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
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