$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE Setting the Standard for foS Setting the Standard fong the Standard SLSLO SLO W FSLOW FO OW OO THE SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT AIMS TO BRING GOOD, CLEAN, FAIR FOOD TO ALL. r SLOW FOOD LOW FOOD FOOD FOOD ODOD THE SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT AIMS TO BRING GOOD CLEAN FAIR FOOD TO ALL PAGE 6 AFFORDABLE APARTMENT COMPLEX HELPS HOUSE SENIORS, VETERANS A NEW LOW-RISE COMPLEX IN LAKEWOOD OFFERS AFFORDABLE UNITS FOR SENIORS AND VETERANS. PAGE 4 PROFIT SHARING FOR ARVADA RENTERS RENTAL WEALTH FUND IS ONE OF FIRST TO ASSIST RENTERS WITH BUILDING WEALTH. PAGE 5 SHAME-FREE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC OPENS IN DENVER TBD HELPS ERASE STIGMA RELATED TO STDS BY MAKING PATIENTS FEEL SAFE AND COMFORTABLE. PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 5, 9, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 NOVEMBER 2023 | Vol.28 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: COURTESY OF IL PORCELLINO SALUMI
DIRECTOR’S NOTE AS WE COME TO THE CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL YEAR, I want to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. 2023 has been nothing short of inspiring, but it has also come with challenges. This past year has been pivotal— JAMES KAY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR not just for Denver VOICE, but for the unhoused individuals we are dedicated to serving. We’ve witnessed remarkable transformations within our community, with our vendors finding their voices, seizing economic opportunities, and embracing a renewed sense of purpose. Each step forward is a testament to the resilience and determination of those we aim to support. It’s been profoundly inspiring to see vendors not only surviving but thriving, embodying the essence of what Denver VOICE stands for. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the complexities we’ve faced. The challenges of homelessness, poverty, and social disparities are deeply entrenched, and our work is far from complete. This year has shown us that while progress is attainable, it demands unwavering commitment, unity, and creative solutions. Despite the obstacles our community has faced, I believe this is the moment for organizations, administrations, and the community to come together in a way we haven’t before. It’s a time to provide the comprehensive, wraparound services that are needed for long-term impact. Housing alone is not enough. It’s the integration of services, advocacy, economic empowerment, and healthcare along with reintegration into society that will create lasting change. Next month, both Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day present opportunities for our community to show their commitment to empowering the unhoused, fostering community engagement, and advocating for systemic change. Thank you for playing an integral part in helping us meet our mission, and thank you for your support. ■ THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS ROBERT DAVIS is an award-winning freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Newsline, Business Insider, Westword, and Medium.com. ASHTON SCHNEIDER graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in convergent journalism and a minor in cinema studies. She and her husband currently live with their two cats in Lakewood. 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. DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Kay MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Lanie Lee Cook Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Davis Gigi Galen WRITERS Rea Brown Michael Burkley 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. Cassandria Caramouch Robert Davis Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Jerry Rosen Ashton Schneider LarMarques “Misha” Smith Grace Thorburn Allysa Will BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, Treasurer Zephyr Wilkins, Secretary Michael Burkley Antonio Diaz Julia Watson 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 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE November 2023 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
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 RAELENE JOHNSON. Q A In honor of Thanksgiving, what person, event, or experience are you most grateful for? CASSANDRIA CARMOUCHE One of the greatest gifts that has been placed in my life is the Denver VOICE. I have been given the opportunity to be a vendor, a writer, an advocate, a volunteer, and best of all, a chance to have my voice heard. The entire staff, board members, as well as other vendors have become family to me. There is so much love, honor, and respect from everyone. My heart smiles every day with the thought of just being a part of such an amazing organization that truly cares for the ones that sometimes slip through the cracks in today’s world. RALENE JOHNSON I have had many blessings this past year, and I have also had some health challenges. I am grateful that I have good and supportive medical care, but I am most grateful for my daughter, who is moving to Colorado to help me get through the latest health issues I am facing. JASON MARTIN On August 3, 2023, Ivy Jade Vincent was born into the Martin family. Meghan (my daughter) was very excited about becoming a mother. So, Meghan was prepared for this adventure they’re embarking on. And seeing all of this unfold has made me the most grateful man on Planet Earth. Ivy looks a lot like my daughter, as well. So at the end of the day, remember to give thanks and be GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING you do or are a part of. ALYSSA WILL This year, I’m grateful for more things than I’ve been grateful for any other year. On the first day of being 19, I became stuck, and furthermore, homeless, due to the economy and how expensive everything is now. I’m grateful for the churches and organizations like the VOICE and supporters of the VOICE that help those of us who struggle. But most of all, I’m grateful for the person who has been my rock the whole time, Timothy Jones, who has shown me that love is stronger than any tide. MICHAEL BURKLEY I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with James Kay, our executive director for the Denver VOICE. He has really helped a lot of our vendors, including myself. Mr. Kay is a testament to all that is good in the world. JERRY ROSEN I am so thankful for knowing God. I’m thankful for so many wonderful things. I am also grateful because I lost a few things [that were important to me], and I found them. LARMARQUES “MISHA” SMITH Most organizations geared towards helping the homeless, only operate from Monday-Friday, 9-5. It can vary, but generally, these places are closed on the weekends. Needless to say, the weekend has become the part of the week I least look forward to. Until I discovered Café 180. Café 180 is a restaurant in Englewood, and much like the Same Café on Colfax, Café 180 allows its patrons to perform a task or chore as payment for a meal. You pay what you can afford, or you complete the task for an entrée, a side, and a dessert. Café 180 has become part of my weekend routine. So now, on Saturdays, my partner and I venture down to Café 180 for a nice Saturday afternoon lunch. 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 2023 DENVER VOICE 3
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT CREDIT: ROBERT DAVIS ROBINSON PLACE IN LAKEWOOD OPENS 67 AFFORDABLE UNITS FOR UNHOUSED SENIORS AND VETERANS BY ROBERT DAVIS CREDIT: ROBERT DAVIS A NEW LOW-RISE APARTMENT COMPLEX IN LAKEWOOD could help some low-income earning seniors find stable housing at a time when high housing costs are forcing a number of elderly people across the metro area onto the streets. The complex, which is called Robinson Place, is located at 2275 Wadsworth Blvd. It was named after Robb Lapp, who helped found the faith-based nonprofit housing developer of the complex, Archway Communities, in 1994. Robinson Place includes a total of 67 affordable units for seniors who earn up to 50% of the area’s median income, or $41,000 annually. Altogether, there are 59 one-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedroom units at Robinson Place. Fifteen of the units are also supported by HUD-VASH housing vouchers, a federal program that helps connect homeless military veterans with housing, case management, and wraparound services. The complex also has its own supportive service coordinator for residents who did not serve in the military and is close to multiple bus stops and restaurants to help residents lead an active lifestyle during their golden years. “This work doesn’t stop once someone gets a home,” Lee CREDIT: ROBERT DAVIS Bird, one of Archway’s board members, said at the grand opening ceremony on October 5. “You have to care for the whole person after they move in.” Each unit at Robinson Place is furnished with amenities such as a range, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator. The community also includes 24/7 maintenance, on-site laundry, and a community center. According to the Metro Denver CREDIT: ARCHWAY COMMUNITIES Homeless Initiative’s latest Point in Time count, there was a total of 854 people experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County, where Robinson Place is located. People aged 55 and over represent nearly 15% of that total, the data shows. 4 DENVER VOICE November 2023 CREDIT: ROBERT DAVIS Across the seven-county metro area, seniors make up about one-in-five people experiencing homelessness on a given night. That figure has stayed roughly the same since 2017, according to the Metro Denver Homeless initiative. But many seniors still face plenty of risks to their housing stability. Some of which include rising home prices and rents, rising interest rates, and stubborn inflation, all of which can eat away at a low-income earning seniors’ monthly budget. Currently, all 67 units at Robinson Place are occupied. However, Archway is still collecting a waitlist for people who are interested. To get on the waitlist, individuals can call Robinson Place at 720-821-3285, or email the property staff at robinsonplace@archwaycommunities.org. ■ CREDIT: ROBERT DAVIS CREDIT: ROBERT DAVIS
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT CREDIT: ARCHWAY COMMUNITIES CREDIT: ARCHWAY COMMUNITIES ARVADA TOWNHOMES PART OF NATION’S FIRST PROFIT SHARING MODEL FOR RENTERS BY ROBERT DAVIS A NEW WEALTH-GENERATION PILOT PROGRAM called the Renter Wealth Creation Fund launched at a pair of Arvada townhome complexes in September and is one of the first attempts in the U.S. to help renters build wealth by paying rent. The idea was formulated by Enterprise Community Partners, a national housing advocacy nonprofit. The fund aims to help renters build wealth by offering a 2.5% monthly cash-back incentive for on-time rent payments and an opportunity to share in a property’s appreciation if it is sold or refinanced after four years of residency. Enterprise’s Chief Investment Officer Chris Herrmann told Denver VOICE that these benefits will be made available to both current and future residents at the Sheridan Ridge and Willow Green Townhomes—located at 275 W. 66th Ave. and 6985 Sheridan Blvd., respectively—which the organization purchased in August 2023 as part of the fund. The properties will be managed by Archway Communities, a social services nonprofit based in Lakewood. Archway offers employment support, case management, citizenship classes, and many other supportive services to more than 1,500 renters at 10 properties across the state, according to the organization’s website. The two complexes include a total of 125 homes available for renters earning between 30% and 60% of Denver’s median income, or up to $74,460 for a family of four. A news release from Archway explains that Enterprise spent approximately $1.7 million to upgrade the buildings, which included adding new floors, roof upgrades, and improvements to the security features. “Resident services and support are central to our work at Archway Communities, and this fund provides a new approach to fund these critical services and support our residents on their path to a more stable future,” Archway CEO Sebastian Corradino said in a press release. Denverite reported that investors who funded the renovations will be compensated through enterprise bonds, also known as corporate bonds, issued by Enterprise. The operation also includes a philanthropic grant from the New York Life Foundation. “The New York Life Foundation is focused on fostering generational wealth-building solutions for traditionally underserved communities,” New York Life Foundation President Heather Nesle said. “The Renter Wealth Creation Fund fits that focus as an innovative strategy that actively encourages savings and provides direct financial support to renters, thereby paving the way for increased asset accumulation over time. We’re excited to be a part of this initiative and thrilled that the first properties have been identified.” The wealth creation fund was also launched at a time when home prices and rents continued to increase across the Denver metro area. Metro Denver’s median home price stood at more than $569,000 in August, which represents a 1.2% climb over the last 12 months, data from Redfin.com shows. At this price point, a homeowner needs to earn approximately $120,000 per year to avoid paying more than the recommended 30% of their income on a mortgage, assuming a 20% down payment and a 7% interest rate on the mortgage. CREDIT: ARCHWAY COMMUNITIES Based on data from Zumper, rents have increased by even more. Over the last year, the average rent in Denver has increased by $96 up to around $1,800 per month, with rents increasing the most for studios and one-bedroom units. To avoid paying more than 30% of their income on rent, Denver renters need to earn at least $72,000 per year. However, the city’s median salary is just over $59,000, according to Gusto. ■ 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 2023 creations, and use them to wrap your holiday gifts! . November 2023 DENVER VOICE 5 G 2019 ART BY VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON T BY VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNS NE JOHNSON N 2021 ART BY VOICE VENDOR PATRICK BALERIO T B TRICK BALERIO CK BALE BALE 2020 ART BY VOICE VENDOR JERRY ROSEN 20 AR
COMMUNITY PROFILE IL PORCELLINO SALUMI SETS THE STANDARD FOR LOCAL SLOW FOOD PHILOSOPHIES BY GRACE THORBURN THE SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT’S MISSION is to bring good, clean, fair food to all. Slow Food is founded on the belief that local slow food is good for the community and should be celebrated. In a little over two decades, the movement has evolved to embrace a comprehensive approach to food that recognizes the strong connections between plate, planet, people, politics, and culture. By striving to create a world, where people can eat food that is good for them, good for those who grow it, and good for the planet, the Slow Food movement has driven change in more than 160 countries. For Il Porcellino Salumi owner and chef Bill Miner, ethically sourced meat is of the utmost priority. The Denver-based salumeria—which is the Italian word for delicatessen—utilizes Colorado-cured and preserved meat that comes straight from a whole-animal butcher program, where every step of the process is done by hand. Specializing in charcuterie, Il Porcellino Salumi crafts artisan products at their USDA facility in Basalt, Colorado. Il Porcellino Salumi prides itself on producing meat that is pasture-raised and environmentally conscious, which results in higher-quality products that customers are willing to pay more for. While many restaurants in the Denver area have been recognized for following slow food practices, Il Porcellino Salumi is leading the way for delicatessens in Denver with its whole-animal utilization program. As one of the numerous COURTESY OF IL PORCELLINO SALUMI COURTESY OF IL PORCELLINO SALUMI COURTESY OF IL PORCELLINO SALUMI 6 DENVER VOICE November 2023
COMMUNITY PROFILE local businesses following slow food principles, Il Porcellino Salumi is a business that’s set a standard for slow food philosophies locally by adhering to sustainable food practices that cultivate community and connection. With increasing food and employment costs, traditional high-stakes competition has brought the importance of ethically sourced ingredients to the forefront in recent years. Local Slow Food chapters work to create affordable and accessible events focused on education and outreach. Slow food principles include local agricultural production, equitable working conditions, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and fair prices for producers. These practices are what qualify businesses as members of the Slow Food movement. “As we’ve grown, where we’re sourcing meat from and not working for people that are unethical is a priority,” said Miner. “[Unethical sourcing is] just not the right thing to do. You can tell a difference in the quality of the meat.” As a member of a larger-scale effort to further implement slow food practices, Slow Food’s local chapters in Denver and Boulder are working in pursuit of a more just and sustainable food system. By supporting local businesses such as Il Porcellino Salumi, the movement creates a community for people with a passion for the culture of local food systems. Despite its growth since Il Porcellino Salumi opened in 2015, Miner’s business model has never changed. He and his team are focused on working with small family farms that raise heritage breed animals sustainably. With one of the business’s greatest challenges being labor costs, “it’s tempting to buy bigger equipment and do things in a different manner,” Miner said. “But at the same time, we want to stay true to our products.” According to Slow Food Denver’s programs and outreach coordinator Mary Cappelletti, the appreciation and connection that Slow Food Denver’s organization helps facilitate, both locally and on a broader level, are among the high points of her job. Cappelletti runs the local chapter’s online communications and coordinates their events. “One of the best things about slow food is it’s so driven by joy and celebration,” Miner said. “It’s not about putting people down for doing it the wrong way…it’s about celebrating those that are trying and the many different ways that looks.” As the board chair of Boulder’s Slow Food chapter, Jodie Popma has been working to bridge the gap between healthy, local, and fresh food that is easy to prepare. “Every dollar we make from every event goes right back into our community,” Popma said. “When we do have an event [such as a farm dinner featuring local farmers], we like to pay our farmers rather than asking for donations.” Despite the challenges that rising labor costs present, businesses such as Miner’s Il Porcellino Salumi are leading the way by refusing to step down from ethical, old-world production strategies. The philosophy of the Slow Food movement lies in taking the time to learn and rediscover pleasure in everyday life by appreciating the pleasures and traditions of the table. “I like to think that customers recognize what we’re doing,” Miner said. “They understand the product cost a little bit more but that they can taste the difference in quality in our products.” ■ Denver VOICE readers may wonder why a street paper is spotlighting Slow Food, when it’s likely to cost consumers more money. We feel this effort toward sustainability is worthy of being highlighted, and hope that this movement continues to grow toward a future of clean, healthy food accessibility for all. COURTESY OF IL PORCELLINO SALUMI 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. 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. - 1 p.m. If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at: program@denvervoice.org COURTESY OF IL PORCELLINO SALUMI November 2023 DENVER VOICE 7
NATIONAL STORY Homeless centers must conform to architectural standards for emergency shelter. These standards have historically been influenced by institutional building design, which prioritizes attaining minimum conditions needed to keep people alive. Today, many homeless shelters struggle to provide even that level of care. The Human Services Campus was originally constructed in 2003 to provide consolidated services and a coordinated entry plan for people experiencing homelessness. However, it was intended to be part of a larger system of shelters, not the sole service provider for Phoenix’s estimated 9,000 homeless people. The city’s homeless population has grown, in part because of unprecedented rent increases and a lack of affordable housing. During this summer’s heat wave, nearly 1,200 unsheltered homeless people lived on sidewalks surrounding the campus, many in tents, with limited access to bathrooms and sanitation facilities. HOMELESSNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH When asked about the causes of homelessness, policymakers and members of the public often point to mental illness and addiction, as well as a lack of affordable housing. They tend to pay less attention to the underlying impacts of past trauma other than noting that many women become homeless to escape domestic violence. In a 2005 study, an alarming 79% of homeless women seeking treatment for mental illness and substance abuse reported experiencing a past traumatic event such as physical or sexual abuse. More recently, a 2020 study showed that nearly two-thirds of homeless women and almost half of homeless men reported that they were GENERAL VIEW OF A HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX AS UNHOUSED PEOPLE RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE FROM CIRCLE THE CITY’S MOBILE MEDICAL UNIT ON THE 14TH DAY OF TEMPERATURES RISING TO 110 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA, U.S., JULY 13, 2023. REUTERS/LILIANA SALGADO SHELTERS CAN HELP HOMELESS PEOPLE BY PROVIDING QUIET AND PRIVACY, NOT JUST A BUNK AND A MEAL BY NATALIE FLORENCE AND HEATHER ROSS THE CITY OF PHOENIX SET HEAT RECORDS in the summer of 2023, with high temperatures that topped 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) for 31 consecutive days and at least 54 days in total. In such conditions, providing basic services—including cool spaces—for people experiencing homelessness is lifesaving. In 2022, 420 people—many of them unsheltered – died in Phoenix from heat-related causes. Estimates are not yet available for summer 2023, but given this year’s extreme conditions, the toll is expected to be higher. For the past two years, we have worked as researchers with the Human Services Campus, a 13-acre complex in Maricopa County, Arizona, where 16 nonprofit organizations work together to help people who are experiencing homelessness. The campus includes Central Arizona Shelter Services, or CASS, Phoenix’s largest homeless emergency shelter, which assists 800 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Our work includes talking with staff and clients to better 8 DENVER VOICE November 2023 OVERFLOWING SHELTERS As of 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that the U.S. had nearly 600,000 homeless people nationwide, with about 60% living in emergency shelters, safe havens, or transitional housing. The other 40% lived outdoors or in places such as abandoned buildings and public transit stations. understand their challenges and identify possible solutions that draw from our work in the fields of architecture, health, and social innovation. Dormitories at CASS protect residents from extreme heat with a bunk to sleep in, day rooms for socializing, case management services, and sanitary shower and restroom facilities. However, CASS struggles to provide dignified spaces that offer privacy, storage space, and quiet environments. People need this kind of environmental support in order to battle recurring physical and mental health issues that often accompany homelessness and can hinder or prevent healing. homeless because of trauma. Shelter design can affect homeless people’s ability to recover from past trauma and to battle addiction and other mental health issues that perpetuate cycles of homelessness. For example, one woman who currently lives in CASS told us about trying to get a full night’s sleep while living in a day room where the lights were kept on around the clock and there was constant activity. Because she had several bags of personal items that were too big to store in the dormitory, she could not get a bed there. “When they don’t turn the lights down at night, I start to feel like my body is vibrating,” she said. “I start to see people walking around, and I’m not sure if they are even really there.” Routinely sleeping less than seven hours per night can be harmful to health. It lowers immune function, increases chronic pain, and raises the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and death. For homeless people battling mental health challenges, addiction, and past trauma, rest and recovery are essential to getting back on their feet. CASS staff have tried to create healthier sleep spaces, such as dorms that remain dark, quiet, and cool at all times. Priority access goes to people with jobs. These sections can house only about a third of CASS’s residents, leaving others to sleep in dorms where there is more noise and light. MORE SUPPORTIVE SPACES Simply feeding people and providing them with places to sleep is a major challenge for shelters in cities where homelessness is rising. But some have found ways to think more broadly. In San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages, a nonprofit network with a central campus and scattered-site programs, houses more than 2,000 people nightly. San Diego’s more temperate climate makes it less urgent to maximize the number of people they shelter indoors, so staff at Father Joe’s can use its decentralized design to create shelters with private and quiet spaces. The Father Joe’s network includes multiple smaller-scale facilities where clean bathrooms are easily accessible and
NATIONAL STORY homeless people can use basic amenities like laundry and storage. One example is Mary’s Place, a collection of diverse shelters that provides emergency and long-term support in smaller facilities modeled after the simplicity and comfort of a home. People experience less stress and can more easily navigate the challenge of ending their own homelessness when they can get a restful night’s sleep in a quiet environment, with spaces that allow them some privacy. We are encouraged to see other U.S. shelters moving in this direction – but there’s a long way to go. STEPS TOWARD BETTER DESIGN To address the lack of privacy at CASS, we have proposed subdividing the day room into more private spaces to accommodate activities like online telehealth appointments, counseling, and job interviews. To tackle the long-term impacts of overcrowding, we also have recommended introducing sanitation amenities, such as laundry facilities, “hot boxes” to sanitize clothing and bedding, more bathroom facilities, and reliable trash removal to reduce the spread of infection and pests such as bedbugs and lice. For new facilities, designers could consider small changes, such as increased storage and more diligent regulation of temperature, light, and noise. Hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities have found many ways in recent decades to use design to support patients’ health. Many of the same concepts can be applied to emergency shelters and help turn these facilities from institutional warehouses into spaces of health and opportunity. ■ Natalie Florence is a Ph.D. candidate in humanitarian design and infrastructure studies at Arizona State University. Heather Ross is a clinical associate professor in nursing and clinical associate professor at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University. Courtesy of The Conversation / International Network of Street Papers Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. AUTUMN WISH LIST NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant Chapstick, sunscreen Bottled water 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 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 ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI GALEN November 2023 DENVER VOICE 9
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT SHAME-FREE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC: A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE DENVER COMMUNITY BY ASHTON SCHNEIDER TBD IS A NEW SEXUAL HEALTH CENTER that opened its doors in early October. Recognizing a need for a clinic that offered shame-free and inclusive sexual healthcare, Co-founders Stephanie Estey and Daphne Chen established their first TBD clinic in Las Vegas a year ago. In an interview with Denver VOICE, Estey explained that the care hub helps erase the stigma related to STDs by making patients feel safe and comfortable in seeking sexual health care. “Testing doesn’t have to be this serious thing that feels really heavy,” Estey said, “but something that you can really be proud of [because you are taking time for self-care].” The Denver TBD clinic will operate similarly to the one in Las Vegas, which caters to a wide range of patients—from young teenagers to those who are elderly. “If you’re having sex, you should be thinking about your sexual health,” said Estey. “We don’t care how many partners you have; we just want to make sure you’re doing it in the best, healthiest way.” Like the one in Las Vegas, the Denver care hub provides Pap smears, birth control, and STD testing. Each patient is greeted by a doctor who walks them through what they can expect while at the clinic and answers whatever questions they may have. According to Estey, she and Chen saw Denver as an ideal location for their second care hub, due to the area’s rising cases of STIs/STDs. Additionally, Colorado is among the states that do not mandate sexual education in schools. XXXX COURTESY OF TBD DENVER 10 DENVER VOICE November 2023
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT The Denver TBD care hub is working on setting up a partnership with Colorado Medicaid to help patients who can’t afford the price point. According to TBD employee Peyton Weaver, TBD’s opening in October was well-received by community members. To COURTESY OF TBD DENVER COURTESY OF TBD DENVER Health clinics often have limited appointments available, or it may take several weeks to see a doctor, but according to Estey, the TBD medical team is determined to see as many patients as possible. “If you walk in [to our clinic], you might have to wait 10 to 15 minutes,” said Estey. “We pride ourselves on being able to offer appointments that are the same day, because [addressing] sexual health is important.” Cost is often something patients worry about when going to the doctor, but Estey said TBD strives for affordability. “If TBD is outside what you are able to spend, we always make sure we hook you up with good resources,” Estey said. Services at the Las Vegas clinic vary from $60 for a general consultation, to a polyamorous/unsure exposure panel for $325. This panel is full-range of STD testing for those with multiple partners, or just those who are unsure about their status. Estey said the Denver clinic’s prices are similar. COURTESY OF TBD DENVER drum up business and encourage word-of-mouth referrals, the clinic offered free STI tests. There was also a ribbon-cutting ceremony with members from Mayor Johnston’s office and representatives of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “Clients are so excited to have a care hub like this in the area—where not only can they get tested, but learn about sexual health,” said Weaver. According to Estey, the most important role the clinic can fill is to provide a judgment-free zone where patients can get the services they need. “[If we can] get people to feel good about getting STD/STI tests and having great, healthy sex, we are making progress towards fulfilling our commitment,” Estey said. Anyone who is not comfortable visiting the clinic can request STI/STD testing kits from TBD’s website. For more information on TBD’s Denver care hub, visit https://www. tbd.health/clinic/denver-larimer. ■ November 2023 DENVER VOICE 11
IN YOUR OWN WORDS THANK YOU, SELF BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR THE MIRROR IS BLURRY CLEAR BY REA BROWN, VOICE VENDOR BACK ON THE STREETS BY REA BROWN, VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA THANK YOU, SELF, for truly loving Self. You went from believing you were put on this earth to be used and abused and hearing people always tell you that you can’t do it, or you will fail at anything you do. You start to believe their words, and over time, you give up on Self. You have learned to stop believing anything anyone said to me if it was negative. People try to break you down because they are broken. Hurt people hurt other people, so stop believing what they say. Thank you, Self, for learning that lesson. One thing I found out is all the pain of the past made me a stronger person. The past taught me compassion for others. Thank you for finally understanding there was a reason for all the pain of the past and why I survived the trauma. You came out of it, and now, you can use that pain you went through so you can really change other people’s lives for the better, and that is the best thing ever—to channel all that you have gone through Thank you, Self, for finding your voice. Thank you for finding Self... You have come so far. Thank you for loving Self and being able to really love others. Thank you for the life I have now. Thank you for letting go of the past. It has set me free! Thank you for not letting anyone break you down anymore. Only you can change you. No one can change you if you don’t want them to. You are WORTH THAT GOOD THING. I know I had to change, and I’m living the BEST LIFE EVER. ■ REA BROWN. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED THIS YEAR the mirror is blurry clear I’m in a war with weaponry man doesn’t manufacturer gear at times I’m the naked truth that nobody wants to hear. The new thing that people do as if it’s cool to disappear, or they ask me to stop so my words don’t enter into their ear I can imagine they group together and speak of it with goofy cheer what a good laugh they must have talking trash like a happy ass meanwhile the past is full of gas speeding fast at classy dear which was my biggest fear the clarity of my voice mislead many to think I’m near but I’m never there I’m here looking over the sea of time whispering from its pier like a seer for his peers but they’re so full of beer and queer (weird) the need to steer is queer. I’m bound to be washed away by months, minutes, or tears; so much has happened this year the mirror is blurry clear. ■ THIS IS NOT THE TIME or the place to state all the facts that relate to what some would say is one of the greatest mysteries to date, from stone tablets to hieroglyphs, ancient artifacts, and secret documents—it’s becoming more and more evident the fate of our future awaits Burchett’s (one of the leading members of Congress) updates on UAP activity in the United States. You may be wondering, “What does that have to do with being back on the streets, or poverty?” But I can’t help but think how this won’t affect everything. Especially how we look at history. Are they advanced, HOMELESS TRAVELERS, or advanced information gatherers? Unbeknownst to many, Nickola Tesla is reported to have found a satellite orbiting Earth that is not from our planet. It is believed to be so powerful that they can’t even keep it a secret. In other words, nobody can bring it to a lab and test it; it makes me wonder why this information isn’t more relevant. I mean, how many years have they been selling it? Superman is a story of a homeless child who was heaven-sent. Living on Earth as a resident. For years many have been waiting for evidence more than manuscripts, paintings, and comic strips. And even though I’m suffering from hatred, loneliness, and homelessness I wouldn’t miss it for the world Back on the Streets.■ This “Back on the Streets” piece is in homage to Brian Augustine, who passed away in January. When he died, Augustine was writing a monthly column about what it was like to return to living on the streets when he could no longer afford his rent. Through the end of this year, various VOICE vendors intend to contribute something in honor of Brian Augustine’s legacy. 12 DENVER VOICE November 2023
EVENTS LAUGH LAB Local comedians test out new material and tweak existing bangers at Rise Comedy’s weekly Laugh Lab. Some comics will concoct the perfect formula while other jokes will immediately implode but regardless, the results will be entertaining! WHEN: Nov 1, 8, 15, 29, 8 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: RISE Comedy, 1260 22nd St. INFO: risecomedy.com DENVER FILM FESTIVAL Currently in its 46th year, the Denver Film Festival provides the opportunity to immerse oneself in world-class cinema for 10 straight days. This year’s fest will feature national and international independent films, creative conversations, post-screening Q+As, VR experiences, and additional special events. Choose from fancy-pants red carpet screenings or low-budget indie gems, while you hang with other film lovers and makers. WHEN: Nov 3 – Nov 12 COST: Ticket prices vary. WHERE: Multiple venues INFO: denverfilm.org ACROSS OPENING DAY OF THE DENVER CHRISTKINDL MARKET Civic Center Park will once again be transformed into a traditional German holiday market, complete with festive music, big beers, a heated tent, soft pretzels, Gluhwein, holiday knickknacks, and twinkling lights. Market runs through December 23rd; check the website for daily hours and entertainment. WHEN: Nov 17, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE: Civic Center Park, Colfax & Broadway INFO: christkindlmarketdenver.com WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE SEMINAR Attendees will learn the importance of situational awareness and ways to avoid being targeted. They will also learn the proper mechanics of striking, as well as some basic moves to get out of an attack. WHEN: Nov 19, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. COST: $17 WHERE: Flow Yoga Studio, 2550 Youngfield St., Lakewood, CO INFO: facebook.com/lifes2shortfitness TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BUG Come on out to The Bug on the last Tuesday of every month for free trivia with Denver Trivia League! WHEN: Nov 28, 7 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St. INFO: bugtheatre.org 1. Calypso offshoot 4. Fictional Swiss miss 9. “What’s the ___?” 13. Celestial bear 15. “Hamlet” courtier 16. Iridescent gem 17. Providing (for), in a schedule 19. The b in n.b. 20. Makes furious 21. Put in storage 23. Supermarket worker 24. Committed to 25. Bloodshot 26. Vigorous exercises 29. Dog-___ 32. Streaming service now retired in the US 33. “The Matrix” hero 34. Got bigger 35. Picture puzzle 36. In good health 37. PC image file type whose pronunciation is a perennial debate 38. Open to bribery 39. Brahmans, e.g. 40. Lizards (anagram of SIR SAUNA) 42. Warning sound 43. Shower scrubber 44. Algebra and trig, for calc 48. Overwhelm 50. Gets with the program 51. Poor marks 52. Secondary 54. Departed 55. Be eco-friendly 56. Slammin’ Sammy 57. ___’acte 58. Research physician’s dual deg. 59. Middle part of a date DOWN 1. Jumbo combatants 2. Frank topping 3. Invite along for 4. Didn’t share 5. Aromatic compound that sounds like a girl’s name 6. Pupil’s locale that sounds like a different girl’s name 7. Faint 8. Shipping hazards 9. Rub elbows 10. Italian range (anagram of SIENNA PEN) 11. Window section 12. Vehicle that runs on snow 14. Flight staff 18. In the buff 22. Langston Hughes poem 24. 1988 Olympics site 26. Arafat’s successor 27. Welshman or Irishwoman 28. Shoe bottom 29. Baker’s dozen? 30. Diva’s song 31. Shining brightly (anagram of GENTLE FUR) 32. Reddish brown dye used in Hindu wedding ceremonies 35. Assert anew 36. Rabbit homes 38. Six-stringed instrument 39. Kind of paper 41. Alarm clock, ideally 42. Handed out 51-Across (and other letters, hopefully) 44. Engage in an online scam 45. Bar, legally (anagram of PESTO) 46. Somewhat 47. Water balloon sound 48. Leg up 49. Broadway brightener 50. Atlantic food fish 53. Actor Beatty COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 November 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+ Anonymous Individual Donor Matt and Nikki Seashore Cisco Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. $5,000 - $9,999 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority The Christian Foundation Bank of America Charitable Foundation Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Francis Trainer and Trainer Family Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation Envestnett $1,000-$4,999 Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Katherine Standiford Frederic K Conover Trust Walker Family Foundation Alexander Seavall Jill Haug Whole Foods Foundation Alex Salva Rose Community Foundation Russell Peterson Chris and Susan Pappas Michael Dino Julia and David Watson Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Megan Arellano Warren and Betty Kuehner Keyrenter Property Management Denver Mathew Rezek SEI Giving Fund Donald Weaver The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Gaspar Terrana Maggie Holben Michael J. Fehn and Jan Monnier Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Lisa Wagner Joshua Kauer Elsbeth Williams $500-$999 Margaret Ramp John Gibson James and Cyndi Lesslie 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 Edwina Salazar James Stegman Jennifer Stedron Jeremy Anderson Stephen Saul WalMart Peter Iannuzzi Nikki Lawson CEDS Finance Graham Davis Impact Assets Courage and Community Foundation Louis Irwin Mary Livernois Mr B’s Liquor Wines For Humanity KL&A Engineers and Builders 14 DENVER VOICE November 2023 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
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 ACS COMMUNITY LIFT: 5045 W. 1st Ave., Denver; rentassistance.org 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/ 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 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 November 2023 DENVER VOICE 15 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
On Tuesday, December 5, our community will come together to “give where we live” during Colorado’s largest one-day online giving event. We invite you to join our community on this day and support the Denver VOICE! This year we have a goal of raising $30,000 on Colorado Gives Day, and all gifts made that day on our website will link you directly to this effort. But you can schedule your gift starting November 1! Simply go to www.coloradogives. org/denvervoice/overview. Under the donation amount, check the box that says “Schedule a donation for Colorado Gives Day” and complete the process. Your gift delivers ongoing support for the more than 100 individuals we employ each year through the vendor program - giving everyone that comes to us in need the opportunity that comes from tools of empowerment and hope for change! DECEMBER 5 (schedule your donation now!)
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