipe Drive. The nonprofit is determined to destigmatize college hunger by allowing students to be at the forefront of the cause. “We know no matter who you are or where you come from, food insecurity really can affect you. It’s a spectrum. I know I was most struck to hear some of our students who started programs at their universities did so because some of their friends who are athletes, who are representing their school, were hungry. I think hunger is right in front of us, but we haven’t really been able to identify it as such because of the stigma associated with food insecurity,” says Metti Bowling. She discusses how different programs have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some schools are partnering with Grubhub to allow students access to discounted, delivered food despite closed dining halls and programs. Furthermore, the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice was founded in 2013 and is currently located at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Part of their initiative is #RealCollege, that is “redefining what it means to be a student-ready college.” The Hope Center and #RealCollege understand basic needs like food and a safe place to stay are needed for learning and that “students are human first.” In addition to research, The Hope Center is dedicated to informing students about the resources available to them. From food pantries to programs like the Swipe Drive, the Hope Center compiles the different types of support on their website. Dr. Jennifer King, a practitioner-researcher at the Hope Center, notes that the issue of basic needs insecurity existed prior, but the coronavirus pandemic has further exposed the situation. “We encourage all thinkers and doers in higher education to view the Hungry to Learn documentary, which features the lives of #RealCollege students navigating their academic journey while managing a host of vulnerabilities that were practically nonexistent 20 years ago,” she says. The documentary, presented by Soledad O’Brien, shows what college hunger is like for four unique students. Within the Hope Center, the Policy and Advocacy staff follow legislation regarding this issue and systematic change on both the federal and state levels. Dr. King says: “Number one is the research. We want research to be actionable through engagement and communication with colleges, universities, and students, as well, about what’s going on, and what can be done. That communication then extends itself to state and federal legislation to ensure these are not just institutional changes, but there is systemic change, for college students to thrive, while they’re completing their degree.” In January of 2021, President Joe Biden announced his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan which includes hopeful policy for college students facing basic needs insecurity. As of early March 2021, the plan has been approved by the Senate and awaits a final vote in the House of Representatives before receiving the President’s signature. The bill aims to extend the third stimulus legislation to include adult dependents. This would mean eligible college students would receive the $1,400 stimulus check. In addition, part of this plan allowed qualifying college students the option to receive food stamps after being excluded previously. Although these efforts are slowly coming along, many students will be able to benefit from the food stamps. It is important to mention: this is temporary SNAP eligibility due to the pandemic. A statement by the Hope Center reads: “We hope the administration will build on this stimulus plan, and codify many of the opportunities and expanded support that are set to disappear when COVID-19 is finally eradicated.” Permanent actions will still need to be examined and established in the future. With the help from resources like the Hope Center, Swipe Out Hunger, and more, progress can be made. “As students, we are just getting our feet in the door. In college, you still have to perform like everyone else, even if you’re struggling. Being expected to pay my bills, earn enough to feed myself, and attend college full time is a lot to handle alone,” says Maya. In the U.S., a college education is not a given. Many students cannot afford to attend university at all. But for those trying to get a higher education, their basic needs should not be neglected. After all, college is more than “living on Ramen.” ■ Courtesy of INSP.ngo THE STUDENTS HAVE THE OPTIONS TO PICK UP PRE-STOCKED BAGS OF GROCERIES. PHOTO COURTESY OF INSP.NGO BOARD MEMBERS WANTED! The Denver VOICE is looking for volunteer board members to help lead and strengthen our programs to provide economic empowerment and education tools to those experiencing homelessness or poverty in our community. If you are looking for a meaningful way to participate in advocating on behalf of those we serve, email your resume or CV to president@denvervoice.org Ideal candidates will have nonprofi t development and or fundraising experience and have a passion for making a difference in traditionally marginalized communities. April 2021 DENVER VOICE 7

COMMUNITY PROFILE A STAR TOUCHES DOWN LIGHTLY IN DENVER BY PAULA BARD Prior to STAR, the Denver 911 system, with its one million calls for service in the City and County of Denver, routed calls to either the criminal justice system or the health/hospital system. STAR now offers a third path to the de-escalation of crises and can provide an entry into services that may be available for people in crises. Carefully directed calls now go to STAR and its social workers and paramedics instead of an emergency department visit or law enforcement. For the city, this third path also increases efficiency. It offers costsaving while allowing traditional police, fire, and emergency medical services to be directed toward calls requiring their training and experience. Carleigh Sailon and Chris Richardson, the two clinical social workers who ride with the van, offer blankets, water, food, warmth, rides to safety, and a healthy dose of kindness. Sailon and Richardson have solid backgrounds in accessing resources for folks in crises and de-escalating public health emergencies. They see the STAR van as a perfect resource for Denver, as does Lateef Hodge, the Montbello paramedic who rides with STAR. The STAR van can be assigned to a call for service in three ways: 1. 911 call takers flag incoming calls and directly dispatch STAR. This accounted for 313 calls or 41.8% of the call load. 2. Police requests STAR to respond on-scene. This accounted for 260 calls or 34.8% of the call load. 3. STAR initiates a response in the field. This accounted for 175 or 23.4% of the call load. CREDIT: PAULA BARD 911 CALLS “Someone called 911 because the woman was sitting on a curb, crying and drinking a beer,” recalled Carleigh Sailon, a social worker with the STAR program. “They were concerned about her well-being and wanted to see if they could get her some help. STAR was dispatched, and I approached her, it was the middle of July. It was really hot. “She was sitting there, and we said, ‘We’re here to help you today. What’s going on?’ She basically just said that she’d gotten stranded in that part of town that she wasn’t familiar with and didn’t have any way to get anywhere else. No transportation and no fare for the bus, and it was really hot. She didn’t have any water. It was a retail area. She was just having a bad day. But she was crying, you know, and they were concerned about her, so they called 911. We carry water and snacks on the STAR van. So, I offered her some of that pretty quickly because of the heat. Asked her where she was trying to go, you know. We told her, ‘We’d be happy to give you a ride,’ and she said, ‘You know, I’d really just like to get somewhere inside, and, you know, sleep inside tonight.’ “I said ‘We’d be happy to give you a ride where you’d like to go?’ And she was really kind of pleasantly surprised that we were able to transport her. And we were happy to do that. “She was able to seek shelter and get some air conditioning and, you know, access to food and all those things at the shelter. And she was really grateful and gave us really positive feedback that felt really supportive. She couldn’t believe that people in a van would just kind of roll up and give her water and give her a ride!” HOW DID WE GET HERE? STAR, or the Support Team Assisted Response, was up and running by June 2020. This innovative program was launching about the same time that Denver’s streets were exploding with police brutality protests, and the program provides one remedy which could help to reduce conflict. The two-person STAR team consists of an experienced social worker and a paramedic who drive around in a nondescript blue and white van. STAR is called on for nonviolent public health crises when there are no weapons. Much of their interface with the community revolves around Denver’s unhoused community, amounting to a huge 68% of their calls. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., five days a week, they patrol the central business district and along the South Broadway corridor. Many of the issues they are called to address involve trespassing. In its first six-month pilot program, the STAR van responded to 748 calls for service. During the same period in the Denver Police Department, District 6 responded to 92,482 incidents. STAR was able to respond to 2.8% of the overall call load. STAR is made possible through collaboration between the Caring for Denver Foundation, Denver Police Department, Mental Health Center of Denver (MHCD), Denver Health Paramedic Division, Denver 911, and community support and resources. It provides mobile crisis response to community members experiencing mental health problems, poverty, homelessness, or trespassing. These public health issues are not often easily or appropriately addressed and are often exacerbated, in fact, by a police presence. 8 DENVER VOICE April 2021 DENVER POLICE PERSPECTIVE Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen, one of STAR’s founders, is now a strong advocate. STAR has been at least three years in the making. “My involvement in this goes back to a lunch at a restaurant in north Denver, where four of us sat down and asked if there could be an alternative response to the 911 calls that did not involve violence or weapons,” Pazen explains. The group began exploring organizations like Cahoots in Eugene, Ore., which had an innovative track record of 31 years of providing a nonpolice response for crises involving mental illness, homelessness, and addiction. “We did a lot of research on this, and then we shared that,” says Pazen. “We learned with other stakeholders, including Denver Homeless Out Loud and Denver Justice Project, folks from our 911 call center, and Caring Denver. We had numerous conversations with the folks from up there and the police chief.” The group sent a team up to learn about their program first-hand, and they came back very impressed and ready to implement it in Denver. “We want better outcomes for individuals that are in crisis,” says Pazen. “We believe that STAR is a critical component when people are in crisis or in need, where there’s not a weapon or where the individual is not demonstrating violence.” The 911 Call Center uses a decision tree; asking multiple questions to determine which calls go to the police and which would instead be a low-level, nonviolent crisis and appropriate for the STAR van. Often, the police determine that a call does not require police presence, and they call the STAR van themselves. Pazen believes that STAR’s impact on the unsheltered community is overwhelmingly positive. “And for the police,” Pazen says, “we see the value in having a medical professional COMMUNITY PROFILE and a mental health clinician address individuals who are in crisis. They can get us better outcomes. I can tell you that our officers all say, ‘Hey, this is great! It frees up police officers to focus on crime issues, property crime and violent crime, and traffic safety.’” According to Pazen, the mayor is committed and has essentially put $3 million going forward into expanding the project. This will bring more vans, a larger coverage area, and extended hours. The city would like to see the program expanded to additional police districts. Pazen calls the program’s success a “win-win for the people that we are serving, which is most important, right?” STREET PERSPECTIVE Denver still wrestles with grief around the trauma and heartbreak caused by some of the community’s high-profile deaths at the hands of the Denver Police over the last 25 years. If these deaths could have been avoided by a STAR team with a lighter touch, then names like Michael Marshall, Paul Castaway, Paul Childs, Marvin Booker, Jessica Hernandez, and Aurora’s Elijah McClain might not be seared into the DNA of the city, still painfully echoing years after the deaths. Cities may never truly grieve or accept the loss of life at the hands of their own police. “STAR IS DEFINITELY AN IMPROVEMENT, YOU KNOW, FROM LIKE SENDING BADGES AND GUNS IN TO TELL PEOPLE TO CALM DOWN.” — THERESE HOWARD Therese Howard of of Denver Homeless Out Loud (DHOL) was involved with the inception of STAR. She has watched the police presence and accompanying trauma and criminalization inflicted on the unhoused for many years. But she does not see the STAR van as a strong presence yet out on the street. “I don’t know that people on the streets even know who they are or what they are,” said Howard. “It’s not like a presence that people are that aware of. I mean, there’s only one unit.” Howard thinks the social workers, Sailon and Richardson, are good at de-escalating crisis situations. “Carleigh and Chris, I’ve spoken to both of them. They’re great. I personally really like them both a lot. They’re both really good at connecting people and resources.” Howard also thinks it is better than the previous heavy-handed police involvement in the unsheltered communities. “STAR is definitely an improvement, you know, from like sending badges and guns in to tell people to calm down. Yeah, that is not necessary. So, it has actually cut down on trauma. STAR is able to be part of an official presence but to do it in a more humane way. They are able to de-escalate.” But for Howard, “a huge amount of their time and energy is being spent nicely telling homeless folks to stay off private property. Having nice people to tell them to move is of course better, but, ultimately, the issue is that they don’t have anywhere to be. It’s not wrong that they have mental illness or whatever. The issue is housing.” Howard supports the project. She also feels that it is heavily tilted toward police influence and needs more community direction. Howard says, “It’s like it’s one of those situations where we have agreement on enough of a front. There is a lot that we like. But moving forward, there definitely needs to be a lot of work to keep the city from just turning it into another basically nicer police department.” “WE USE OUR POLICE IN OUR CITY TO CRIMINALIZE UNHOUSED PEOPLE.” — VINNIE CERVANTES Vinnie Cervantes recounts that Denver Alliance for Street Health Response (DASHR) was one of the program’s main drivers. “In 2017, members of the community created DASHR specifically to bring a nonpolice response to street crises in Denver, which eventually became STAR. It’s been a good proof-of-concept that we can do something different and that it could be a more effective, humane approach to issues like homelessness, substance abuse, and health crisis.” Cervantes has been involved for many years in criminal justice reform efforts, “And, you know, we were pretty successful in those efforts, but from my end, I really wanted to do something that more closely aligned with my values.” This brought him to help implement STAR. Now he is focused on creating alternatives to police, in general, getting away from using the criminal justice system to solve social conflict. “The calls STAR receives are overwhelmingly around trespassing,” Cervantes says. “I knew that that would be a big component of this program. We use our police in our city to criminalize unhoused people, and it hasn’t had the really deep impact that I wanted it to with the homeless so far. I think as the program continues to build and to expand, becoming more effective, it will continue to become ingrained into the communities around Denver that need this kind of support.” Cervantes says DASHR has talked to about 10 different cities around Colorado about this kind of nonpolice intervention to address public safety crises. According to Cervantes, Aurora will be rolling out their version very soon. “I think it’s in a really interesting stage right now because the pilot program still is under the Police Department,” says Cervantes. “That’s where it started. But it’s already been expanded. So, the program and its expanded model actually live with the Denver Department of Health and Environment. It’s not gonna be with the Police Department, won’t even be in the Department of Safety, but still kind of a Department of Safety umbrella. So, I think that there is kind of a fear that it lives with the police too closely, right now.” He projects that it will be healthier when it moves further away from the Police Department, becoming more accountable and community-driven. STAR LIGHTS A NEW DIRECTION FOR OUR COMMUNITY Many 911 calls reflect not violent emergencies but cultural, economic, racial misunderstandings and conflict. Police are ill-equipped to deal with many of these nonviolent emergencies. For Denver, the STAR van is pointing in a new and hopeful direction for our community. It provides part of a possible answer to the protests against police brutality that exploded last summer in Denver. It definitely lowers the heat on unhoused communities. ■ CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD April 2021 DENVER VOICE 9

LOCAL STORY the second-highest group with 51% of respondents. Overall, 43% of Americans reported feeling increasingly lonely. And increased loneliness and isolation come with serious health costs. According to the study, loneliness is linked to “early mortality and a wide array of serious physical and emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, heart disease, substance abuse, and domestic abuse.” Brogan admitted she’s been feeling irritable lately, which she knows to be a sign of her depression. She began battling depression more than 20 years ago, before her first stint in homelessness. She’s seeing a therapist now and is fostering kittens to help abate the loneliness. However, Brogan also developed an infection in her GI tract because of the stress and anxiety she’s felt since midMarch of last year. Over the summer, her condition was so bad that she only ate bowls of chicken stock and white rice. Some therapists say that this loneliness can also manifest in misdirected anger, from sharp tones in casual conversation to episodes of outright rage online. In an interview with Vice News, Therapist Ashley McHan reported that she’s noticed an increasing number of incidences of misdirected anger among her patients. According to McHan, “Over time, we get fatigued. If there hasn’t been change happening around us or there hasn’t been improvement of situations, our ability to tolerate them is going to decrease...our ability to cope might eventually piddle out.” Andrea Bonior, a therapist and author of the upcoming book “Detox Your Thoughts” shared similar insight. “We are, right now, just chronically living under threat; even the smallest decisions that normally we would take for granted now feel very threatening,” she told VICE News. ROCHELLE BROGAN SITS IN HER APARTMENT BENEATH A PAINTING MADE FOR HER BY JOSE ACEVES, WHO PAINTED MURALS AS PART OF THE WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION. BROGAN, LIKE MANY, HAS FELT GREATER ISOLATION AND LONELINESS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN “We’re also just more irritable because most of us are in situations where we’re stifled, we maybe feel trapped, and we’re not able to actually do what we want to do.” COMMUNITY LIVING OFFERS SOLUTION TO LONELINESS EPIDEMIC BY GILES CLASEN AND ROBERT DAVIS ROCHELLE BROGAN, 60, still talks about the hug she shared with her son last October. “That hug was great. It was the best; my kids give good hugs,” she told the Denver VOICE. She said she could feel the weight of the pandemic lift off her chest as she held him tight. Prior to that day, Brogan struggled to cope with the social isolation caused by the pandemic. As a self-proclaimed extreme extrovert, she clamored for her former life—one filled with people: hugs, handshakes, and all. Before the pandemic hit, Brogan worked as a peer resource navigator at Denver Rescue Mission. In her role, she helped 10 DENVER VOICE April 2021 people find resources to escape homelessness or get substance abuse treatment. She also worked shifts at the Denver Public Library until her physical health began to decline. Brogan was also active in her church and volunteered with the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative, a campaign to allow people experiencing homelessness in Denver to sleep in a legally parked car that they own. As she held her son, Brogan thought about how she had not seen either of her children in over six months. Her daughter was pregnant with Brogan’s first grandchild, and to be safe and maintain social distancing, Brogan did not go near them. She always wanted to be a part of her daughter’s pregnancy journey, from rubbing her feet when they hurt to watching her grow into her new role as a mother. To Brogan, these are more would-be memories that COVID-19 prevented from becoming reality. “My energy and life are enhanced by interacting with people. I wasn’t getting my energy and stimulation,” Brogan said. “I couldn’t see my kids and it was killing me. I couldn’t see my granddaughter and it was killing me.” It would be another three months before the family could reunite. THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC Recent research by the Harvard Graduate School of Education describes feelings of loneliness as a new epidemic sweeping the country. The study found that 36% of Americans, like Brogan, are experiencing “serious loneliness.” This condition is defined by researchers as being isolated “frequently, almost all the time, or all the time.” This epidemic is primarily impacting young people aged 16 to 25 years old. Sixty percent of respondents in this age group reported feeling increasingly isolated. Mothers were COMMUNITY LIVING, COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS Social isolation and loneliness are causes for significant concern, especially in regard to persons from vulnerable and marginalized groups who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. However, some alternative housing advocates in Denver say a solution to the city’s ailments is right underneath its nose: community living. The term “community living” often refers to three types of living arrangements—collectives, cooperatives, and co-housing properties. There are several types of each living arrangement, but some of the most common are rental collectives, market-rate cooperatives, and nonprofit cooperatives. Rental collectives can be operated in single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, or condos. Oftentimes the building is owned by an offsite landlord. Roommates often vote on cable and internet packages or rules regarding food storage and common space usage. For example, an individual who purchases a share of a group equity cooperative is required to return an agreedupon percentage of their share’s equity to the cooperative once the share is sold. This arrangement helps ensure the cooperative stays affordable for future members. Market-rate cooperatives allow residents to purchase a share of the corporation that owns the building. An example of this is the Holly Street Townhomes, a potential project developed by the Co-Own Company in Hilltop that will bring 24 affordable units to the neighborhood. Nonprofit cooperatives offer subsidized affordable housing to people earning between 30% and 60% of an area’s median income. The building is owned and operated by the nonprofit organization to ensure affordability. These arrangements sometimes come with “group equity” arrangements, which prohibit property owners from draining a property’s equity after selling it. PAGE TITLE WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP BENJAMIN ERIC NELSON PRAISING THE NIGHT’S SILENT DRUM Discipline Walking down dark road I see White ghost of sin Boiling remedy ROCHELLE BROGAN. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN Oppressed by dreams Left to become Tearing apart at the seams Choice of one There are no nonprofit cooperatives in Denver, but there are several collectives and co-housing properties. One of the most well-known is the Queen City Collaborative at 901 Clarkson St. in Capitol Hill. During a recent co-buying class hosted by LivWork Denver, Laura Cowperthwaite, who owns another co-housing arrangement known as Casa Gala, said she decided to invest in community housing because she didn’t want to couch surf after retiring. “Rather than handing down my homes to my children, I’m going to create housing for my community,” she said. As home values continue their meteoric rise across Denver, housing is becoming increasingly out of reach for many potential homebuyers. This is leading many to seek to split the costs with others, even total strangers, Cowperthwaite added. Economists at the World Economic Forum (WEF) expect co-living arrangements to become increasingly popular as COVID-19 upended the traditional office culture. Additionally, urban properties remain in high demand for younger homebuyers. WEF estimates up to 70% of people will live in cities by 2050. As a result, cities across the globe will need to find a way to adapt to an increase of tenants working from home. Community living provides both an environmentally and urban-friendly solution. Cowperthwaite said Denver’s housing market is already seeing increased demand for alternative living styles. According to the Colorado Association of Realtors, the average home price in Denver is now over $600,000, while the U.S. Census reports that the median household income from 2015 to 2019 was $68,592.00. “Now that COVID-19 happened, we’re seeing a lot more demand for live-work spaces because of the shift in work environments,” she added. “And, it’s shown no signs of slowing down.” ■ April 2021 DENVER VOICE 11 Fetter to this world... Hurting Wraith transcends fate Direction to being I elate That curse undone Praising the night’s silent drum The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org

IN YOUR OWN WORDS Life’s Got to Get BETTER TODAY! BY LANDO ALLEN, VOICE VENDOR I THOUGHT MY LIFE WOULD BETTER. I made things work for me when it came to the papers I sell. I bought a camper. I’m also trying to get a truck and get my business to jump off. I was doing well until the pandemic got here. I found myself putting a lot of money to the camper just to keep it running. It scares me that the City isn’t nice to people that own [the campers]. So, when the pandemic hit Denver, they told us to stay home and stay safe, and the camper was the safest way to do that. But my camper wouldn’t work sometimes, and it didn’t feel like home. So, I had to do a lot of work to it. I already made up my mind to do what it takes to keep it clean and make it a good home because I got it for a good price, and if I wanted a better one, it would cost too much. So, I had it parked in a good place by the Crossroads Shelter, where I kept it for 9 months. Then, people with tents set up camp over there. That’s when it changed. You had people doing drugs. You also had gangs over there, people who would steal cars then leave them there. LANDO ALLEN. CREDIT: SARAH HARVEY One day, a guy got killed there where I parked my camper, and the City made us move. That’s when the nightmare began. I got to the spot where they let me park my camper; about 2 weeks later, my car broke down, and at the same time, my camper got towed away. We called the police every day to see if they would could release [my camper] and pay for the towing because the policeman didn’t leave me any warning that he was going to tow my camper. I was shocked that they left me with a broken-down car in the freezing cold. A friend had to talk me into getting my camper back, so the next day, I walked to the office and talked to the lady [at the front desk] of the impound lot. We talked about getting my camper out. I told her I had the money and insurance for it. She said “Why didn’t you have a tag?” I told her that it is the pandemic and it was hard to get down to Colorado Springs [where I bought my camper] to get my tags. She said that she didn’t care and told me that “cops own the city.” I got so mad that I walked out of the impound lot. I didn’t want to go back. That night, I was vending the VOICE and I broke down in tears. I realized that it would cost me way more money to buy anything else. Then, my girlfriend got her son to send us $150 to help us get the camper out. But when we got the camper, [my girlfriend] became very sick and ended up in the hospital. Meanwhile, we got to do something about the City robbing people and taking their cash. I think it’s a shame that they would do that. ■ Thank you, VOLUNTEERS! BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN, MANAGING EDITOR IN THIS ISSUE, Denver VOICE Board Chair Nikki Lawson shares her thoughts about volunteering. Some may read Lawson’s words and not give them another thought. For those of us in the Denver VOICE community, volunteers are unsung heroes whose time, knowledge and compassion make all the difference in our ability to fulfill our mission. In recognition of National Volunteer Month, the VOICE staff and vendors would like to acknowledge the wonderful people who donate their time and talents to the VOICE. ■ If you are interested in volunteering for the VOICE, visit denvervoice.org/volunteer. To explore volunteer opportunities in Denver, visit sparkthechangecolorado.org. KERSTEN JAEGER ANDREW KLOOSTER KATE MARSHALL AARON SULLIVAN LAURA WING WE MOVED! 12 DENVER VOICE April 2021 Our vendor offi ce is now located at : 989 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204 We are still settling into our new Denver VOICE office. When it is safer to gather in large groups again, we hope you will stop by and say hello! LANIE LEE COOK TY HOLTER EVENTS COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, who provides this list of ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. GARAGE BAND: FELIX AYODELE & THE NEW MOONS + THE GRAND ALLIANCE Discover your new favorite band…from the comfort of your own couch. The MCA’s live music series is back and this time, you have the option of watching from home. WHEN: Apr 2, 6 p.m. COST: Free; visit the site for in-person ticketing options as well. MORE INFO: mcadenver.org/events QI GONG EXPLORATION AND PRACTICE Qi Gong is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes called “meditation in motion”, Qi Gong includes slow, dance-like movements to improve breathing, reduce stress, and gently move and stretch the body. WHEN: Apr 6, 13, 20, and 27, 4 p.m. – 4:45 a.m. COST: Free but registration is required. MORE INFO: denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming ACROSS MUSICAL PERSPECTIVES (A MUSIC IN THE GALLERIES EXPERIENCE) The Clyfford Still Museum has teamed up with Friends of Chamber Music to offer unique selections of musical interludes that enhance the viewing experience of their spring– summer exhibition, Stories We Tell: The Collection Two Ways. Bring your smartphone or tablet with headphones or earbuds to partake in this multisensory experience. WHEN: Apr 11, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. COST: Free for members and those 17 and under; $6 - $10 for others. WHERE & MORE INFO: Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St.; clyffordstillmuseum.org WOMEN+FILM FESTIVAL Now entering its 12th year, the Women+Film Festival celebrates outstanding cinema that examines the roles, challenges, and triumphs of women from all over. WHEN: Apr 13 – Apr 18, times vary COST: Individual tickets cost $12 for members, $15 for non-members. Festival passes are also available. MORE INFO: denverfilm.org LANDSCAPING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE We’re all striving to do our best to mitigate climate change, so why not start in your own backyard? Alison Peck of Matrix Garden shares how to decrease water, increase biodiversity, and why conserving resources at home can add up to make a big difference. WHEN: Apr 26, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. COST: Free MORE INFO: facebook.com/GardenInABoxCO 1. Drug buster 5. Container 9. Stallion, once 13. ___ shirt (colorful garment) 15. “Th e ___ Duckling” 16. Affi rm 17. “Encore!” 18. Income-driven plan for federal student loan reduction (Abbr.) 19. Remote button 20. Daff odils 22. Slender 24. Ornamental pond fi sh 25. 2004 Jon Heder movie “___ Dynamite” 27. Most people 30. Urban haze 31. Floor coverings 32. Oscar, e.g. 37. Be a bad winner 39. “Live from New York, ___ Saturday night!” 40. Early anesthetic 41. Is more important than 43. Oil company 44. High point 45. Showy 47. Victim of memory loss 51. Batman and Robin, e.g. 52. A place on Earth, according to Belinda Carlisle 53. Species of fl owering plants in the sunfl ower family, also called southernwood 58. Hamburg’s river 59. Heroic poem 61. Boot brand owned by Columbia Sportswear since 2000 62. Long, long time (Var.) 63. Breakaway group 64. S-shaped moldings 65. Money owed 66. Pseudonym of H. H. Munro 67. Bygone time DOWN 1. Indian bread 2. Aquatic plant 3. Big laugh 4. Native American nation forcibly moved to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears 5. Tarot suit 6. Under time pressure 7. Craft y 8. Peacock tail feature 9. Beast of burden 10. Immature egg 11. Numbers game 12. Many a middle schooler 14. Negatively charged particle 21. A sib 23. Fashion magazine 26. Build up 27. Cornstarch brand 28. “Star Trek” navigator 29. “___ You Babe” (Sonny & Cher hit) 32. Greek letter 33. Branch of cultural anthropology 34. TV’s “___-Team” 35. Dry run 36. Gaelic language 38. Make fun of 42. Chilly attitude 45. Eccentric 46. Actress Rene 47. Coming up 48. Free-for-all 49. Mucky-muck 50. What’s happening 54. Italian wine region 55. ___ O’s (sugary Post cereal) 56. Swerve 57. “So what ___ is new?” 60. Podded plant COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 April 2021 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ Denver Foundation The NextFifty Initiative Help Colorado Now $10,000+ John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund Kenneth King Foundation Max & Elaine Appel DEDO Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund The Christian Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Jerry Conover Cranaleith Foundation, Inc $1,000-$4,999 BNSF Railway Foundation Kauer Construction and Design Bright Funds Russell Peterson Phoenix Capital, Inc. Signs by Tomorrow Energy Outreach Colorado City Side Remodeling SEI Giving Fund Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Josh Kauer Caring Connection Jeff and Carrie Cuneo Kroger Gaelina Tesfaye Network for Good Charities Aid Foundation of America Jim Ashe Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Matthew Rezek Conover/Wonder Family Fund The Sidney B. & Caleb F. Gates Jr. Fund Patrick & Jan Rutty Conover/Wonder Family Fund Phoenix Capital $500-$999 Colorado Cross Disability Colalition Graham Davis Betty & Warren Kuehner Jeremy Anderson Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop, Inc. Community Health Charities Michelle Stapleton & James Thompson Michael Dino Paul Hoffman Michael J. Fehn & Jan Monnier Jennifer Stedron Mr. Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Jill Haug Travis & Meggie Ramp Alistair Davidson Jim and Nancy Thomas Jennifer Seybold Sheryl and John H Parker Susan B. Jones Maggie Holben Elsbeth Williams Michael Vitco Gaspar Terrana Catherine Hegedus Christine Muldoon and Pete Iannuzzi James Stegman 3M Foundation 10X Business Consultants 14 DENVER VOICE April 2021 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS THE DENVER VOICE’S ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT LEVELS PROVIDE BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN WORK EMPOWERMENT, HOMELESS PREVENTION, THE CHALLENGING OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS, AND TO BE A PART OF PROVIDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE THROUGH OUR WRITERS AND VENDORS – AN INVALUABLE PART OF DENVER’S COMMUNITY. YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL HELP HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING POSITIVE ACTION TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AND IMPOVERISHMENT. AS A SPONSOR, YOU HAVE A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK AT THE SAME TIME. ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Hot meals served at 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church), Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 mealsforpoor.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES) Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. 833-931-2484 sunshinebehavioralhealth.com VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org April 2021 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

D E N V E R T V S O I A C F E 1 A F 2 E U 0 M N 2 B D G R A , METLO ROOFTOP 1111 N Broadway Denver, CO 80203 SUNDAY, MAY 16 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A 6 N I Y JOIN THE DENVER VOICE FOR OUR ANNUAL RISE & THRIVE BREAKFAST, THIS YEAR HAPPENING BOTH IN-PERSON AND ONLINE! This complimentary event, put together by some of Denver’s best breakfast and brunch locations, helps raise awareness and funds for our programs and services. Together, we can give those experiencing homelessness and poverty the opportunity to earn a dignifi ed income. I S 1 RSVP BY MAY 1: INFO@DENVERVOICE.ORG In-person seating is limited – please reserve your spot early to participate. Online participation is unlimited, but requires registration to receive goodies provided by our breakfast sponsors! R K

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE VEHICLE DWELLING IN RURAL COLORADO HUNDREDS ARE ESTIMATED TO BE SHELTERING IN VEHICLES IN THE DENVER METRO AREA PAGE 8 CLOWNING IS SERIOUS BUSINESS PSYCHIATRIST FLAVIO FALCONE HAS BECOME AN ICON IN BRAZIL FOR HIS UNIQUE APPROACH TO REACHING HOMELESS DRUG ADDICTS PAGE 4 PAYING THE PRICE RENTERS FACING EVICTION MUST SELF-ADVOCATE TO RECEIVE HELP PAGE 6 WORDS FROM VACCINATED STREET PAPER VENDORS STREET PAPER VENDORS ARE BEGINNING TO RECEIVE THE COVID VACCINE, AND WITH THE WORLD OPENING UP AGAIN, THAT’S MORE THAN WELCOME. PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 11, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 MAY 2021 | Vol.26 Issue 5 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: PAULA BARD

EDITOR’S NOTE SINCE LAST MARCH, several VOICE vendors have not been comfortable with being around others, so as more of them return to their vending spots, we are finally getting a chance to hear their stories of how things have been for them. For this issue, we asked vendors ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR what things they weren’t able to do this past year that they’re looking forward to doing again. You can read their responses on page 4. We’re also hoping to publish a special issue later this summer, where vendors will share more about their experiences over the past 12-plus months. An additional outlet where vendors will be telling their stories is the recently launched City Cast Denver podcast. Each month, City Cast airs VOICE on the Street, which is a segment that features a Denver VOICE vendor. For their first installment in March, they interviewed John Alexander. Early on in the shutdown, Alexander had COVID. One day, he wakened in a hospital bed to discover he’d been there for several weeks, recovering from the virus. You can check out City Cast, or subscribe to their newsletter by visiting citycast.fm/denver. If you are among those who are leaving the house more these days, keep an eye out for Denver VOICE vendors. If you would like a copy of the latest issue but don’t have any cash on hand, you can pay with Venmo. As VOICE vendor Raelene Johnson points out, not only are Venmo payments convenient for both readers and vendors, it also can be a happy surprise when vendors discover that one of their buyers has donated more than the suggested $2. That additional amount can make all the difference in a vendor’s day. ■ May CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Anthony Cornejo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Kersten Jaeger Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. WRITERS Lando Allen Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis Frances Ford Pepper-Lee Raelene Johnson Jerry Mullenix Larmarques Smith BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Chris Boulanger Donovan Cordova Pamela Gravning Raelene Johnson Zephyr Wilkins 2 DENVER VOICE May 2021 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: CHARI BY PAULA BARD CHARI AND HER HUSBAND began their married life at Resurrection Village, a tent city set up north of Downtown Denver. The Village was created to honor Dr. King’s 1968 Resurrection City, a Washington DC vision of organizing the poor for racial and economic justice. ■ OUR Streets are stories of Denver’s unhoused residents as captured by Paula Bard, who walks the streets of Denver to photograph the faces and collect the stories of those her city has abandoned. CREDIT: PAULA BARD HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. May 2021 DENVER VOICE 3

Ask a VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. Q Over the past year, what was something you couldn’t do that you’re looking forward to returning to? COURTESY OF REUTERS / INSP.NGO CLOWNING IS SERIOUS BUSINESS FOR DOCTOR TO HOMELESS COMMUNITY IN A RAELENE JOHNSON Being able to visit in people’s homes. Being able to go sight-seeing at places that have been closed for the last eyar. Also, being able to travel more! JERRY MULLENIX Getting back to work for the VOICE and getting my camper running so I can get on the road. LARMARQUES SMITH Going to an amusement park. I used to go to amusement parks every summer. I plan to get a season pass to Elitch Gardens. BRAZIL’S “CRACKLAND” BY JAKE SPRING Costumed as a jester with a bright red nose, psychiatrist Flavio Falcone has become an icon in Brazil’s “cracolandia,” treating a growing number of Brazilians driven onto the street by the COVID-19 pandemic which has devastated the country’s economy. Working with actress Andrea Macera, Falcone uses costumes and music to break the ice with those who are homeless as a first step to getting them the mental health and addiction treatment they need. IN HIS WHITE DOCTOR’S JACKET, psychiatrist Flavio Falcone could not get homeless drug addicts to talk. But costumed as a jester with a bright red nose, he has become an icon in Brazil’s “cracolandia,” or crackland: a dangerous wasteland of about eight blocks in the historic center of Sao Paulo where addicts twitch and pushers roam. Falcone’s patients know him as The Clown, not as a doctor. He treats a growing number of Brazilians driven onto the street by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has devastated the country’s economy. Early government support, a lifeline for many, has also wavered. “This character represents the exposure of mistakes, of the fragility of what exists in the shadow. The exposure of failures,” said Falcone. “What makes you laugh is the clown that trips, not the What do YOU want to ask? If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. 4 DENVER VOICE May 2021 clown who walks straight. The people who are on the street are really the failures of capitalist society.” Falcone is not your average carnival clown. Infused with hip-hop street culture, he sports a gold chain and flat brimmed cap and struts the streets followed by a speaker blaring rap. Working with actress Andrea Macera, Falcone uses the costumes and music to break the ice with the homeless as COURTESY OF REUTERS / INSP.NGO a first step to getting them the mental health and addiction treatment they need. During “radio” time organized by Falcone and Macera, homeless people in crackland can request songs and even rap along. Around the public square, addicts huddle together and openly light up slim crack pipes. His work in the neighborhood since 2012 has earned him a loyal following. One man who received addiction help from Falcone tattooed the word “clown” in Portuguese on his wrist. With government support receding from crackland, Falcone has tried to fill the void. In April 2020, one month after the pandemic first hit Brazil, the government closed down a homeless shelter as part of an effort to clean up the city center to make way for construction. The nearest shelter is about 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) away. Falcone and Macera helped find housing for about 20 of those displaced and distributed 200 tents provided by a Brazilian non-government organization. In late 2020, they launched a new program called “Roof, Work and Treatment” to offer support to the homeless, with funding from the local labour prosecutor’s office. NATIONAL STORY LOCAL NEWS The homeless population has surged after 600 reais ($106.16) per month government emergency aid payments to the poor were reduced and eventually ran out at the end of 2020. After a delay in congressional approval, payments are set to resume this month at an even lower rate. For many, that help is too little, too late. Millions have sunk into poverty since the start of the year. For Jonatha de David Sousa Reis and Bruna Kelly Simoes, that meant losing their home. The couple moved into a makeshift tent strung between two trees on a public square in crackland this year. “As long as there are no jobs, the emergency payment should have been maintained as it was,” Reis, 34, said. “It’s been difficult, very difficult.” They are arriving on the streets just as COVID-19 hits the deadliest point on record in Brazil. Every week since late February has seen new daily records for deaths from coronavirus. Soon, Brazil may overtake the U.S. record of 3,285 deaths per day, based on a seven-day average, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. Reis said he hoped to get a job back at habitability standards – received 1,268 substandard living complaints. That total has grown by 20% since 2017, according to the agency’s data. However, the new license would only apply to parcels of land, not individual units. The ordinance says this approach is meant to create more equity and streamline both the implementation process and fee collection. The ordinance is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Robin Kneich (At-Large) and Council President Pro Tem Jamie Torres (District 3). The stakeholder group includes the City of Boulder, Elevation Community Land Trust, and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. “This code shall be construed to ensure public health, safety, and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued occupancy and maintenance of these structures and premises. In the future, efficiency standards for rental properties to ensure emission reductions, improved indoor air quality and affordability of rentals for tenants and landlords may be implemented into these provisions,” the ordinance reads. According to data from Denver’s assessor’s office, the the shipping company where he used to work once the pandemic eases, although that seems unlikely to happen soon. Epidemiologists expect the outbreak to worsen in the months to come. Brazil is second to only the United States in deaths and cases. For Jailson Antonio de Oliveira, 51, Falcone is his main lifeline. The clown’s philanthropy effort pays for a room for himself and his girlfriend, even if he can no longer afford meat after the emergency payments ran out. “Today I have a better life because of Flavio Falcone, the clown,” said Oliveira, with clown tattooed on his wrist. “He’s my right arm, he helps with everything he can.” ■ Courtesy of Reuters / INSP.ngo ordinance would apply to approximately 37% of the city’s housing stock that is currently rented – or around 520,000 properties. This includes 19% of single-family homes, 38% of condos, and 26% of rowhouses. Phase 1 is expected to go into effect on January 1, 2022. It will open rental licensing for all dwelling units on a given parcel. Phase 2 will go into effect the following year and require landlords who offer, provide, or operate two or more rental dwellings to be licensed. Examples include apartment buildings, condo units, and rowhome units. Phase 3 will require landlords who offer a single rental unit on a given parcel to be licensed. This includes single-family homes and ADUs. These licenses will be renewable every four years unless property ownership changes. Application fees for the license will vary by property type, DENVER PLANS LONG-TERM RENTAL PROPERTY LICENSE AMID PUSH FOR GREATER PROTECTIONS FOR RENTERS BY ROBERT DAVIS COUNCIL PRESIDENT STACY GILMORE (District 11) introduced an ordinance on Wednesday, April 14, to create a long-term rental license for landlords designed to promote healthy homes across the city. The purpose of the ordinance is to centralize regulations for landlords and tenants of residential property, according to the ordinance’s text. Currently, Denver does not track its rental stock data nor keep records of landlords and operators. If passed, the ordinance would require landlords to provide an executed copy of leases greater than 30 days to the city and provide tenants with information about their rights. Tenants must also be informed of their rights and resources in cases where a landlord formally demands rental payments. To obtain a license, landlords would need to have a certified private home inspector inspect their units before applying. Parcels with two or more rental units will be required to have at least 10% of their units inspected at random. These provisions mirror Boulder’s rental license model. Last year, Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment – which oversees the city’s residential according to the plan. Early licensing during Phase 1 will be $25 but can be cut in half during the early phase. Phases 2 and 3 will require a $50 application fee. Similarly, license fees will be assessed depending on the number of units a rental property offers. Single dwelling units such as apartments will have a $50 license fee, while a building offering 250 or more units will pay a $500 license fee. These fees are refundable if the license is not approved. Building types that are exempt from these regulations include on-campus college housing, boarding homes, shortterm rentals, and commercial lodging such as hotels. This includes new builds that are less than four years old. Affordable housing developments where 80% or more of units are income-restricted must show proof of inspection, even those owned by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The plan was announced amid a concerted effort by City Council and state lawmakers to increase legal protections for renters across the state. Council members Candi CdeBaca (District 9) and Amanda Sawyer (District 5) are working to build on the city’s eviction legal defense program from 2018. The proposal would limit protections to renters earning up to 80% of the city’s median income—approximately $60,000 per year. It would also establish a new office within the Department of Housing Stability that would be responsible for overseeing the problem. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are debating Senate Bill 21-173, which would provide renters with a legal avenue to seek recourse against a landlord for an illegal eviction. It also prohibits rental agreements from containing provisions that would shift fees from landlords to renters. ■ Spring WISH LIST NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Reusable water bottles Hand-warmers, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office GENTLY USED ITEMS NEEDED: Refurbished laptops or desktop computers Backpacks Ball caps/hats for warm weather Gloves Panchos & windbreakers (Men’s L, XL, XXL) DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Mon, Weds, Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. May 2021 DENVER VOICE 5

LOCAL STORY PAYING THE PRICE Renters facing eviction must self-advocate to receive help BY GILES CLASEN AND ROBERT DAVIS ALLEN BOE LIVES FOR THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE. He gets joy from volunteering and serving others. He enjoys a smoke. He likes getting takeout now and again. And he loved his old apartment. The apartment wasn’t much to speak of, but it was Boe’s. He kept it clean and spent a lot of time watching TV. Most importantly, Boe could afford the apartment on his Social Security income. Boe had $250 left of his Social Security each month after paying his rent and his phone bill – his most significant monthly expenses. He also had food stamps. “I could live a good life on $250 a month after my bills were paid,” Boe said. On October 20, 2020, Boe found a note taped to his door from Cornerstone, an apartment management company, saying he had less than two months to vacate the apartment he loved. The building had been sold and would be undergoing construction before it was reopened to new renters. Cornerstone was hired by the new owner to manage the building moving forward. Boe didn’t have a backup plan or significant savings. He was never able to save much for retirement. After receiving the notice that his lease wouldn’t be renewed, Boe looked for a new apartment. Realizing he couldn’t afford much in the Denver area, Boe wasn’t sure what his next step would be, but he was coming to the realization that he was likely to be homeless. Luckily, Boe walked by the Safe Outdoor Space in Capitol Hill as volunteers were working on it. The Safe Outdoor Space’s campsite is a legally sanctioned, temporary encampment for individuals experiencing homelessness. It is managed by Colorado Village Collaborative and located in the parking lot of Denver Community Church. Boe utilized his background in construction and volunteered to help build the shelter. This ensured that Boe was able to live in the encampment when he moved out of his apartment. After moving into the camp, Boe realized the space serves a much bigger purpose to the unhoused community. “I don’t think people understand what it is like to be homeless,” Boe said. “Everyone else looks at you like you’re worthless. But I want to see them try it. It takes a lot of work to get through a day. Just getting the things you need, getting around, getting to appointments, trying to find food, trying to find housing – it takes work to be homeless.” Boe also acknowledged the role community plays for those experiencing homelessness. “Everybody is in this together. We need to help each other. Sometimes, just a pat on the back means everything to these people.” At 65-years-old, Boe still has the energy to work a regular job, but it’s been difficult to find someone to give him the opportunity. After fracturing his leg on a job site several years ago, Boe was forced into retirement. He’s been collecting disability and Social Security benefits ever since and hopes to find rental assistance to afford an apartment in Denver. A PRICE TO PAY Before being evicted, Boe lived at the Cornerstone Apartments at 1317 N. Pearl St. in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. For their part, Cornerstone offered to refund residents one month of rent plus their security deposit for the inconvenience. Shannon MacKenzie, deputy director of the Colorado CREDIT: GILES CLASEN Poverty Law Project, described Boe’s case as heartbreaking because it represents a loophole that landlords exploit in the eviction moratoria put in place due to COVID-19. The moratoria, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Congress via the CARES Act, protected approximately 6 DENVER VOICE May 2021 LOCAL STORY 46% of the nation’s renters from eviction in most cases, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Meanwhile, the moratorium Polis issued in March 2020 provided a broader set of protections for renters and homeowners. However, Polis’s order expired on January 1, 2021. State lawmakers went a step further to provide residents of mobile homes with additional means of avoiding eviction. They passed several amendments to the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act during the 2020 legislative session, one of which allows tenants to stay in their unit after their lease expires if they have nowhere else to go. Only under very limited circumstances could these renters be evicted. MacKenzie said Boe might have been protected from a lease termination if he had filed a Declaration of Need, the document required to evoke state-level protections from eviction. This document could have allowed Boe to stay in place until June 30, 2021. However, MacKenzie said this raises another issue with Colorado’s system – it doesn’t fully educate renters about their rights. “We are seeing tons of folks who don’t know about the protections or that they have to sign a declaration to evoke the protections,” MacKenzie told the Denver VOICE in an emailed statement. Since Colorado’s protections ended, MacKenzie said the courts that once dismissed eviction holdover cases are now ushering them through. She has also seen cases where tenants obtain rental assistance, pay their landlord back and future rent, and still have eviction proceedings filed against them by landlords. One way to stem the impending flow of evictions would be to implement protections for apartment lease holdovers similar to those afforded to mobile home residents, MacKenzie added. However, Colorado’s political climate makes it difficult to imagine a path forward for this kind of legislation. “I can guarantee pushing forth that legislation would be met with great opposition from the Apartment Association, the Tschetter law firm (a Colorado law firm specializing in representing landlords in eviction cases), and other property owner groups,” MacKenzie said. THE SYSTEM FAILED Charlie Hogan, who is the chief operating officer with Cornerstone, said that Boe’s situation was unfortunate. He said Cornerstone tried to offer Boe and the other residents as many opportunities as possible to find a new home before they had to vacate their apartment. Cornerstone also offered to return the rental deposit to all renters and gave an incentive that if renters moved out by November 30, 2021, the renters would receive back one month’s rent. “Understand that from a property management standpoint, our clients, our customers, are renters,” Hogan said. “We really do come from a place of trying to make sure that we’re providing great customer service.” Hogan said that Boe and the other residents of the building were on month-to-month leases. Landlords and renters each can find value in this kind of lease because it offers flexibility to both parties. Unfortunately, such a lease also leaves renters vulnerable to a lease that may be terminated by the landlord at any time and with little notice. According to Hogan, the previous landlord did a disservice to Boe and the others by not signing long-term rental agreements. Landlords are required by law to give renters a 15-day notice when their lease is being terminated. Cornerstone went beyond that requirement, providing the residents of 1317 N. Pearl St. with a 52-day termination notice. Hogan said Boe never reached out to Cornerstone to ask about other rental possibilities within the company or explain his circumstances. Instead, Boe stopped paying rent and remained in the apartment beyond the date he was required to move out. Disputing this claim, Boe said that he has records of the calls he made to Cornerstone, but those calls were focused on getting back his deposit, not asking for help with finding a new apartment. Cornerstone started the eviction process in December of 2020 but stopped once Boe left the property on December 18. Cornerstone then waived any legal fees associated with beginning the eviction process. Additionally, the company did not pursue the back rent Boe had not paid and returned his security deposit to him. Hogan said Cornerstone works to offer apartments at competitive rates. The company manages 4,700 apartments, and the company’s average rent is $1,200 per month. This is below the average Denver rental cost of $1,464 according to the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. The average household income of Cornerstone’s renters is $43,000, well below the Denver median household income of $68,592. Cornerstone also has more than 100 renters who receive Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, a housing assistance program for low-income individuals. Hogan said he couldn’t guess at a hypothetical of what he would have done had Boe called the company for help. He also said that because Boe didn’t reach out and instead stopped paying rent, there isn’t much Cornerstone could do. They can’t help someone if they don’t know a renter needs help. Jim Lorensen, president and founder of Cornerstone, seconded Hogan, adding, “We’re not a social agency. At some point, people need to ask for help. Where is his family? Where are his friends? Where is his church? If [Boe] needed it then he should have asked for assistance. There are systematic failures here, and unfortunately, this guy got caught in that downdraft.” Lorensen said he believes his company went above and beyond in trying to show compassion to Boe and the other renters of the building. Cornerstone could have pursued collection of the back rent Boe didn’t pay, or they could have kept the deposit in lieu of rent. Instead, Cornerstone issued Boe a new check for the deposit once they learned Boe hadn’t received the first one. Lorensen also explained that the sale of the Pearl Street property was not a major corporate transaction. “The individual who owns this property is not some wealthy individual or some large corporation. They bought this building as an investment.” According to tax records from the Denver Assessor’s Office, the building at 1317 Pearl St was sold to a company called 1317 Pearl, LLC. for $3.5 million in October 2020. That LLC was formed in September 2020, and the main address registered for 1317 Pearl, LLC. with the state of Colorado is the same address as Riker Capital, a Chicagobased investment company. MARKETED OUT Boe said that staying at the Safe Outdoor Space has given him a little hope. He’s seen several of his neighbors get jobs and move out of the camp, and he is saving every penny he can to help him move into a new apartment. Boe believes he’ll get his chance to find an apartment and is hopeful he will receive some rental assistance. But he fears without assistance he won’t be able to afford an apartment for long. According to the latest data from the Colorado Association of Realtors (CAR), Denver’s affordability index dropped 10% during 2020. The affordability index measures whether housing is affordable for those earning the median income for the region. In Denver, the median wage is now approximately 70% of what is necessary to afford a median-priced single-family home and just 78% of what is needed to be competitive in the overall market, according to the index. One factor for the drop in affordability is the city’s historically low inventory. In March 2007, shortly before the Great Recession began, Denver had more than 25,000 homes listed for sale. In March 2021, that total stood at just over 1,900, representing a 70% year-over-year decline, according to CAR data. The short supply of homes also has caused home values to appreciate at record paces. Last year, home values appreciated nearly 22% in Denver County, according to CAR. The median home price stands at $635,000 while the average sale price is nearly $100,000 more. Because of increasing home prices and lower inventory, more individuals are renting. This increased demand for rental properties means an increased cost for apartments, adding financial stress to those with lower incomes. Meanwhile, the pool of competitors for homes has grown to include private equity and other investment firms. A report by The Wall Street Journal found many firms are investing in large swaths of land and existing apartment structures to renovate and flip for a premium return. According to the John Burns Consulting Firm out of Houston, investors have likely accounted for around 24% of home sales in real estate boomtowns such as Miami and Las Vegas. The firm also anticipates this trend to continue, which will lead home values to see two more years of doubledigit increases. The fast-rising costs of housing in Denver leave individuals like Boe more vulnerable to becoming homeless. Boe said he never expected to be homeless. He worked his whole life and took care of himself. He never made enough to save much for retirement but hoped his Social Security would be enough so that he wouldn’t have to worry about money once he left work. As Boe pointed out, if this could happen to him, it could happen to anyone. Explaining how he felt about being evicted, Boe said bluntly, “It is kind of heartless,” he said. “People should be a lot more understanding of other people’s situation and not be so worried about money.” ■ For information about emergency rental and mortgage assistance, visit cdola.colorado.gov/rental-mortgage-assistance. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN May 2021 DENVER VOICE 7

COMMUNITY PROFILE Seen but Unseen: VEHICLE DWELLING IN RURAL COLORADO BY PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD THE SAFE PARKING INITIATIVE Sheltering in vehicles is often the last stop. SHELTERING IN VEHICLES is often the last stop. Hundreds of individuals and families are estimated to be sheltering in vehicles in the Denver metro area. According to the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative Point-in-Time Survey, there are nearly a thousand individuals statewide, a figure supplemented by municipal- and county-level counts. The actual number tends to be higher than official counts because surveys of the unhoused tend to undercount people living in vehicles. Vehicle dwellers are considered the ‘seen but unseen’ unhoused — very easy to miss. They are indistinguishable on a lot with many other cars or discretely parked in a neighborhood. Sheltering in vehicles is often the last stop for those who lose jobs and permanent housing. Cars tend to break down and are increasingly expensive to fix, register and insure. (Not so long ago, repair shop rates were $20 per hour.) Without intervention and support, many vehicle dwellers can spiral down into homelessness and end up on the streets. The Safe Parking Initiative is a volunteer organization that focuses on creating safe parking spaces for people living in their cars. They collaborate with faith-based organizations and have set up safe parking lots in Arvada, Broomfield, Longmont, and Boulder. They are working on lots in Denver and Adams County. Each small and dispersed site hosts fewer than 10 Vehicles. “What we want to see is that every community could do this if they’ve got people who are living in vehicles,” said Chelsey Baker-Hauck, co-founder of the Safe Parking Initiative. “They need to be connected to services and need a safe place to park.” Right now, the group is focusing on the 7 county Denver metro area and aiming for underutilized church parking lots. In Jefferson County, in addition to the safe parking lot in Arvada, there is one planned for Golden. Working in concert with community partners, the goal is not just to create a place for people who shelter in vehicles, but to wrap them around with essential support that includes sanitation, showers, help with keeping vehicles road-worthy, and keeping track of who’s coming and going — with a formal check-in process. They encourage the hosting groups to offer housing assistance, job training, healthcare access, and food. Breckenridge has led the way in Colorado. Their local overnight parking program offers a safe and supportive environment just at night for 10 residents living in their cars. It is an overnight parking lot with portable restrooms and snow plowing for both the working and non-working people who are unhoused. It began as a collaboration between Good Bridge Community and the Summit Colorado Interfaith Council with local county partners. First in the state, it has proven to be a successful working model. “We’ve heard about people in Montrose and Durango. So there really is need. I think wherever people are living there’s probably people experiencing homelessness,” said Baker-Hauck. “What we want to do is make this model available and provide technical support assistance to as many communities as possible. It is such a low-barrier service; it’s low cost for communities to do. It is easy to scale up or down.” She pointed out that it’s easy and effective in fitting in with community norms. The Safe Parking Initiative group can work with unique individual needs, enabling the community to do it for themselves. NIKI “They are not designed to live in, and they don’t last.” IMAGINE LIVING THE TRAVELING RV LIFE, and your partner dies unexpectedly. Do you carry on? Niki’s partner, Kenny, died in her arms a year ago. They had been traveling together for 10 years. “It’s a choice; we had to keep the scenery changing, otherwise he got bored.” She intends to resume a solo RV traveling life after a challenging year of grieving. She has been living at her mother-in-law’s ranch up in Park County while fixing up the RV. Confident about her own abilities, she intends to depend on their previous itinerant handyman skillset for travel — an ambitious project with her older RV. Niki is antsy; she and her dog are ready to hit the road. “Living in a vehicle is a choice because that means you go CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD anywhere, anytime.” She is ready. Possibly, she’ll head back to back to California, where she grew up. “At least the part that hasn’t burned,” She is anxious to meet her first grandchild. Alone now, she still hears the road call. 8 DENVER VOICE May 2021 COMMUNITY PROFILE JESSE She bought her current RV a year ago, and everything was supposed to work. It doesn’t. BURSTING WITH STORIES, Jesse laughs easily, “I have literally been robbed like five times here. I’ve had to replace all my clothes and jewelry, and all I have, all the beads and stuff. So, they steal the beads and whatever they can get their freaking hands on. They will take it if you turn your back.” Ah yes, life on the road. Friendly and engaging, Jesse talks a mile-a-minute, all the while doting on her two companionable little dogs. It’s cold in Colorado, and the shivering little dogs need jackets, she said. They all live in her RV, currently parked at the Rainbow Trout Campground just off Highway 285 in Jefferson County. It is one of the few winter RV campgrounds in the state. She migrates between the campground, which costs $600 a month, to the free dispersed camping out on Jefferson County’s vast National Forest and BLM lands — camping is free for 14 days at a time. Sometimes. she travels down to the Colorado state campgrounds, like Chatfield. But she finds the city often dangerous — more drugs, less safety. After 10 years as a Head Start teacher and a stint at Denver’s Purina Plant, she “snapped her foot pushing a thousand-pound cart;” no workers comp. At 54, after work injuries and debilitating migraines, Jesse is living on disability. Her last job as a West Colfax hotel manager didn’t last, she said. She was too kind. Then she was jailed after rescuing her mother-in-law from a nursing home, another story that comes with a bemused smile. CREDIT: PAULA BARD Jesse and her partner, Derrick, a commercial electrician who “knows how to do everything,” live in two uninsulated 1980’s RV’s that require endless repair and clever innovations. The roofs leak, the four batteries alternately go out, the generators break down, they run out of gas when the temperature plummets, leading to emergencies with no heat and no cooking. Jesse is insulating the walls, which, she says laughingly are just, “metal and wallpaper.” But it’s no joke when temperatures are below freezing. She bought her current RV a year ago, and everything was supposed to work. It doesn’t. And now it won’t pass emissions. After growing up in LA, she raised her five children in CREDIT: PAULA BARD Northern California. She stays in touch with all of them and tells everyone she hopes fervently for grandchildren. An ambitious cook, she treats everyone in her vicinity with generous home-cooked meals and sometimes, even pies. Capable and buoyant, she is at peace with her current life. BLAIR Aligning her activism with freedom of movement. BLAIR LIVES THE COMMITTED LIFE of an activist and online graphic designer, all from her car — as long as she can maintain internet access. With her souped-up jeep, she has lived the vehicle life for almost a year. Her Colorado activism began with a legislative research job and has moved on to support the Safe Parking Initiative, where she helps organize sanctioned parking spaces for fellow vehicle dwellers. She supports Denver’s unhoused with Allies to CREDIT: PAULA BARD Abolitionists. Currently, she is offering haircuts on Mutual Aid Mondays to those in Denver’s unhoused encampments. Originally from Alabama, she enjoyed summer church visits to Colorado and eventually migrated to the state. Now she has managed to align her activism with freedom of movement and huge doses of the outdoors, while avoiding Colorado’s prohibitive housing costs. With glorious views, she is currently nestled up on a jeep trail overlooking Idaho Springs. Her strong environmental leanings drive decisions; she has fashioned a sturdy rock fire-pit and cleaned up the area around her campsite. With creativity, Blair has fashioned a life that suits her. CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD Next, she heads to Arizona to help stave off international mining giant Resolution Copper’s exploitation of sacred Apache lands, called Oak Flat. She can hit the road in a flash. May 2021 DENVER VOICE 9

INTERNATIONAL STORY PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CONTRIBUTOR DISPATCHES FROM VACCINATED STREET PAPER VENDORS: “NOBODY SHOULD GO WITHOUT THE SHOT” BY JILL SHAUGHNESSY EDITED FOR LENGTH AND CLARITY With Covid vaccines being rolled out differently across the world, that means marginalized and vulnerable communities in different parts of the world are receiving immunization at different rates. But it does mean some good news: street paper vendors are beginning to receive the jab, and with the world opening up again, that’s more than welcome. WITH PFIZER, ASTRAZENECA, MODERNA, JOHNSON AND JOHNSON, and more vaccines beginning to become available, countries are starting to vaccinate their populations, starting with the elderly. The rollout of the vaccine begins to provide a light at the end of a very dark tunnel that is the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the process to grab a vaccine appointment remains a mystery to many. Homeless populations are eligible for the shot in different parts of the world. The requirements differ globally, but a few street paper vendors have gotten their jab. In Nashville, Tennessee, soon-to-be expired doses are being sent to homeless shelters around the city. As of 5 April, 10 DENVER VOICE May 2021 Tennessee was in phase 3 of the vaccine distribution. That means all people considered homeless, regardless of age, are eligible to get the shot. Three vendors from The Contributor street paper in Nashville have already received their vaccine. In an interview, vendor Paul describes his experience getting the jab at Music City Center. He tells The Contributor that the entire process took about 30 minutes. In Paul’s experience, it took 15 minutes for the shot, and 15 minutes of observation time to ensure he didn’t have a bad reaction. He describes how he experienced no pain with the shot and was ready to grab a cup of coffee and get to work afterward. Paul encourages everyone to get the vaccine. “Nobody should go without the shot. Nobody. The more people get the shots, get vaccinated, the sooner the city can reopen to full capacity,” he said. Teresa is another vendor who received her vaccine in Nashville. She was originally turned away at the Walmart vaccination center because she didn’t have health insurance. To her relief, after an hour of waiting, she was able to get the shot anyway. Teresa had no real pain after, just a little discomfort in her arm. “It’s not as bad as you think it would be. Even the scaredy cats that are afraid of shots, it’s not that bad,” she said. Megaphone in Vancouver, Canada is also seeing some success with vaccine distribution for their sellers. “We have been fairly fortunate in Vancouver, B.C. There have been several vaccination clinics for marginalized people — including vendors — in the Downtown Eastside, which is home to mostly low-income residents and also a lot of people experiencing homelessness. In fact, the office building where Megaphone is located hosted a vaccine clinic (Friday 26 March) and many of our vendors signed up,” said Megaphone editor Paula Carlson. Peter Thompson, a vendor for Megaphone, received his vaccine at the Carnegie Community Center. He did not PAGE TITLE WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP FRANCES FORD THE FAMILY FOOT ITCH My grandmother wanted wheels to turn and bells to jingle each toss of the harness, brightness of many paints and arcane carvings to curve about the wagon boards, rolling hills and road dust and river roars, and streams of strangers vague or distinct as dreams can be. She dreamed of an omened life, unveiled in the crystal or the card by candlelight, lines that loop the open hand. She couldn’t touch PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CONTRIBUTOR that unguarded fate, but she always said she wished she were a gypsy. Kee-ack, kee-ack, kee-ack, kee-ack: as if the heart counts schedule an appointment ahead of time but rather walked into the vaccine center after hearing about it from the Megaphone office. “It is a feeling of relief as it brings me one step closer to seeing my family again. It has been so long since I have seen them... It takes a toll on a person — mostly the emotional stress,” he said in the March edition of Megaphone. After the shot, Thompson is feeling “fine, grateful, and relieved.” In the United Kingdom, seventy-year-old Gordon was the first Big Issue North vendor to get the shot. Gordon received the jab in January due to his lung condition and it provided a beacon of hope for him. “I know loads of people are still waiting to have the first injection so I’m very lucky,” said Gordon. In Hamburg, Germany, residents of emergency shelters will be vaccinated in the coming weeks, but the rollout remains slow. One vendor of the Hinz&Kunzt street paper has been vaccinated, however. “Elsa is older than 80 years and those people have the highest priority to be vaccinated here in Germany,” said Benjamin Laufer, an editor at Hinz&Kunzt. It appears more and more vendors will be getting the jab in the upcoming months. In the United States, President Biden plans to have 500 million total doses administered by August. Although the European Union missed its first vaccination goal, the world is closer to normalcy than it was a year ago. “It’s really important that people get it. Better to be safe than sorry,” said vaccinated vendor Gordon. “The quicker we can get out of this lockdown, the better. I’m sick of this lockdown. I’m bored of it. I just can’t wait to get back selling the magazine again.” Big Issue North and Big Issue (UK) vendors in England and Wales return to their pitches. ■ Courtesy of INSP.ngo May 2021 DENVER VOICE 11 The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org far off whispers of a train on track. It travels at the speed of thought, snags at me, takes me along, and I, too, can dream. PEPPER-LEE A THANKLESS JOB So I think Im falling in love. In love with the fame, that accompanies this game. ...Just in love with the pain. A pre-meditated plan gone all awry. A well articulated genius Not at all privy to pry. Cannot tell a lie, Promises: meant to be broken. Trauma: Life’slove token, Of appreciation As well, A memory of life’s degradation. Why love me and not touch me? Hug me, and NEGATE our lovemaking, Just totally? Kiss me, And yet, ABANDON me? A stranger to these streetsssss, I’d by far much rather be, Rather I’ve harbored a tendency To share myself so intimately To a beloved stranger, All up in, and within my sheets! “Who pays you to think?” It’s what they consistently told me. Put yourself in my shoes, Catch yourself elatedly molding.

IN YOUR OWN WORDS Man! It is already known that we help a lot of rich people get richer, and people in power are fighting pay raises already. I wonder what we’re going to do when we reach the future. There are things that are here already like the selfcheckout lines at the grocery store. Cars that drive themselves will replace Uber drivers, truck drivers, and more. I don’t want to scare people. I just want to give people a heads up on what is coming our way. ■ A Hard Talk WITH SELF BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR LANDO ALLEN. CREDIT: SARAH HARVEY TODAY! BY LANDO ALLEN, VOICE VENDOR I LOOK AT ALL THE PROBLEMS IN OUR COUNTRY, from Q-Anon, to people who are racist and say racist things, trying to put Americans against each other. People who are hungry on keeping power, and the people who get elected by us and don’t do anything to help us when we need them to give us a hand. Personally, I’m tired of the separation stuff they put us through, but once in a while, I hear something that keeps me up at night. Right now, [what keeps me up] is technology that can take people’s jobs. That’s the way of the future, and it got me scared. People are already struggling to get jobs, pay for housing and keep themselves from being homeless. WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT MASS SHOOTINGS in the USA. It was very hard to know that where you shop, someone can walk into a store and kill people. When will the madness with guns stop - guns that should never be on our streets? How can we be safe to go about our everyday lives, Self? It could have been me, Self. How can all the shootings keep going on, and no party in government will do anything? Neither side can get it right for us. Why do we have to live in the madness we are put in? You overcame death so many times. Now, Self, you have to be on the lookout, for you may catch a bullet while you’re out shopping. How can that be? How can 20 babies in school get killed? Why can’t we stop making guns for war? Why do we allow people with mental problems to have guns, Self? Five days after [the shooting at the King Soopers in Boulder], I’m waiting for a friend at Collyer Park in Longmont and saw police surround a car at the same time my dog wanted to get out of my car. As I shut my car door, a cop ran and told me I was in the line of fire. He took me to safety, and 15 minutes later, it was over. I couldn’t believe just going to the park I could be in the line of fire. Thank God it came to a peaceful conclusion. RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA Then, a few days after that, the Motel 6 in Thornton had a hostage situation for 14 hours. That is the same place my son and daughter happened to be staying. Thankfully, they were on their way back from work when it happened. They were told no one was allowed in or out until it was over. They couldn’t get to their dogs that were in their motel room until later in the night, with the police escorting them. Self, we can’t be so afraid to leave the house, but you must be careful about what and who is around you. Be right with your higher power. Always tell your loved ones how much you love them because you or they may never hear those words ever again. Just think if your last words were hateful. How do you think you or your loved ones would feel? So, Self, be careful. Watch around you and always tell loved ones how much you love them before it’s too late. ■ Subscribe online: NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! DENVERVOICE.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 12 DENVER VOICE May 2021 Become a Denver VOICE subscriber and get the paper delivered directly to your mailbox every month. Both personal and business subscriptions are available. Your donation goes directly to support our program! EVENTS DENVER FILM: VIRTUAL CINEMA Choose from a wide variety of arthouse and festival hits, all from the comfort of your own home. A portion of the proceeds will support Denver Film, which operates Colorado’s only nonprofit movie theater, the Sie FilmCenter. WHEN: Ongoing COST: $13 MORE INFO: watch.eventive.org/denverfilm RICK GRIFFITH: NON-VIOLENCE & ACTIVISM Artist Rick Griffith is joined by Evan Weissman and Stephen Brackett to discuss nonviolence and activism in art and beyond, asking the questions: How do we continue to apply pressure to our government? What is the action that moves the needle? How do you take activism from the digital world and social media to the real world? WHEN: May 5, 5 p.m. COST: Pay what you can. MORE INFO: mcadenver.org/events FRIDAY NIGHT BAZAAR: RINO ART DISTRICT Drink, eat, and shop local at this festive community event. WHEN: May 7, 14, 21, and 28, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. COST: Free entry. WHERE & MORE INFO: 2424 Larimer St. | facebook.com/DenverBazaar SPRING ARTS AND POTTERY SALE Purchase one-of-a kind gifts and eye-catching essentials made by the students and teachers of Washington Heights Arts Center. Just in time for Mother’s Day! Masks are required. WHEN: May 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE & MORE INFO: Visitor Center at Heritage Lakewood, 801 S. Yarrow St. | lakewood.org DENVER REFLECTIVE STORYTELLING WORKSHOP The folks from StoryCenter, a non-profit that helps individuals find and tell stories from their lives, will create a supportive, online space where participants can gather as a community to share their own personal struggles, joys, and moments of resilience. WHEN: May 14, 12 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. COST: Free but registration is required. MORE INFO: denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming ACROSS 1. Muslim holy man 5. Eyebrow shape 9. “Th e Sun ___ Rises” 13. Star in Orion 15. Pacifi c palm 16. Shakespearean king 17. Insect stage 18. Ski lift 19. Aft er-bath powder 20. Sultan’s palace 22. Concept in Hinduism and Buddhism 24. Cobbler cousin 25. Flightless bird of New Zealand also known as a takahe 27. Writing a computer program 30. “Once ___ a time...” 31. Tiptop 32. Fall guy 37. Entangle or disentangle 39. Down with the fl u 40. Expresses exhaustion or boredom 41. Bones of the hand and foot 43. Actress Catherine ___-Jones 44. 18-wheeler 45. German songs 47. One with memory loss 51. Behave (like) 52. “I’m a little ___...” 53. Try out 58. Director Preminger 59. Bumpkin 61. Shelf 62. Must-have 63. Canal of song 64. Shouts 65. Gaelic 66. Cincinnati nine 67. Bakery selections DOWN 1. Colored eye part 2. Gesturer 3. Gelatin substitute 4. Unit of graphic resolution 5. Dead against 6. Genetic messenger usually abbreviated in crosswords (but not this time!) 7. Tax preparer, for short 8. Car roof style 9. Place to exchange vows 10. Discover 11. Game ragout 12. Killer whales 14. Use a username and password 21. Pants part 23. Snookums 26. Milky gems 27. Food fi sh 28. Brightly colored fi sh 29. Hindu deity 32. Greek letter 33. Geographical index 34. Was in debt 35. Add to the pot 36. Ivan the Terrible, e.g. 38. Cow catcher 42. Nor’s partner 45. Boy 46. With frostiness 47. Do penance 48. Poet’s concern 49. Hoopster Archibald and statistician Silver 50. Lyric poem 54. Hawaiian strings 55. One way to stand by 56. Lecher’s look 57. Bitter end? 60. Anger COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, who provides this list of ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 May 2021 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

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ANNUAL SPONSORSHIPS BENEFITS INCLUDE YOUR LOGO LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE HOMEPAGE, MONTHLY AD SPACE IN OUR PAPER, AND SPECIAL EVENT PERKS FOR YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES ALL YEAR LONG. IT’S A GOOD DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE, AND YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! 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PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Hot meals served at 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church), Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 mealsforpoor.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES) Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. 833-931-2484 sunshinebehavioralhealth.com VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org May 2021 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,400 people experiencing homelessness. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE MUSIC WILL W PREVAIL WITHOUT AUDIENCES, MUSIC INDUSTRY PROS FIND NICHE IN COVID RESPONSE SERVICES. PAGE 6 HEALTH CENTERS ARE STEPPING UP AS COLORADO’S VACCINATION RATE INCREASES, COMMUNITY HEALTH PROVIDERS LIKE SALUD ARE BECOMING MORE THAN MEDICAL OFFICES. PAGE 4 SKEPTICISM IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY AS RESTAURANTS AND BARS BEGIN TO FULLY OPEN, SOME SERVICE INDUSTRY WORKERS ARE HESITANT TO RETURN. PAGE 5 HYGIENE AND HEALTH LOCAL NONPROFIT “SHOWERS FOR ALL” AIMS TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE. PAGE 8 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 4, 11, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 JUNE 2021 | Vol.26 Issue 6 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: GILES CLASEN

EDITOR’S NOTE TODAY, WHEN I WENT to the grocery store, the arrows that directed people to go “that way” up or down the aisles, had been removed. There were no reminders to keep two cart lengths between me and the person ahead of me in the checkout line. While countless people ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR consistently went the wrong way in grocery aisles when the directional arrows were all over the store, it was strange having the flexibility to decide which direction I would go to get my produce, toilet paper, or coffee. Yesterday, I was at a small outdoor gathering, where all of the attendees had received our COVID-19 vaccinations, so we felt comfortable going mask-less. I forgot how nice it is to see people’s smiles. These are two positives about returning to how we did things before the pandemic, but I wonder how long it will be before we see the negatives. Will those who experienced extreme isolation or depression recover, or have they hit an emotional state of no return? What about those who will continue to consider the virus a hoax or have no intention of getting vaccinated from COVID? How do we get beyond the acrimony that divided so many friends and families? As we return to live concerts, plays, sporting events, restaurants, or any other activities we put on hold during the pandemic, I don’t expect things will instantly (if ever) return to “pre-COVID normal.” I do hope I can appreciate not being paranoid about catching the virus or risking the chance I could pass it on to someone with a compromised immune system. I doubt many of my memories of the pandemic will be positive, but for the most part, I witnessed people coming together, taking care of themselves, and most importantly, looking out for and taking care of each other. ■ June CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is an award-winning freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Anthony Cornejo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Haven Enterman Kersten Jaeger Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WRITERS WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Starting June 1, we will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. John Alexander Brian Augustine Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis Doug Hrdlicka Raelene Johnson Jerry Rosen BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Chris Boulanger Donovan Cordova Pamela Gravning Raelene Johnson Zephyr Wilkins 2 DENVER VOICE June 2021 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: IVAN EKONEK BY PAULA BARD “I’M 27, FROM GHANA, Accra, in West Africa. I came to this country for education — Chicago community college. That’s why I came to America. I came to the U.S. for advanced education. I lived in Chicago when I first came to America; I was in Chicago, going to school. Yeah, I got a degree; I’m a good electrician. My parents sent me here. I wanted to come to Chicago because when I was in Africa, they have school online from the U.S. And so, then to Denver after that...because it’s dangerous in Chicago. Chicago is so dangerous. Too dangerous. Oh my God! The police were called on me three times. The first one was out at the park. I was just jogging to the park and trying to, you know, raise myself. The police arrive to ask me a question. ‘We had a call on you,’ so I had to wait like 30 minutes [for them] to run my background, everything. ‘Keep walking, just keep walking.’ I went downtown. So, the second time, and it happened again, it was at night in downtown Chicago. They were just focusing on me. I think it’s because I’m Black. Yep, that’s why. Yeah, they just focus on me. They came straight to me. ‘Hey man, we want to have your ID,’ the man is like, ‘are you selling drugs?’ No, I was not selling drugs! Chicago is too dangerous. I’m focused now on getting out; I just want to go, to go home. In Ghana, we got lands, we got horses, we got a farm. A whole plantation, we grow pepper, okra, tomatoes. My grandfather built a lot of things. Families should be helping if you got family. I’m a Christian. But the truth, without a doubt, the truth — America is getting more dangerous, and America is in trouble. Yes.” ■ CREDIT: PAULA BARD OUR Streets are stories of Denver’s unhoused residents as captured by Paula Bard, who walks the streets of Denver to photograph the faces and collect the stories of those her city has abandoned. HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on @denverVOICE ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. June 2021 DENVER VOICE 3

Ask a VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. Q How would you respond if someone asked you, “If I donate to the Denver VOICE today, how will that money benefi t you six months from now?” A JERRY ROSEN It would benefit me in many ways as it would help me support myself in many ways with having the things I need and being able to get the things I need in the future. RAELENE JOHNSON I would let them know if they donate to the VOICE, the money goes to keeping the paper in print, so vendors can keep earning a living. The money also helps keep the office [running] and pays some staff. Please keep the aper going! Thank you from all of us vendors! BRIAN AUGUSTINE You help the Denver VOICE continue publishing, which means I will be able to continue working. I not only keep earning to pay my rent. But, I stay connected with the community I feel so close to and included in now. Also, you keep me the happiest I’ve ever been in my life by doing the job that I love. It’s people that donate to the Denver VOICE that help all the vendors working. Thank you so very much. From all of us. Please see page 12 for an additional response. What do YOU want to ask? If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. 4 DENVER VOICE June 2021 CREDIT: GILES CLASEN LOCAL NEWS COMMUNITY HEALTH PROVIDERS TAKE THE LEAD ON VACCINATIONS BY ROBERT DAVIS KARLA CARRANZA of Denver said she got her COVID-19 vaccine because she was ready to reunite with her family and friends after spending a year apart. Dr. Hannah Fields of Estes Park got hers to protect both her family and her patients. Stephanie Flores from Fort Lupton said she got it because her work as a medical provider puts her in close contact with the public. What each of these women has in common is that they got their vaccines from the Salud Family Health Clinic, a community health center that focuses on helping Colorado’s low-income and immigrant communities get vaccinated. As Colorado’s vaccination rate increases, community health centers like Salud are becoming more than medical offices. They are now off-hours service providers, trusted sources of information, and community resource centers, too. They’re also serving as lynchpins of the state’s vaccination efforts. Maisha Fields, the director of community partnerships at Salud Family Health Centers, described this workload to Denver VOICE in an interview as “heavy.” But, she’s found the key to success lies in “connecting with people where they are.” “Normal health care comes with normal business hours. Rather than be another normal provider, we aim to be a trusted provider. We’re able to adjust our method of delivery to meet the needs of our community members,” Fields added. VACCINE EQUITY According to the Center for Disease Control, only 10% of vaccines distributed in Colorado have gone to Hispanic and Latinx communities. Meanwhile, these communities made up 41% of cases and 25% of deaths, according to an analysis of the data by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The song remains the same in the Denver metro area. Communities with strong Hispanic and Latinx populations such as Montbello and Westwood are reporting low vaccination rates, according to the Colorado Health Institute’s COVID-19 Vaccination Map. To address these disparities, Denver opened five community vaccination centers at the following locations: • Barnum Recreation Center - 360 Hooker St. • Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center - 2650 E. 49th Ave. • Swansea Recreation Center - 2650 E. 49th Ave. • John F. Kennedy High School - 2855 S. Lamar St. • Montbello High School - 14274 E. 51st Ave. However, these statistics confirm the fact that several communities in Colorado are not getting the quality of healthcare they deserve, according to Fields. She said that’s why Salud and other community healthcare centers are focusing their efforts on culturally-responsive services in an attempt to increase vaccination rates. Some examples include hosting vaccination drives during the evening or on weekends; driving mobile clinics to churches, parks, and other community centers, and providing walk-in vaccinations. Fields said there have been two keys to Salud’s success: flexible services and building trust in the communities they serve. “It’s not always the voices of the sports stars that people listen to. That’ll work for some, but others will pay more attention to what their neighbor says than what someone on the Denver Broncos says about getting vaccinated,” she said. INFORMATION PIPELINE When Governor Jared Polis retired the state’s COVID-19 dial framework in mid-April, he simultaneously gave local healthcare providers more control over case management and disrupted an information pipeline that many relied on for local data about the pandemic. At the time, officials said the decision was due to several factors including increasing vaccination rates and lower hospitalization rates of elderly Coloradans. In response, several counties—Denver included—made their COVID-19 data publicly available. Others such as Douglas County took the opposite approach. However, the patchwork county-level data available coupled with sensationalized reports of complications caused by the vaccine have made it difficult to repair the information pipeline between scientists and the general public. For community health providers, Fields said, closing this information gap between vulnerable communities and sound science is a critical element of their work. Chief Medical Officer for Salud Tillman Farley told Denver VOICE about some focus groups that Salud has conducted. He said those who self-reported as vaccine hesitant often believed that scientists had a profit motive behind the inoculation. Others were distrustful of medicine more generally. He said these results made one thing resoundingly clear: those who are vaccine-hesitant are becoming tougher sells. Unfortunately, the result is that people distrust an element of medicine that scientists know best: vaccines. “There is nothing that medicine knowns better than vaccines, from the molecular level to the population level,” Farley said. “Immunology is very sound science. There aren’t any hidden dragons left to discover. We’re only getting better at it.” Meanwhile, state COVID data shows Denver County has more than 450 confirmed cases of variant strains – threefourths of which are from the B.1.1.7 strain, which was first identified in the United Kingdom. According to the latest vaccination data from Denver Public Health, 63% of Denver residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Another 43% are fully vaccinated. ■ LOCAL STORY Spring WISH LIST THE LOGO OF A CHIPOTLE RESTAURANT IS SEEN IN GOLDEN, COLORADO. CREDIT: REUTERS/RICK WILKING NOT EVERYONE IN SERVICE INDUSTRY FAVORS LIVING WAGE MODEL BY DOUG HRDLICKA THE FINAL HOURS OF COVID-19 may be upon us – so it would seem with the restrictions being lifted. The joyful idea of the pandemic coming to an end starkly contrasts the call for social distancing and mask-wearing because others may be a threat to us, and we may be a threat to them. But of all the doom and gloom that is present now, as restaurants and bars begin to fully open, is that service industry workers are hesitant to return. In the Facebook group Stupid Questions in the Service Industry, which has more than 16 thousand members, the answer to the hesitancy was varied. In some instances, people used this past year as an opportunity to pursue career ambitions outside the service industry, but among the top reasons are low pay and rude customers. The minimum for a tipped employee is $9.30 across Colorado; the remainder relies on the generosity of the guests. That being the case, jobs in the service industry have been less than gainful this past year, and members of the Facebook service industry group report the attitudes of guests being far more egregious. Some establishments, however, have abolished tips in favor of a salary – the most recent being Chipotle. Starting June 1, the company began paying a minimum wage of $15 per hour in addition to incentives such as education, referral bonuses, and a pathway towards management positions that pay an annual salary of $100,000. “Chipotle is committed to providing industry-leading benefits and accelerated growth opportunities, and we hope to attract even more talent by showcasing the potential income that can be achieved in a few short years,” the company wrote in a newsletter. The decision for a company to pay a salary to its employees is not unique to Chipotle. During the spring of last year Amethyst Coffee, which has three locations in the Denver metro area, also abolished the tips system and began paying their employees $50,000 per year. “We cannot keep relying on tips to pay people a living wage in cities that only get more and more expensive like Denver,” Winn Deburlo with Amethyst Coffee said last year. The move drew national attention and garnered praise from community members and worker advocates. Some, however, disapproved because the wage hike was being passed on to the customers through the price of coffee. The Colorado Restaurant Association added to that by noting employees stand to gain more from a tips system over a salary. Sonya Riggs, the CEO and president of CRA cited Union Square Hospitality Group’s attempt at salary as a cautionary tale. “When Union Square Hospitality Group moved away from tipping, they reported that 40% of their best servers quit,” Riggs said in a letter. “We’ve also heard from some local restaurant groups who have moved away from the traditional tipping model that they lost upwards of 80% of their front-ofhouse staff, who left to work at restaurants operating under traditional tip models.” In the same letter, Riggs, also confirmed the difficulty restaurants are having with finding workers. Small business owners shared similar struggles in the Stupid Questions Facebook group. Many insisted upon wanting to be able to pay workers more, but with the rise in food cost and PPE, they simply didn’t have the revenue. “Restaurants across the state have shared with us that they are struggling to hire enough workers to meet the current demand from diners as patio season gets underway and capacity restrictions ease or are eliminated,” said Riggs. The truth of the matter has yet to be unveiled, though. As of right now, restrictions remain in place, and many people are still receiving pandemic unemployment. But if cases remain low, we may return to normal before summer even begins. “It’s time to say goodbye to capacity limits and distancing requirements,” said Mayor Michael Hancock in a post on his Facebook page, “and for those of us who are vaccinated, time to remove our masks in most circumstances.” ■ DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Mon, Weds, Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. June 2021 DENVER VOICE 5 NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Reusable water bottles Sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office GENTLY USED ITEMS NEEDED: Flat screen TV Backpacks Umbrellas that can fit into a backpack Ball caps/hats for warm weather Gloves Panchos & windbreakers (Men’s L, XL, XXL)

LOCAL STORY When Sarah Slaton lost her work as a musician due to COVID-19, she and others in the music industry, found new work testing patients for the virus. “It was devastating fi nancially. Between losing my job and having all of my shows canceled, I was really in a rough spot. I was really in a place of self-doubt last summer going into last fall.” Credit: Giles Clasen WITHOUT AUDIENCES, MUSIC INDUSTRY PROS FIND NICHE IN COVID RESPONSE SERVICES BY GILES CLASEN FACING DEVASTATION COVID-19 wasn’t the first time Sarah Slaton’s life was interrupted by illness. In 2009, not long after Slaton graduated college and moved to Denver, her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. Slaton returned to Arkansas and cared for her mother, who passed away 14 months later. “I felt so fucking lost without her,” Slaton said. “It was like the whole world was upside-down, and I didn’t want to have anything to do with it. I bought a one-way flight to Europe. I took off and went backpacking for a little bit.” In time Slaton returned to Denver and started the band Edison as a tribute to her mother, even using a photo of her mom on the band’s first album. “I just always wanted to pursue being a musician, and I was always afraid to really go for it,” Slaton said. “Things changed, having her voice in the back of my head; I knew I had to just try.” 6 DENVER VOICE June 2021 In 2018, Edison broke up and Slaton began her solo career. She had built momentum going into 2020 and had scheduled a national solo tour. The coronavirus pandemic brought everything to a screeching halt for Slaton, as it did for many other Americans. Unlike some businesses during the pandemic, the music industry couldn’t continue at a limited capacity. Events were canceled and concerts were put on hold. The revenue dried up, and Slaton had no choice but to start collecting unemployment insurance. “It was devastating, financially,” Slaton said. “Between losing my job and having all of my shows canceled, I was really in a rough spot. I was really in a place of self-doubt last summer going into last fall.” Slaton was used to pinching her pennies as a touring musician, but this was different. In December of 2020, Slaton found another break, of sorts, in the music industry. She took a job with a COVID-19 response team for Highline Medical Solutions, an offshoot of Highline Events Solutions. FINDING A SOLUTION Highline had been an experiential marketing company that produced music and sporting events around the world since the mid-1990s. But as was the case with so many, when COVID-19 hit, Highline lost all of its business, and the Highline Event Solutions business struggled to survive. James Deighan, Highline’s managing partner and founder, said in the summer of 2020 the company had to furlough most of their 15 full-time staff and inform their 250 contractors around the country that there would be no work until the pandemic ended. “It was devastating,” Deighan said. “It was very, very difficult. It was very sad, but at the same time, there was absolutely nothing I could do. I held on as long as I possibly could before telling employees we have had for 13 or 18 years.” Deighan looked for any solution to keep his company going. He considered selling his house and even considered becoming a bartender again, a job he hadn’t done since the founding of Highline 26 years ago. Highline did qualify for a Paycheck Protection Program loan from the federal government, which helped him keep his staff paid a bit longer, but it ultimately wasn’t enough. “Come late July, early August, there wasn’t a dime left to spend on staff, let alone overhead,” Deighan said. Just as Highline looked like it might fall, Deighan had an idea. A friend with experience in the medical industry told Deighan about the logistical complexities involved in testing Colorado’s population for COVID. LOCAL STORY Highline had years of experience organizing large-scale events like the Winter X Games, Super Bowl Half Time Shows, Vail Snow Days, and Deighan saw this as a great way to parlay that experience into a different type of enterprise. In the early fall of 2020, Deighan began applying for requests for proposals from the state of Colorado to manage and staff COVID testing sites. Highline Medical Solutions, a new wing of the Highline events business, was born. “I was so excited,” Deighan said. “We kind of put the word out across the country, to the Highline family, to anyone that didn’t have work, to apply their very strong skill sets and help address a serious need in fighting the pandemic.” OPPORTUNITIES FOR PAID WORK Deighan wasn’t the only individual in the music business excited to have paid work in a new industry “We lost not only our jobs but our identity this past year,” Stacy Wiseman said. “Not only are we working now, but we are helping the country open back up.” A tour manager for A-list comedians and bands, Wiseman spent 14 years traveling around the world before the pandemic hit. She learned about the job opportunities with Highline through a Facebook group for music industry professionals. At the vaccine sites, Wiseman helps manage the administration side of the vaccination sites. Wiseman said Highline has managed the sites extremely well because they applied the same efficiencies as those they used to produce events. “This is a mini-festival,” Wiseman said. “We set it up like a tour production office because it works. We say put us in charge because we know how to do this work.” Before working for Highline, Wiseman lived on $167 a week from unemployment. Her unemployment was interrupted on two different occasions because she was a victim of fraudulent claims. “I’ve talked with friends [in the music industry] around the country who are really floored that this is what Denver is doing, hiring industry people,” Wiseman said. “Other individuals around the country haven’t had this option, haven’t been this lucky.” WHATEVER COMES NEXT After Sarah Slaton joined the Highline Medical Solutions team in late December, she got right to work in her new role. In no time, she was donning N95 respirators and face shields, traveling to rural communities, and conducting COVID tests. Slaton learned quickly, despite having little medical experience in her background. She said the biggest demand on her team was helping to calm nerves for people scared of a virus they didn’t fully understand. She was also nervous about getting the virus and spreading it to the people she cared about. “I wasn’t vaccinated the first couple of months that I was doing it,” Slaton said. “There were hundreds of people coming Your Own Medicine plays a streamed show at The Armory Denver. “We were the fi rst to close and may be the last to open because you can’t really book a national tour.” Credit: Giles Clasen to the sites every day for tests, and quite a few people were positive. I’m not going to lie and tell you that I wasn’t anxious, but I knew that we were doing good work.” To cope with the anxiety of the ever-present threat of the virus, Slaton was meticulous about cleanliness. She never went anywhere in public without a mask and used copious amounts of hand sanitizer. Being on the road and living out of hotels as part of the COVID response felt a little like traveling as a musician, too. She even brought her guitar and a mobile recording studio to continue writing music. “I have written a lot of music in the past year,” Slaton said. “I don’t have a full album’s worth by any means, but I definitely have been writing a lot of music, and I’m figuring out what way I’m going to release it. I’m figuring out how I’m going to afford to get it all recorded.” Sam Krentzman said he has seen a lot of resiliency in the creative community this year. Krentzman, the founder of The Armory Denver, a music and recording venue, has been working on “When the Music Stops,” a documentary about the pandemic’s impact on the Colorado music scene. “I actually think that’s the thing about the creative community. It’s not like they’re only able to be creative in a particular scenario,” Krentzman said. “Their creative energy transcends difficult scenarios. We actually saw a lot of people who couldn’t tour or play for audiences go to the studio and start recording. There are a lot of people getting ready for whatever comes next.” REBUILDING THE INDUSTRY But the damage to the Colorado music scene may be lasting and has gone beyond hurting musicians and companies that organize shows. Krentzman said thousands of tradespeople lost their incomes due to COVID. Great shows require skilled sound board operators, lighting technicians, riggers, stage builders — even bartenders — to ensure they run smoothly. Some of these tradespeople left the industry completely in 2020, looking for other work. Some moved away from Colorado during the pandemic. “I know steelworkers and riggers who moved to Florida and Apdiela Pulido receives her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine from Laura Vanston. Highline Medical Solutions. Credit: Giles Clasen Texas building stadiums and stages,” Krentzman said. “Those states had fewer restrictions, so production moved. But [those workers] had to expose themselves to additional risks of COVID in those spaces, leaving the regulations of their home state for work elsewhere.” Krentzman said The Armory Denver struggled to survive. The business only survived because of a grant, virtual shows, the support and generosity from the building’s owner, and Krentzman using his unemployment income to pay the business’s bills. “This is a family affair,” Krentzman said. “It is a group of artists who built this place, and it took a lot of people to keep it going this past year.” There is a chance that Colorado will have a lot of work rebuilding the music scene here. But the music industry is important to Colorado’s economic success. A recent study by Economists, Inc., an economic consulting firm, found that for every dollar generated by music activities, an additional 50 cents is created for adjacent businesses. The music industry supports 2.4 million jobs nationally. The total economy does well when the music industry is thriving. “Everyone benefits from every stage of a musician’s development,” Krentzman said. “I just wish there were more direct investments in the creative arts in Colorado, both in industry development and also artistic development.” Krentzman also said he thinks the live music industry will come back slower than other parts of the economy. “We were the first to close and may be the last to open because you can’t really book a national tour,” Krentzman said. “Every state has different restrictions, so it is very difficult to book right now.” The Colorado Music Relief Fund, managed by Redline Contemporary Art Center, has helped support individuals who work in the Colorado music industry, but the biggest thing someone can do to help bring live shows back to Colorado is to get vaccinated, Krentzman said. “In my personal opinion, the vaccines are very important,” said Krentzman, who was vaccinated. “I feel a sense of personal responsibility for my own health and who I’m obligated to care for in my own life and business. There needs to be a sense of social responsibility to prevent the transmission of the disease and the development of new variants. We need to do as much as we can to keep people safe. The more that people get vaccinated, the fewer [number of] people will die of COVID. I think that that’s a very good goal.” If music events are attended by a mix of individuals who are both vaccinated and unvaccinated, concerts could become hotspots for the spread of the virus. Krentzman said that would likely lead to another shutdown of live music. A second shutdown could be a more devastating injury to the music industry and could be even more difficult to recover from. CREATING MOMENTUM Slaton has already given up hope of reviving her national tour that had been scheduled for 2020. She was vaccinated due to her high risk of exposure while working for Highline and now, she feels safe playing live shows. But she will limit any touring to Colorado this year. She is hoping that the U.S. continues to open safely throughout 2021 and she can have momentum leading into 2022. “I create momentum,” Slaton said. “That’s the reason I am where I am. Everything that I’ve ever done, anything that I’m super proud of, it because I worked at it. I’ll create momentum whatever year it is or whatever day it is.” Slaton released two new songs in 2020, “Time to Go,” and “Get Up.” She has received a strong reception to both and is excited about the following she now has and hopes to expand it significantly over the next year. “I feel like I’m still just trying to keep going and keep getting up each day and just loving the present moment as much as I can,” Slaton said. “I don’t know what I’m going to be doing in two or three months; I don’t know when this is going to end or when I can go back to playing music full-time. I just have to remember that I’ll find my way eventually.” ■ June 2021 DENVER VOICE 7

COMMUNITY PROFILE CREDIT: PAULA BARD HYGIENE AND HEALTH The Dignity Project: Outreach to the Most Vulnerable and Threatened. BY PAULA BARD CLEANLINESS ASSURES US BASIC DIGNITY and allows for participation in the world. Could showers and clean clothes also empower the journey away from homelessness and poverty? Could showers and clean clothes encourage those struggling to feel human and remind them that they matter? For Jennifer Kloeppel and Kellen Berrigan, founders of the Dignity Project, the answer is a resounding yes. Floating above a cityscape splashed with fuchsia and blue mountains, the sign on their open shower and laundry trailer boldly declares “Showers For All.” Kloeppel and Berrigan intend, as their mission statement says, to “restore dignity and hope.” The Showers For All mobile trailer is capable of providing 60 loads of laundry and 60 showers per day in sparkling white bathrooms to anyone who shows up and requests one. They aim to build relationships and, in their words, “meet people where they are.” Kloeppel and Berrigan learn names and share stories while offering the much-appreciated free shower and laundry service. Hygiene is inextricably linked to health. According to Kloeppel, living in dirty clothes can lead to skin conditions 8 DENVER VOICE June 2021 and insect infestations. During menstrual cycles, women unable to keep clean are at risk of infection and toxic shock syndrom, which can be deadly. Job seeking is impossible when hygiene cannot be maintained and puts one at a steep disadvantage when competing with other applicants. Regular showers and laundry can also mean fewer missed school days for children. Overall, as Kloeppel explained, “personal hygiene means feeling valued.” Berrigan and Kloeppel crossed paths while working at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. Berrigan was doing audiovisual support and Kloeppel is an outreach and worship director. “We started talking at work and realized that we had a similar passion for making this happen,” said Kloeppel. “We just started dreaming about how we could create this nonprofit and what it would look like to build a combination shower and laundry trailer because the need is here all the time.” They jump-started the project with an online fundraiser. This provided the resources to build out the trailer, According to Kloeppel, “Everything after that has come CREDIT: PAULA BARD COMMUNITY PROFILE CREDIT: PAULA BARD CREDIT: PAULA BARD from small donors, who have helped just keep it alive. We do a lot of talking to people and telling them why this is important — who benefits. People can recognize the need for it.” Both Kloeppel and Berrigan learned independently that access to showers and laundry was important to those experiencing homelessness. Kloeppel was student teaching in Los Angeles, working in Skid Row, where people would say to her, “I can find food and I can find a shelter if I need it, but I can’t find a laundry or shower.” On the other side of the world, Berrigan was in Australia, when he saw a little car towing around a trailer that had a washer and dryer, doing laundry for people. “Well, this is cool,” he thought. They both carried the seeds of the program when they met in Denver and launched the Dignity Project. “It’s a labor of love, so I get to do my real job, and then I get to do this passion project,” said Kloeppel, “and Kellen gets to do the same thing. We have incredible volunteers. It’s fun!” They both work as volunteers themselves, and they set the Dignity Project up as a nonprofit, so they have no paid staff. So far, the trailer alternates on Fridays and Saturdays the Capitol Hill between two safe outdoor spaces in neighborhood, and they’ve just added Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Amphitheater at Civic Center to their schedule. The Denver Public Library refers people that could use CREDIT: PAULA BARD the services. They have been working with Denver Parks and Recreation to add more parks to the schedule. “Denver Parks and Rec has actually been an incredible partner for us, and they’re working really hard to help us find spaces that will work in the city,” said Kloeppel. “I’m so grateful for them and the work that the team has done to help this happen in city parks.” Showers For All is not the only mobile laundry and shower service available. Denver-based Bayaud Industries also runs a fleet of laundry and shower trucks. Their first laundry truck was created as a result of a specific request from individuals in the unhoused community and was inaugurated back in 2016. According to Cindy Chapman, who oversees Bayaud’s mobile units, participants have said that being able to wear clean clothes can change their whole week. During the pandemic, the City of Denver contracted most of Bayaud’s fleet for the emergency shelters. But when summer warms up, their trucks will again roam throughout the city with their regular schedule published on the Bayaud website. This summer, they look forward to introducing their new combination laundry and shower truck. The attractive Showers For All trailer sits at Denver’s safe outdoor sites on Fridays and Saturdays, and Civic Center’s Amphitheater all day Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is staffed with welcoming volunteers who are busily doing laundry and cleaning while talking to folks. It’s a lively scene. Laundry and showers are free for anyone who just shows up. To see their current schedule, visit www.showersforall.org. ■ June 2021 DENVER VOICE 9

INTERNATIONAL STORY FUNDING NOT GOING DIRECTLY TO TRIBES Typical of this year’s wildfire bills is House Bill 3160, which would establish a fund for community protection against wildfires. The fund draws from a proposed surcharge on insurance policies. It sends the money to the state fire marshal, the Department of Forestry, and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. None of that money is set aside for tribal efforts, such as the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde’s fire program, which has previously collaborated with Oregon Metro on prescribed burns. Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland), vice chair of the House Special Committee on Wildfire Recovery, said this bill is designed to distribute funding through existing state agencies, but some of it might reach tribes secondhand. “Although tribes aren’t called out in the initial legislation, I am confident that they would be targeted in the funding process,” she said. “However,” she added, “We should think about that.” But Danny Santos, interim director of the Legislative Commission on Indian Services, said the perception that non-tribal participants, such as the Forestry Department, will take up tribal interests has not historically worked in the best interests of tribes. “Some state agencies, other governmental entities, and PHOTO BY KARSTEN WINEGEART ON UNSPLASH WHY ARE INDIGENOUS TRIBES EXCLUDED FROM POLICYMAKING WHEN THEIR PRACTICES ARE USED TO FIGHT WILDFIRES? BY BRIAN OASTER Last year, lawmakers responded to 2020’s devastating wildfires, which burned over a million acres in Oregon, by introducing a slew of bills aimed at wildfire prevention, management, and recovery. Also last year, a growing body of scientific research came to light supporting the effectiveness of traditional Indigenous land management practices in preventing uncontrolled wildfires. But Native representation in decision-making processes is meager compared to business interests. ANOTHER WILDFIRE SEASON IS ALREADY UNDERWAY, with fires burning around Klamath Falls. Drought conditions across 85% of Oregon have threatened a worse fire season than last year. Lawmakers responded to 2020’s devastating wildfires, which burned over a million acres in Oregon, by introducing a slew of bills aimed at wildfire prevention, management, and recovery. Also last year, a growing body of scientific research came to light supporting the effectiveness of traditional Indigenous land management practices in preventing uncontrolled wildfires. Foremost among these practices are prescribed burns, a method of intentionally burning the land every few years, under controlled conditions, to prevent the build-up of fuel like deadfall and overgrowth and promote fire-adapted ecosystems, thus preventing uncontrolled outbreaks of wildfires like the ones we saw last year. But despite the research supporting Native expertise, Oregon lawmakers have left Native people almost entirely out of the decision-making and funding processes aimed at changing the pattern of uncontrolled summer and autumn fires — even as the state works to implement tribal knowledge. legislators may still assume that tribal interests (for one and sometimes every tribe) are covered in their meetings, memos, policies, and proposals,” Santos said. But consultation means “having meaningful dialogue in developing plans, not simply informing tribes of what actions (are) to be taken.” Another bill, House Bill 2273, seeks to establish a forestry task force and doesn’t specify the inclusion of tribal representatives. Yet another proposal, House Bill 3282, would require the Forestry Department to study and make recommendations about wildfire prevention, but makes no mention of consulting Indigenous scientists. The absence of Native people from these bills contrasts starkly with the strong representation of business interests. A few fire bills have overt economic tones. House Bill 3279 would offer grant money to private contractors with air curtain burners to help with fuel reduction — money that could go to tribal fire programs for the same purpose. House Bill 2795 aims to give $5 million from the general fund to support “Good Neighbor Authority Agreement projects.” These are projects, according to Oregon law, “that increase timber harvest volume” and “maximize economic benefit to this state.” One wildfire bill mentions Natives directly. House Bill 2722 seeks to create a committee to advise policymakers on land use and wildfires. The 22-person committee would include one Native person to represent the nine federally recognized tribes across Oregon. Also around the table would be developers, real estate agents, farmers, utility companies, and landowners. One Native person out of 22 slightly over-approximates Oregon’s Native population by percentage — 3% of Oregonians are Native — but doesn’t necessarily account for the unique expertise Native communities can bring to the table and their unique stake in caring for the land. Santos said that expecting one person to represent the diverse governmental, economic, and environmental positions of the nine tribes — which are not always in strict accordance with one another, or with settler conservation efforts — is like expecting a representative of Portland to speak for other parts of the state. “The city of Portland cannot be seen as speaking for all Oregon cities. Malheur County cannot be seen as speaking 10 DENVER VOICE June 2021 PAGE TITLE for all Oregon counties,” Santos said. “At the same time, notifying a tribe and consulting with them clearly does not reflect all the interests, concerns, and needs of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes.” NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES At a federal level, Santos noted, two Oregon tribes recently became the first to be nationally recognized for their forest management systems. The Coquille Indian Tribe was the first to apply for, and to be granted, the Indian Trust Asset Management Plan. This federal program gives Coquille the authority to manage their lands, which are held in trust by the Department of the Interior, without needing approval from the secretary of the Interior. Earlier this year, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians in Southwest Oregon became the second tribe to win land management sovereignty through the Indian Trust Asset Management Plan. The program gives the Coquille and Cow Creek Umpqua tribes sovereignty to manage their forest lands as they see fit, but it doesn’t provide funding or engage them with statewide land use planning or wildfire prevention efforts. Susan Ferris, public affairs person with the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe, said Native people should be included in statewide discussions about land management and wildfire prevention. “In the beginning,” she said, “all the forest lands in Oregon were managed, and managed well, by Oregon’s Indigenous peoples. … It would seem now that people are making a concerted effort to manage our forests better, that it would only be sensible and right to include Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes.” USING KNOWLEDGE, BUT NOT LEADERSHIP While Native people are largely omitted from state wildfire legislation, Native knowledge is not. Controlled burns have arrived at the doorstep of Oregon law. House Bill 2572 would allow neighboring property owners to collaborate on controlled burns. This would update the current state law, which calls any fire crossing property lines “uncontrolled.” And House Bill 2571 would commission a study of liability for prescribed fires, to see what’s worked in other states. Marsh, the Democrat from Ashland, acknowledges these two bills are explicitly based on traditional Indigenous knowledge. “When we talk about them, we always note that we are trying to re-establish traditions that were known and implemented by our tribes,” she said. These two bills pave the way for more prescribed burns, but they don’t mention Natives, designate Native leadership, or fund Native wildfire efforts. Santos said there remains a lack of understanding of how much tribes have to contribute to statewide discussions. “While challenges remain, there have been great advancements in having tribal voices around the table,” Santos said. At a meeting on 13 April for the Natural and Cultural Resources Task Force, part of Gov. Kate Brown’s disaster cabinet response to the wildfire relief and recovery efforts, Santos said, “Tribal representatives got information and made valuable inquiries related to tribal interests” and were “made aware of funding opportunities.” He said tribal consultations like this are happening more frequently across other cabinets and state agencies, as well. Government-to-government relations between tribes and the state have improved, Santos said, but there’s still a long way to go. ■ Courtesy of Street Roots / INSP.ngo The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP DANIEL ANGEL MARTINEZ MY MAKESHIFT HOME Why would I want a roof over my head? Why would one want boxed-in isolation? I would rather have open space instead. I can go anywhere in nature’s spread With no particular destination. Why would I want a roof over my head? As for partnerships that share a bed, Maybe I don’t need cohabitation. I would rather have open space instead. “There is room for everyone,” they said. Yet, shelters lack accommodation. Why would I want a roof over my head? With a world of campsites, no need to dread Whether one can book a reservation. I would rather have open space instead. All the so-called comforts of home I shed In my bittersweet emancipation. Why would I want a roof over my head? I would rather have open space instead. A COLLABORATION BY THE EDGEWATER HARD TIMES WRITING WORKSHOP HOPE Hope is the breath that makes survival possible, a little word, well-balanced. When you’re an outsider, it’s almost impossible to come inside— so hand out public encouragement, for we are picked & pruned for the purpose of romance. Hope is a bird once nestled in a tree beneath your ribs, an eagle in flight that will escape. It is the phoenix within us that will soar. Hope is the last crumb that tells me I can go on. June 2021 DENVER VOICE 11

IN YOUR OWN WORDS Pain, BE GONE! BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR FOR SO LONG GROWING UP, all Self felt was pain, misery, despair, and unhappiness. How does Self know to just let go, tell someone their pain, keep telling someone until someone can help Self? What about for kids, that don’t know they keep the pain going, lost, trapped? Self gets good at hiding their pain, masking all they went through. Over time, Self believes they can handle it – “the pain.” As Self gets older, drugs and alcohol will numb the pain, RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA and at first, it works. Self feels better with a little help! Self just doesn’t know what will happen over time to them until it is too late! Self will keep killing Self until Self lets go of what is holding them back. Deal with whatever Self went through or is still going through so Self can heal! Once healing happens, Self can start a better life. Freedom is the best gift Self can give Self, so, Self, let go of pain. Let pain be gone! Self, is worth it! ■ Subscribe online: NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! DENVERVOICE.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS Become a Denver VOICE subscriber and get the paper delivered directly to your mailbox every month. Both personal and business subscriptions are available. Your donation goes directly to support our program! Ask a VENDOR BY JOHN ALEXANDER, VOICE VENDOR The following is John’s response to this month’s Ask a Vendor question. Because there wasn’t room to fit his entire answer on page 4, we have published it in this section. The question was, “How would you respond if someone asked you, ‘If I donate to the Denver VOICE today, how will that money benefit you six months from now?’” IF I AM OR WERE TO EVER BE BLESSED to cross paths with a person wanting to donate the Denver VOICE, and their only requirement of me in exchange would be to give them some idea of how that money would benefit me six months later, I would start by sharing that their support enables the VOICE to accomplish things like paying for the lease for the office, the utilities, [the cost of printing] our papers, and the many, many other obligations that are constant. The fact being pointed out here is that your support, donations, and cash are gifts that keep on giving. For example, six months from now, I and many people like me will still be able to come to a sheltered place, buy papers, and maintain our business. We will still have a place to congregate with friends and seek help, counsel, etc. There will be many things and countless ways that I will benefit from any donations, six months or even six years from now. ■ JOHN ALEXANDER. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN 12 DENVER VOICE June 2021 EVENTS FIRST FRIDAY: JAZZ IN THE PLAZA Free jazz in the plaza, featuring Purnell Steen and LeJazz Machine. WHEN: June 4, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. COST: Free WHERE & MORE INFO: Charles R. Cousins Plaza, 2401 Welton St. | facebook.com/FirstFridayFivePoints SATURDAY NIGHT BAZAAR: SLOAN’S LAKE This weekly market will feature 30+ local vendors, pop-up bars, food trucks, live music, and more. Well-behaved dogs are welcome; this event runs through October 2. WHEN: June 5, 12, 19, and 26, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE & MORE INFO: 1611 Raleigh St. | facebook.com/DenverBazaar BOULTER’S FARMERS MARKET ACROSS Check out this new Thursday morning market, featuring fresh produce, prepared foods, and a variety of crafts and quality goods from local makers. WHEN: June 17 and 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m COST: Free entry. WHERE & MORE INFO: 5505 West 20th Ave. | boultersfarmersmarkets.com LOST CITY LIVE WITH SARAH SLATON AND BRIANNA STRAUT Come on out for a night of live, local music and feel-good vibes on the patio of Lost City. WHEN: June 25, doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. COST: Tickets start at $25 WHERE & MORE INFO: 3459 Ringsby Ct. | facebook.com/lostcitydenver DENVER PRIDEFEST Denver PrideFest 2021 is combining both virtual and in-person events for folks to celebrate however they’d like. Participants can enjoy a virtual parade, a virtual + in-person 5K, an online marketplace, and in-person pride hubs, featuring a pool party, live music, DJs, drag brunch, family-friendly events, and more! WHEN: Jun 26 and Jun 27, times vary COST: Donations accepted WHERE & MORE INFO: Online and various locations | denverpride.org 1. Andean tubers 5. Glasgow gal 9. Imitates a crow 13. Big name in pineapples 14. Celtics point guard ___ Irving 15. Assortment 16. In an unsettling manner 19. Does without 20. Held off 21. German river to the North Sea 22. “Back in the ___” 23. Big name in child education 27. Big-ticket ___ 31. Fencing swords 32. Disobeyed a zoo sign? 33. Ricelike pasta 34. “My Name Is Asher ___” (Chaim Potok novel) 35. Plant bristles 37. Painter’s medium 38. Not kosher 40. “___ you nuts?” 41. Hot spot 43. Wrapped garment 44. Plan that has no chance of success 47. X-ray units 49. Breakdancing move, with “the” 50. Operatic villains, oft en 52. Capital of Indonesia 55. Reproduction without fertilization 58. Jewish month 59. Basic assumption 60. Rational 61. Frost-covered 62. Newspaper page 63. False alternative DOWN 1. Eccentric 2. Hairdo 3. ___-ran (loser) 4. Exude 5. French high schools 6. Greek war god 7. Knight’s title 8. Reserved 9. With vigor, musically 10. Aquatic plant 11. Cunning 12. Kind of sauce 14. Door openers 17. Makes eyes at 18. “___ magic!” 22. Fertilizer compound 23. Cheesy sandwiches 24. “Th e Barber of Seville,” e.g. 25. “Well, I ___!” 26. Frequently 28. Rainbow ___ 29. Online publication 30. Back tooth 35. Home of a famous zoo 36. God of love 39. “To begin with...” 41. Kitchen wrap 42. Chair part 45. Bent or shaped metal 46. Arcade coin 48. ___ Wednesday 50. “___ Ha’i” 51. Lily variety 52. “By ___!” 53. Boris Godunov, for one 54. Hokkaido native 55. Th e “p” in m.p.g. 56. Chill 57. “Didn’t I tell you?” COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES Thanks to Deborah Lastowka, who provides this list of ideas for entertainment people can enjoy while practicing social distancing. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 June 2021 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR

DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ The NextFifty Initiative John & Laurie Mcwethy Charitable Fund $10,000+ Kenneth King Foundation Denver Foundation Max & Elaine Appel DEDO Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund The Christian Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation $1,000-$4,999 BNSF Railway Foundation Bright Funds Russell Peterson Phoenix Capital, Inc. Signs by Tomorrow Energy Outreach Colorado City Side Remodeling SEI Giving Fund Matthew Seashore & Nikki Lawson Josh Kauer Caring Connection Kroger Gaelina Tesfaye Network for Good Charities Aid Foundation of America Jim Ashe Walker Family Foundation The Sidney B. & Caleb F. 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ABOVE THE FOLD: $5,000 • One complimentary full page ad in the newspaper ($1,000 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Above the Fold Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper 14 DENVER VOICE June 2021 RESOURCE LIST FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST DIAL 211 FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF RESOURCES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH. PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, SENIOR SERVICES, YOUTH PROGRAMS, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. FREE MEALS AGAPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2501 California St., Sat., 11am CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am denvercathedral.org CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES 850 Lincoln; Mon. closed, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri. 8am-11pm; groceries & hot meal on Sat. at 2pm (at 16th & York); Sun. church service at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. christsbody.org CHRIST IN THE CITY Home-cooked meal; Civic Center Park at Colfax & Lincoln at 1pm every Wed. & 2nd Sat. christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Hot meals served at 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church), Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 mealsforpoor.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, community dinner on Thurs., 6-6:45pm, men’s breakfast 1st Sat. of the Month, 8-10am, women’s breakfast 2nd Sat., 9-11am. hislovefellowship.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., sandwiches, Mon.-Sat., 10-10:30am holyghostchurch.org JORDAN AME CHURCH 29th and Milwaukee St., Tues. lunch 11:30am-1:00pm jordanamedenver.churchfoyer.com OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; food, coffee. stelizabethdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month). sfcdenver.org ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN 1600 Grant St., Street Reach meal Mon. 1-4:30pm. Grocery room open at 11:30am every Mon. saintpauldenver.com ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. Second Ave., dinner at 6 on Tues. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org SAME CAFÉ 2023 E. Colfax Ave. Restaurant serving mostly organic food—not free, but pay what you can or work off your meal in the kitchen: Open Mon.-Sat., 11am to 2pm, Closed Sun. & holidays, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs URBAN OUTREACH DENVER 608 26th St., Thurs. dinners, 6pm-7pm lovedenver.org VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA 2877 Lawrence St., breakfast (8am), lunch (11:30am), dinner (5pm) Mon.-Thurs., 12pm on Fri., 1pm on Sun. Food & clothing bank 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Thurs. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 1-5pm; FREE services include computer/internet use, wifi, computer classes, job search/resume classes and one-on-one tech help appointments. denverlibrary.org/ctc THE WESTSIDE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER Denver Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVER HEALTH CONNECTION 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite B302. Resources and support for those affected by Hep C. Free Hep C testing offered. 800-522-4372, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES) Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. 833-931-2484 sunshinebehavioralhealth.com VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1055 Clermont St. va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS ATTENTION HOMES 303-447-1207; 3080 Broadway, Boulder; contactah@attentionhomes.org. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 attentionhomes.org CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. Daytime drop-in center for women, their children, and transgender individuals. Meals, computer lab, phones, food bank, clothing, art programs, GED tutoring, referrals to other services, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-294-0157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-community-center OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 55 and older. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.org June 2021 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13

EAT & benefi ts the GIVE! Bring this ad to Fat Sully’s Tennyson location, and they will donate 25% of the cost of your meal to the Denver VOICE! TJUNE 15 uesday, 5-11 p.m. 4275 Tennyson St. 80212 WHEN / WHERE

$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE Back on TRACK THE PANDEMIC FORCED TONY MASON TO WORK IN A JOB HE HATED. TODAY THE MUSIC PROMOTER IS BACK TO DOING WHAT HE LOVES. PAGE 6 VOICE LAUNCHES VENDOR TOURS BY SHARING THEIR STORIES, VENDORS SHARE DENVER’S HISTORY. PAGE 4 TRANS AMERICA COLORADO HAS LEGISLATION PURPORTING TO PROTECT TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS, BUT DO THOSE LAWS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? PAGE 8 HAVEN FOR THE HUNGRY FOR 14 YEARS, HAVEN OF HOPE’S MISS KAY HAS PROVIDED KINDNESS AND NOURISHMENT TO THOSE IN NEED. PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 5, 11 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGES 12-13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 JULY 2021 | Vol.26 Issue 7 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: GILES CLASEN

EDITOR’S NOTE ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR ON THE BLOCK IN EAST DENVER WHERE I GREW UP, kids in my neighborhood would gather to play dodgeball and other games in the middle of the street in front of my house. The first one to spot a car alerted the rest of us, and we would step out of the street and pause the game until the vehicle parked or drove away. Today, with the Denver traffic and increasing population, it’s difficult enough for groups of children to cross the street; let alone play in them. I miss a lot about living in a smaller Denver, but I grudgingly acknowledge there are some positives to the city’s growth. I appreciate that we have bigger and better sports arenas, live performance venues, and restaurants, but I miss the cow town charm for which the Denver where I grew up was known. For sentimentalists like me or anyone interested in learning what our city was like before ranking among the 10 most expensive cities in the U.S., the Denver VOICE will launch a vendor tour program this month. The idea is to showcase sections of the city with which the vendor guiding the tour has a personal history. You can read more about the program on page 4. Keeping with our annual July theme of tourism, this issue includes a list of summer events to enjoy in person, as well as suggestions for some of the area’s best live music. Also in this issue is a story about Miss Kay and the kitchen crew at Haven for Hope. Why would we feature Miss Kay in our tourism issue? Simple. Not all who move to or visit Denver arrive with a job, a place to live, or much, if any, money. For newcomers experiencing poverty and looking for shelter or other resources, Haven of Hope is there to welcome and help them, and Miss Kay has made an art form of cooking healthy and delicious meals for those most in need. As we work towards a majority of vaccinated individuals, we have more opportunities to attend events and social gatherings in person. Once you’ve had a glimpse of activities and performances starting up in or returning to the Mile High City, I hope it will inspire you to get out and embrace what this growing city has to offer. ■ July CONTRIBUTORS DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is an award-winning freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. CAT EVANS is a Colorado native born and raised in the Baker neighborhood of Denver. She is a musician, poet, photographer, cinematographer, and free thought enthusiast. She is focused on translatable activism through visuals and sound. DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes and covers stories on people and organizations who often are overlooked. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Anthony Cornejo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Haven Enterman Kersten Jaeger Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen Cat Evans WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Starting June 1, we will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. WRITERS Lando Allen Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis Cat Evans Lisa Gibson Doug Hrdlicka OshaBear Raelene Johnson Whitney Roberts BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Chris Boulanger Donovan Cordova Pamela Gravning Raelene Johnson Zephyr Wilkins @deeOCE 2 DENVER VOICE July 2021 STAFF STAFF BOARD CONTACT US VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY OUR Streets: MARY ANN BY PAULA BARD “WE EACH HAVE OUR OWN STORY. For me, healing is being able to tell that story. I didn’t come to Denver wanting to be homeless. I came to Denver from Arizona, about ten years ago. I was a nurse, 56. I had met this guy from Denver. The day that I arrived, we were in a motel, turns out, he had a crack pipe. Nope, no drugs and alcohol for me. I told him to get the hell out. So here I was, brand new to Denver, “I WILL SURVIVE AND KEEP ON GOING ” CREDIT: PAULA BARD HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductable. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver