$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE WELCOME, JAMES KAY! Resurrection of the surrection e SOLE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DISCOVER SHOEMAKING THROUGH PROJECT-BASED LEARNING PAGE 6 VETERAN’S COMMUNITY PROJECT LONGMONT-BASED TINY HOME COMMUNITY PROVIDES TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, SUPPORT SERVICES TO VETERANS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS PAGE 8 MORE THAN JUST ‘BETTER FOOD’ MOUNTAIN ROOTS FOOD PROJECT SERVES GUNNISON’S HUNGRY WITH LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 5, 11, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 JANUARY 2023 | Vol.28 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: ANGELA FLORES SEWS TOGETHER PIECES OF THE SHOES SHE IS DESIGNING. CREDIT: CAT EVANS
DIRECTOR’S NOTE AS WE BEGIN 2023, I am humbled and grateful to be welcomed as the executive director here at Denver VOICE. While I am hoping to get to know many of you personally, I am happy to share what led me to this great organization. My whole life, my mission has JAMES KAY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR been to leave this world a little better than I found it. Growing up, I was blessed to be surrounded by some of the greatest humans I’ve ever known. Through any hard times, I had family and the best of friends to help me stay focused on trying to make a difference. Years later, I found this same support from volunteers I was able to work with at the Humane Society of Northwest Georgia. Having these mentors and opportunities to learn, convinced me to pursue nonprofit management and development. Since obtaining my master’s degree, I’ve had the privilege of working for incredibly important and worthy causes including support for victims of domestic violence and anti-trafficking organizations. When the opportunity arose to join Denver VOICE, I felt a surge of that same passion. This unique approach to assisting individuals experiencing housing instability spoke strongly to me. The ability to connect and invest deeper with this community has been the most incredible benefit to this position already. Our vendors are amazing, and I am honored to serve them. Looking forward, I can predict 2023 will be a very big and important year for Denver VOICE. There is an opportunity to grow and help more individuals than ever before. With that, I’m excited to have your support and hope to continue the VOICE’s tradition of giving people low-barrier access to earning a dignified income. Happy New Year! ■ THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS ASHTON BROWN graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor of Arts in convergent journalism and a minor in cinema studies. She and her fiance currently live with their two cats in Lakewood. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Kay 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. MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg GRACE THORBURN is a journalism student at the University of Colorado Boulder. She hopes that her writing will make a difference in the community by covering social justice issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, homelessness, and racial equity. VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Breez Cat Evans Gigi Galen WRITERS Brian Augustine Ashton Brown Rea Brown 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 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. Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Larmarques “Misha” Smith Leonard Smith Grace Thorburn BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, Treasurer Zephyr Wilkins, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Julia Watson Cabal Yarne 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 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: Monday through Friday, 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. 2 DENVER VOICE January 2023 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
INTERNATIONAL STORY FILM DIRECTOR HOPES MEN WILL OPEN UP ABOUT DEPRESSION BY CLAIRE CAO Director Martin McDonagh reunites co-stars Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell as two lifelong friends who fall out, to comedic and tragic effect. IN THE YEAR 1923, right after the establishment of the Irish Free State, civil turmoil continues to rage across Ireland. But on Inisherin, a remote, fictional island off the west coast, the townsfolk couldn’t care less about that conflict. Though they can glimpse the gun smoke across the harbor, they’re mostly untouched by it, happily tending to their farms and hanging at the local pub. The war that eventually upends their lives – forcing them to choose sides, bloody their hands, and face death – is much closer to home. It starts with something simple: a breakup. The Banshees of Inisherin is British-Irish director Martin BRENDAN GLEESON AND COLIN FARRELL IN THE FILM THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN. PHOTO BY JONATHAN HESSION. COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES. © 2022 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED McDonagh’s first feature since Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), which won the Golden Globe and BAFTA awards for Best Picture and earned Oscars for its stars Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell. Banshees takes McDonagh back to his roots, telling the tale of morose Colm (Brendan Gleeson) and self-proclaimed “happy lad” Pádraic (Colin Farrell). One day, Colm abruptly stops speaking to his lifelong friend, deeming the airheaded Pádraic “too dull”. The situation starts off funny, as the men try, and fail, to avoid each other. But when McDonagh’s signature bleak wit kicks in, the Civil War plaguing the mainland becomes an apt metaphor for the intimate devastation that follows. “Having the mirroring aspect of the Civil War – showing how a simple dispute between two men or two sides can escalate into something that gets worse and worse, where unforgivable things happen – was definitely something I wanted to bring out,” says McDonagh. “Capturing the truth of the sadness of a breakup was what I was going for, and I think the actors pulled it off beautifully. It’s quite heartbreaking what they came up with.” Banshees reunites Gleeson and Farrell, 14 years after they starred together in McDonagh’s hitman classic In Bruges (2008). The latter film, which similarly followed close Irish friends stranded in a quaint locale, was beloved for its pitch-dark mix of humor and violence. “We felt like it would be great to do it again,” says McDonagh. “Not repeat the same thing but to make something that an In Bruges fan would love equally, and to take them on a different, stranger journey.” The long-held affection between Gleeson and Farrell, and McDonagh, made it an organic shoot. “They’re very open to being vulnerable on screen. They’re very funny, they’re very kind to me. They’re just a joy to be around. But on screen it was about getting to the truth of these two egos and painting Continued on page 4 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. January 2023 DENVER VOICE 3
INTERNATIONAL STORY Continued from page 3 a sensitivity to that,” he says. “There needs to be a love for both characters, and I think people love them as actors. We needed that in a dark story.” The darkness of Banshees is something that sneaks up on you. Like In Bruges, this film features wicked one-liners and grisly moments of amputation – but there’s a quiet maturity to this tragicomedy, making it one of the most moving screenplays of the year. Colm, a passionate fiddle player who is a decade older than Pádraic, feels he’s nearing the end of his life with nothing to show for it. This permeating sense of despair, and the fear of wasted time, is something everyone on the island feels, but cannot express. “That’s there, the nature of men quite a lot,” McDonagh says, pointing to a scene where Pádraic wonders why Colm “doesn’t just push [his depression] down, like the rest of us.” “As we know these days, it’s probably not for the best!” McDonagh laughs. “I think the film isn’t doing that. The film is saying do talk about it because the film talks about it. it. “She is probably the one who sees everything clearly from the outside and sees the stupidity of what’s going on and the male ego,” McDonagh explains. “I wanted to bring those eyes to the story. She’s the voice of conscience in the movie and the voice of hope.” After viewing this film – filled with portents of death, and COLIN FARRELL AND BRENDAN GLEESON IN THE FILM THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN. PHOTO COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES. © 2022 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Hopefully, men will open up a bit more about that sort of stuff. I mean, it’s a lesson to me to do it, too. I’m as much of a culprit.” A counterpoint to the machoism is Pádraic’s sister Siobhán (the luminous Kerry Condon, who starred in McDonagh’s play The Lieutenant of Inishmore), the only character who truly has the courage to lean into change, even as she fears questions of what we leave behind – it’s hard not to wonder if McDonagh feels the same existential anxiety. “Very much so, I definitely think about – legacy is too heavy a word – but you do want to put things [that last] out there,” he says. “But not in the same way that [Colm] feels, where you have to devote every minute of your life to it in such a harsh way. I think you can be a happy person and a nice person and make films like this, too. “I’m a ‘happy lad’ like Colin Farrell, most of the time, and I can still come out with sad things like this!” ■ Courtesy of The Big Issue Australia / International Network of Street Papers BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE: THE SAGA OF LIVING AND SURVIVING CONTINUES BY TARIQ JOHNSON Tariq Johnson is all too familiar with the vicious cycle that individuals can end up in when they face financial and housing insecurity and issues related to addiction. Thanks to support from the Salvation Army and the Positive Direction Equals Change program, he is housed, working, and enjoying reconnecting with his family. But the last few years haven’t been easy. THE SAGA OF LIVING AND SURVIVING HOMELESSNESS continues. Just when I got comfortable in my stabilization room it seemed like my past hit me again—it was like déjà vu. The bed bugs started to come out the ceiling on the fourth floor where my room was, and when I turned off the lights at night they began to bite. I was shocked cuz I knew this would be the beginning of a long fight. I started filing complaints, buying expensive bed bug spray, throwing things away. The eggs started popping up, and I knew I had to move out of there. They gave me a room downstairs, which was smaller, but no bugs. It had DirecTV, a brand-new bed, space heater, and fan. So once again my prayers were answered. I had a venous ulcer in my leg, so at least I didn’t have to climb those stairs to the fourth floor anymore. My room was right next to the garbage room, so I kept it clean. I got an in-home care nurse to come and help me take care of the open wound on my 4 DENVER VOICE January 2023 foot, and having a refrigerator and microwave helped me heal, slowly but surely. The problem was the rooms were both stabilization rooms. They let me stay there for a year, which was a blessing. But time flew by, and I was not able to find housing or a shelter. Time was not on my side. Shit! The blessing and curse of being forced back into homelessness hit me again. It was wintertime, and that’s the worst time to be in the streets. I started using drugs again to get by—the street life put me back in survival mode. I put most of my stuff in a friend’s garage. So all I had was a backpack with the bare necessities. I slept in BART stations to keep warm and dry. I was a heroin addict with the host of cocaine on my brain. The only thing that rescued me from insanity was my faith in God and humanity. It was a cold and wet winter night, with brutal non-stop rain for days. Me and a lady friend shared a doorway with a big umbrella and a tarp over a shopping cart. We had blankets, but it was the coldest night of the year, and we were shaking and shivering. Then, a dude begged us to let him in. We looked at each other and decided, why not? Then another guy I knew for some time walked by and I had to let him in cause he didn’t have a coat. He was shaking and shivering, too. So we all got up under the tarp and even though the rain was coming down hard we were all dry. We built a fire by pouring hand sanitizer in a can and put it in the middle of the circle. Everyone was laughing and joking, then this guy came by with a backpack of snacks for $4. We all put a dollar in, and it was like we were camping, and it was warm under the tarp. We all looked out for each other, and we made it through the coldest night of the year. We all prayed and thanked God for blessing us. As the sun rose the next day, we cleaned up our area and went on our merry way. It felt so good to come together with folks you barely knew and survive a storm and live to see the next day. This gave me strength, faith, motivation, and determination to become proactive in getting help with my addiction and getting off the streets. I got into the Salvation Army detox center and started putting in some work on my recovery. This opened a whole new life for me to stabilize and replace bad habits with good habits. This took time and daily practice, praying, exercising, going to meetings, and eating healthy vegetarian meals. My biggest transition was getting my glasses because I have a visual impairment that has been deteriorating over the past 10 years. My daughter and my son were really worried about me going blind. Even though we live miles away, this brought us closer together. We started communicating daily, and then the rest of my family started to reconnect with me. The family that prays together stays together, and the blessings begin to unfold. ILLUSTRATION BY SONYA KATCHER I began to approach life with a positive mindset. One step at a time and one day at a time. Now I’m in a program called Positive Direction Equals Change. This has been a very instrumental part of me maintaining my perseverance, peace, faith, progress, prosperity, and purpose to make this crazy, mixed-up world a better place. I got a job working for a vegan catering company, and my body oil business is doing well and expanding. Now I have my own room with a shower and sink and toilet in it. I’m so grateful to lay in my bed, look out the window to see the stars shine at night and the sunrise in the morning. I really thank God for the love, peace, beauty, and happiness that he is showing me in this crazy mixed-up world we live in! The new beginnings of blessings came from what was a Curse with a blessing in disguise ■ Courtesy of Street Sheet / International Network of Street Papers
WINTER WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Bottled water GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s jackets/shorts (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s jackets/shorts (sizes M, L, XL) Backpacks, carrier bags USB-C charging cables WINTER DONATIONS MADE EASY During the winter, Denver VOICE vendors experience increased heating and housing costs. Meanwhile, their income decreases because cold temperatures means less foot traffic and fewer paper sales. If you would like to help out your 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! What do YOU want to ask? @DenverVOICE If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. January 2023 DENVER VOICE 5 A BRIAN AUGUSTINE I used to pray for a job I would love to go to and would be happy to be part of. It took me going homeless to find it. Denver VOICE is that job for me. My personality has changed. My outlook on life has done a flip with a twist. This job with the Denver VOICE has made me the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. REA BROWN The job that answers the question begs one to ask another question. Why don’t you do it for a living? It’s sad when you think about it, really, and a lot of my patrons and I have spoken about it from time to time. Students have languished over it after finding a career in something they didn’t go to school for. And the truth is if you’re talking about money that’s an easy answer, but if you’re talking about enjoyment and money, it’s a bit harder. but if you’re talking about Love, I believe you have to know something about yourself. Not many people find fulfillment in their work. But I often ask, “what was the dream?” I have worked, I have slaved, and I’ve even caught a few breaks, but if there is one thing COVID taught me with time to create is that I’m an artist, I always have been, and by Yah’s grace, I always will be. So, to answer the question, hopefully, tomorrow, we shall see, and that, my friend, ‘bout sums it up for me. RAELENE JOHNSON Years ago, I worked as a housekeeper in motels. Also, I have worked in fast food. To me, being a vendor is the best job. I am more fulfilled than I ever was. I get to meet interesting people and share my story with them. I’ve learned to speak up for myself and want to thank everyone who supports the VOICE. JASON MARTIN My favorite job would have to be when I was the manager of building materials and lumber at Lowes. I got to ride a forklift most of the time, or I scheduled the employees who worked under me. I enjoyed helping contractors out when they came in with big orders. LEONARD SMITH My favorite job was working as a cook, and a carpenter, mopping floors, cleaning pans, cleaning windows, and doing outside work. LARMARQUES “MISHA” SMITH Food pantry coordinator. I was living in Indianapolis, IN, and working at the Damien Center, Indiana’s largest AIDS service organization. I had to order food for the pantry from grocery stores and the Midwest Food Bank. During November and December, I had to make sure clients had a holiday meal and gifts to open. I was also in charge of the client’s annual holiday party. Good times. 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 VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON. What was your favorite job, and why? Q
LOCAL FEATURE ALL OF THE SUPPLIES AND FABRIC USED TO MAKE SHOES ARE DONATED BY THE PUBLIC. CREDIT: CAT EVANS RESURRECTION OF THE SOLE: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO EDUCATION BY CAT EVANS FOOTWEAR IN THE UNITED STATES is a multibillion-dollar industry. The powerhouse market has seamlessly generated a major influential gateway into the minds of American youth and culture. Chris Hunt, a teacher at William Smith High School (WSHS), is no stranger to the impact of sneaker culture on his students. William Smith is a Project-Based Learning (PBL) school located in Aurora, Colo. According to the PBL website, this means it uses “methods of teaching in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.” Although WSHS is a member of Aurora Public Schools, Hunt points out the differences in the standard curriculum for a PBL school. “The classic approach to public education is taking a standard and supplying the class to meet the standard,” Hunt said. “The difference with PBL is we can teach whatever, as long as we are meeting those standards. We have to be very intentional about how we are getting those standards into the curriculum.” It’s a common method in academia to simply purchase CHRIS HUNT WORKS ALONGSIDE STUDENTS, AS THEY LEARN THE CRAFT OF SHOEMAKING. CREDIT: CAT EVANS preset curriculums, exercise through said curriculums, and once students fulfill that curriculum, all standards should be met. William Smith chose a more creative route to teaching. One of Hunt’s personal contributions to WSHS, which includes classes like jewelry making, screen printing, and sewing, is a shoemaking class. The class is one of the most sought-after classes in the school. Hunt reminds the students it’s their choice to be there, they are in the class of their own volition, “The students sign up for the class, for me, it’s already leverage, I let them know we are doing fun stuff, not digging ditches,” said Hunt. In this specific class, the students recreate their own version of Nike sneakers from scratch. That includes all assembling from the sole up. They sew together different fabrics and materials, step by step, in anticipation of the final reveal. At the end of the project, students will have an opportunity to show their final result via a fashion showlike event. From a legal standpoint, there is no issue in recreating these — including the Nike logo — so long as no money is made off the shoes themselves. Nike customizations can be controversial. In the modern shoe market, it is common to sell custom Nikes for large profits and then quietly pocket the profits. For William Smith students, this is of no concern. The key focus is skill development, creative control, and autonomous execution. By learning the trade 6 DENVER VOICE January 2023
LOCAL FEATURE of shoemaking, along with additional skills like designing or marketing, the knowledge the students gain often translates beyond the classroom. Beyond any sort of brand, the focus is an emphasis on independent skill, creativity, and individualism. The overarching goal for Hunt is putting the director’s hat on a curious head with the intention of inspiring his students to be navigators, editors, and most importantly, in charge of how they piece things together in their immediate reality. Custom clothing, reused materials, local branding, entrepreneurship, and creativity are core elements of our current culture. Skills learned in this class can be applied for a lifetime. “I had a student check out a sewing machine last summer; I had to ask for it back,” Hunt said. “If I have a class, and students start designing their own stuff — that, right there, is why I do this work.” As a teacher, Hunt believes that students taking their skill sets and building something(s) of their own is a fruitful, long-lasting outcome. Chris Hernandez, a sophomore enrolled in Hunt’s shoemaking class, has plans beyond his creation of the royal blue and black silhouette shoe – which happens to match his outfit. All of the materials Hernandez used to design the shoe’s toe box, with the fabric tongue painted black, the rest of the shoe, colored royal blue – outside of the Nike check – and the shoelaces made of string – were donated by the public. “I wanted to make something no one else had made before,” Hernandez explained. He completed Hunt’s sewing class during the last quarter of 2022, which included designing costumes for William Smith High School’s production of the play, “West Side Story.” Although he doesn’t yet have his own sewing machine, Hernandez has hand-sewing kits at home and looks forward to working on new designs. ALL OF THE SUPPLIES AND FABRIC USED TO MAKE SHOES ARE DONATED BY THE PUBLIC. CREDIT: CAT EVANS CHRIS HERNANDEZ SHOWS OFF HIS FINISHED PRODUCT. CREDIT: CAT EVANS “Sewing is one of my interests,” Hernandez said. “With what I’ve learned in the shoe design class, I’ve been thinking about getting an airbrush and customizing shoes like that. Customizing is something I want to go into. I feel like sewing calms me down. It’s peaceful.” Meaningful and genuine student-teacher relationships frequently encourage greater engagement with students, while sparking their curiosity and desire to learn. Currently, there are 365 students enrolled in WSHS. For comparison, Denver Public Schools’ East High School has a current student body count of 2,581. The lower enrollment at WSHS makes it easier for teachers to work directly with their students and address their different needs. At WSHS, all teachers operate on a first-name basis to remove the power dynamic between educators and pupils. There are no bells to remind students of periods beginning and ending — just clocks along the walls. The environment becomes its own safe space, the small size drawing more accountability for teachers and students alike. Hernandez’s fellow sophomore, Angela Flores, a selfproclaimed “little sneaker fan,” chose the shoemaking class and became instantly intrigued by the process. “I wanted to learn more and make a custom shoe,” she said. “It’s fun, but it’s hard. Every stitch has to be right. It’s a challenge.” Flores said she looks forward to the class every day because it’s one of her favorite classes, with the atmosphere being calm, and the vibe, supportive. The students are not only deeply engaged but also WSHS STUDENTS IN HUNT’S CLASS STAY BUSY, FINE-TUNING ON THEIR SHOEMAKING SKILLS. CREDIT: CAT EVANS proud of the work they accomplish. Many of them work in silence for the majority of the class, their eyes fixed on their creations. All the materials they use are donation-based with an entire sub-room stuffed with a variety of fabrics that make the students’ options endless. Shortly after Hunt posted online about the class and the need for supplies, people began to donate the goods in mass quantities. Alternative methods to meeting educational standards are welcomed by everyone at William Smith. The school’s atmosphere is abuzz with excitement in the air, plenty of open space, student artwork, and colorful murals. The modern building serves as a space for expansion, where teachers are eager to connect with students and educate them using different approaches that translate beyond standardized academia. The PBL method is a young concept, where teachers propose their own curriculum, hoping to open the door to students, so they can learn new skills and develop fuller relationships. Chris Hunt’s shoemaking class is one of many creative opportunities for William Smith High School students, proving that the future of PBL is both promising and necessary. ■ CHRIS HERNANDEZ CONCENTRATES AS HE WORKS ON HIS DESIGN. CREDIT: CAT EVANS CHRIS HUNT HOLDS ONE OF HIS STUDENT’S CREATIONS DESIGNED IN THE SHOEMAKING CLASS. CREDIT: CAT EVANS January 2023 DENVER VOICE 7
COMMUNITY PROFILE CREDIT: VETERAN’S COMMUNITY PROJECT CREDIT: VETERAN’S COMMUNITY PROJECT VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT: “VETERANS HOUSING VETERANS, ARMED WITH THE STRENGTH AND SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY” BY GRACE THORBURN VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT (VCP) is an organization dedicated to offering services and housing to veterans in need. The donation-based organization started in Kansas City, Mo. Veterans Community Project of Longmont Executive Director Jennifer Seybold said the idea was inspired by combat veterans who saw a need in their community and wanted to do more. “They never envisioned growing beyond Kansas City, but it expanded to address veteran homelessness,” she said. Since then, the project has expanded into more cities. They are currently building in Sioux Falls and Longmont and are in the early stages of land ownership and permitting in Milwaukee and Oklahoma City. Seybold said that the community center at the Longmont location is a few weeks away from being finished, with plans to have an entire village completed in the second quarter of 2023. Veterans Community Project offers services to veterans in need, such as food and hygiene kits, rent and utility assistance, health care and housing referrals, case management, and military documentation services. The outreach center in Longmont is open for walk-ins during business hours, so veterans can receive assistance with issues like food insecurity, housing difficulties, or navigating veterans’ services. The Longmont location also utilizes a VCP mobile outreach unit that began on August 1, 2022. The mobile outreach unit serves veterans in rural parts of Northern CO, with initial service areas in Larimer, Weld, Boulder, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Broomfield, and Adams counties. “Project members traveled 3,000 miles across Colorado to reach those who otherwise may not have been able to access services,” Seybold said. The village under construction in Longmont will serve as a place for veterans to get back on their feet in a supportive community. The tiny homes are being built at no expense to veterans and serve as transitional housing for those looking for a permanent housing situation in the future. Veterans will be able to stay in the village for up to two years as part of a transitional program. They will “pay rent” by setting personal goals and working on themselves, Seybold said. Seybold shared that homelessness, the organization partners with many other groups, such as county veterans service offices, housing, unemployment organizations, and mental health agencies. They have about 50 local community partners to ensure those partners refer veterans to the right places. Veterans Community Project relies on community financial support and is limited in the financial assistance that they take. They look to build communities and outreach centers in areas where there is a need and the community will be supportive of the project. In Kansas City, where VCP was launched, veterans have been housed for years. “This is the model we’re operating off of,” Seybold said. “A tiny home is private, even though it’s transitional. Public housing can be difficult if you’re struggling with mental health. Tiny homes are quiet and private and provide a safe space to do that with case manager support.” 8 DENVER VOICE January 2023
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. CREDIT: VETERAN’S COMMUNITY PROJECT 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. CREDIT: VETERAN’S COMMUNITY PROJECT According to Seybold, the Longmont team has received feedback that is nice to work with a staff that understands veterans and their specialized needs. Although veterans support each other, Seybold pointed out that there is a common misconception that veterans are receiving more help than actually they are and estimates that there are at least 40,000 unhoused veterans across the United States. Seybold emphasized that it’s important for communities to understand not everyone is eligible or can access federal services offered to veterans. She also said that veterans often experience trust issues, and as such, they are more likely to trust those they work with for referrals for services. To ensure that those in need are aware of available services, partner agencies will refer them to Veterans Community Project. “We don’t have a village yet, but we’re doing community work that makes a difference,” said Seybold. “The thing that is incredible about what we do is that we work with a lot of community members, and it’s great to see everyone come together.” ■ To learn more about Veterans Community Project, visit www.veteranscommunityproject.org. VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are looking for volunteers to support our program coordination by helping with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at the Denver VOICE offi ce (989 Santa Fe Dr.) from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. CREDIT: VETERAN’S COMMUNITY PROJECT If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at: program@denvervoice.org January 2023 DENVER VOICE 9
COMMUNITY PROFILE COURTESY OF @MOUNTAINROOTSFOODPROJECT COURTESY OF @MOUNTAINROOTSFOODPROJECT THE MOUNTAIN ROOTS FOOD PROJECT: MORE THAN JUST ‘BETTER FOOD’ BY ASHTON BROWN COURTESY OF @MOUNTAINROOTSFOODPROJECT THE MOUNTAIN ROOTS FOOD PROJECT has been helping those less fortunate in Southern Colorado for over a decade and donates 52,000 boxes of food each year. Mountain Roots is a small organic farm located in Gunnison, CO, and is known for giving away what they grow (also food from other local farms and farmers) to anyone that needs it. Mountain Roots is not a run-of-the-mill food pantry; the organization regularly grows its own food using regenerative farming techniques. Regenerative farming is a group of techniques that “balance and prioritize the health of the soil and restore the nutrients” in the water and crops. This allows their boxes of food to be fresher – and also much healthier – than the average food pantry or food bank. Holly Conn the executive director at Mountain Roots said, COURTESY OF @MOUNTAINROOTSFOODPROJECT “One of the things that sets us apart from a traditional food pantry is that we’re sourcing food from local farms as much as we possibly can, and we’re providing fresh fruits and vegetables — not boxed mac and cheese or Wonder Bread.” Conn said she wants the underserved community of Gunnison to come away from the experience with more 10 DENVER VOICE January 2023 than just a full stomach. “Our goal is to build comradery, self efficiently, promote health, and promote social and mental well-being, because it’s all tied together.” To achieve this goal, Mountain Roots hosts a four-week cooking class to show families how to cook healthy food for $10 or less. This is one of the many ways they try to erase some of the stigma surrounding people with low incomes. “I think we’re bringing a lot of stability to families who kind of just have to swallow their pride and hold their hand out for the handout,” said Conn. There has always been a need for food and shelter in the Gunnison community, but not like the growing demand over the last couple of years. “It’s a little bit heartbreaking to see an increase in requests this year,” said Conn. “You would think coming out of the pandemic, things would be getting better. On the other hand, it’s heartwarming to see how much our community has stepped up to support their neighbor in need.” Even though there was an increase in food requests in 2022 for Mountain Roots, there was also a record number of volunteers that assembled, sponsored, or dropped off boxes.
COMMUNITY PROFILE BACK ON THE STREETS BY BRIAN AUGUSTINE Recently, the rent for Denver VOICE Vendor Brian Augustine went up significantly. No longer able to afford it, Augustine has returned to living on the streets. We asked Augustine to write about his experience and share the experiences of others in similar situations. COURTESY OF @MOUNTAINROOTSFOODPROJECT EVEN THOUGH IT’S A NEW YEAR, I don’t do the traditional resolutions. Instead, I start by going through the past year and thinking about all of the good things that made it survivable. All the good people and happenings that gave me a smile on my face. And I thank them in my mind. Social distancing these past two years during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic gave me the time to reflect, and I’d like to share my thoughts with you: I’ve been in the hospital a few times this past year. The nurses made my stays so much more tolerable than I ever expected. Their smiling faces and professionalism gave me a sense that they care about me. These people who went through a sort of war during the pandemic are the true heroes in our world. The smiles from friends that see me on the corner, when I’m vending the Denver VOICE, truly make my days great. I can’t believe that I have a job that makes me so happy. It is the people I keep a smile on my face and a positive attitude for because everyone deserves to have a wonderful day. THE FRIENDS WHO’VE MADE A DIFFERENCE Jeff McBride has been a friend from my start with the Denver VOICE street paper. The rest of his family became friends as I met them. Jeff’s daughter Katherine McBride started a GoFundMe page to keep me housed through the winter, but that has unfortunately stalled out. The staff and vendors at the Denver VOICE who care about me so much. During the peak of the pandemic, they created a Venmo account, so no cash is needed to get your papers. It has been a Godsend for all of us vendors. Now, about my newest friend, 18-month-old Lou. She started the summer staring at me every Sunday at the South Pearl Street Farmers Market. Then, one day she told me her name. Her vocabulary grew every week. She was always glad to see me. She made me feel special. So many people made my life so fantastic this year - more than could fit in this three different issues of the VOICE. But, know that I’m thinking of you. I developed a lot of health issues over the past year, but I keep fighting because of you. THANK YOU, ALWAYS!!! ■ COURTESY OF @MOUNTAINROOTSFOODPROJECT Because they had so many volunteers, they were able to drop off 200 double boxes of food for Thanksgiving. “Every box includes a small turkey or a whole roasted chicken, plus another stash of vegetables to get them through the next couple of weeks,” Conn said. Mountain Roots’ work doesn’t end there, though. They also have their Backyard Harvest Program, which is a food relief and rescue program. The organization works with a select list of 100 referred households that are in need for a variety of reasons — not just those with low incomes. For example, women living in shelters to escape domestic violence. According to Conn, this approach is different than other charity efforts because it’s an effort to address the immediate needs of food and security. For anyone interested, the organization always needs volunteers. As Conn explained, “We need people on Mondays to help assemble boxes, and on Tuesdays, we need people to help deliver.” They also need volunteers for their four-week cooking class — which is made up entirely of volunteers — and for the community garden, which runs from May through October. ■ BRIAN AUGUSTINE. CREDIT: ELISABETH MONAGHAN January 2023 DENVER VOICE 11
IN YOUR OWN WORDS HAPPY NEW YEAR, SELF BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR A NEW YEAR TO START ALL OVER. A time to change what may not have worked out for you last year. Happiness is the peace you can have for Self. Take a good look at last year, and see what or who caused you the most pain. If you don’t change what is going on around you, then you must let go of the things or people who are doing nothing to lift you up, but instead, try to break you down! You have to take charge of your own life. Now one else can do it for you. HERE ARE SOME GOOD RULES FOR SELF TO HAVE A BETTER LIFE: • When you wake up, don’t forget to say to Self, “I love me. I will not think negative thoughts,” for your thought waves go out to the universe, and the universe gives you back what you ask for. So, watch what you think. Think only good thoughts. • Tell yourself you will not allow anyone to talk harshly to you. Only YOU can speak up for yourself. • Keep PEACE in your heart. Let go of things that don’t make you feel peaceful. • Don’t keep anyone else’s idea of you, unless it is positive. • Take accountability for how you treat yourself or others. Remember to treat others how you want to be treated. • Rather than staying depressed, shower and get dressed, and always look your best. You will feel better. RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA • If you feel lonely, volunteer somewhere. When you help others, your problems will not feel as overwhelming to you. • If you mess up on something or with someone, try to make it right. Do better next time. • Start the day with a look back on yesterday and see if anything went wrong. You can only change things if you see them. You can’t change anything if you don’t acknowledge what is going on in your life. • Most important, love your SELF enough to want the best for Self. Don’t give your power to others. Trust your Self first, for only SELF knows SELF! • Be your best Self, and do everything to make the New Year better than last year was. • And now, go make 2023 the best life we can give Self. Happy New Year, Self. I love you. ■ • It’s important to SMILE – even when you don’t feel like it. Keep a smile on your face and share it with others. Smiling will help you to feel better. • When you feel deeply sad, IT IS OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. Asking for help will help you feel stronger. Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t need help. Do it for Self. Not for others. Be kind to Self. Get help. Only Self knows what Self needs. ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI GALEN ILLUSTRATION BY BREEZ 12 DENVER VOICE January 2023
EVENTS POETRY SLAM This weekly poetry slam has been around since 1997! Come listen to the battle or signup to compete for the $50 weekly prize. WHEN: Sundays, sign-ups at 7:30 p.m., event at 8 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. INFO: mercurycafe.com FREE WEEKLY BREATHWORK CLASS You are invited every Wednesday to experience the benefits of breathwork. Learn how to breathe fully with this simple and effective method. Start your journey towards greater health, peace, and vitality today. WHEN: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. COST: Free but you must register online. WHERE: Online INFO: souldimension.org RIPEN: OPEN MIC COMEDY We all need a laugh after the holidays. Come check out this weekly open mic to either listen to some jokes or try your hand at stand-up. WHEN: Wednesdays, sign-ups at 8:30 p.m., event at 9 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: The Wide Right, 2100 Curtis St. INFO: widerightdenver.com COOKING ON-DEMAND Whether you’re looking to make empanadas, pierogis, fondue, quiche, or tapas, this online library of cooking classes will make your tummy growl. In-person classes available as well. WHEN: Anytime COST: $28 WHERE: Online INFO: theseasonedchef.com/cooking-on-demand WORDS Balsa Bark Battleship Bireme Boat Brig Buss Butty Cat Clipper Coaster Cob Dandy Dhow Dory Dow Dutch Barge Fly Funny Gig Hooker Howker Hoy Junk Ketch Koff Launch Liner Lorcha MTB Periagua Pink Polacre Pram Proa Raft Reed Rowing Scow Skiff Skip Smack Snow Tender Tug Xebec Yawl COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 MYSTERY CIDER THEATER 3000 Come watch the best/worst B-movies while Denver comedians riff on all their glorious ridiculousness. This month’s film is Dante’s Peak. WHEN: Jan 20, 6:30 p.m. COST: $8 (each tickets includes a free 10 oz. cider) WHERE: Waldschänke Ciders + Coffee, 4100 Jason St. INFO: facebook.com/waldschankedenver January 2023 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 $10,000+ Rose Community Foundation Max and Elaine Appel The Christian Foundation Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. $5,000 - $9,999 Bank of America Charitable Foundation Francis Trainer and Trainer Family $1,000-$4,999 Walker Family Foundation Jill Haug Katherine Standiford Whole Foods Foundation Russell Peterson Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Chris and Susan Pappas Michael Dino Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Frederic K Conover Trust Megan Arellano Keyrenter Property Management Denver The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Warren and Betty Kuehner Maggie Holben Matthew Seashore Michael J. Fehn and Jan Monnier Gaspar Terrana Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Lisa Wagner Joshua Kauer Elsbeth Williams $500-$999 John Gibson Fire on the Mountain Christopher Boulanger Sheryl Parker Laura Saunders Robert E and Anne T Sneed Family Foundation Barbara and Robert Ells Carol and Louis Irwin Donald Weaver Edwina Salazar James Stegman Jennifer Stedron Jeremy Anderson Stephen Saul WalMart Peter Iannuzzi Nikki Lawson 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 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! 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 January 2023
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. CLARE’S MINISTRY AT ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. 2nd Ave., dinner at 4pm on Tues. Also offer a change of clothes, toiletries and sleeping bags when available. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org 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 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.a-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 DRUG REHAB USA Addiction hotline: 866-716-0142. Organizations that take Medicaid: https://drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver 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, 1700 N Wheeling St., Aurora 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 2023 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! 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WHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 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. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE
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