EDITOR’S NOTE THE CONTINUED ACRIMONY over people’s vaccination status and division over political affiliations has kept much of our focus on the ugly side of human behavior. Meanwhile, members of our ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR community are in pain caused by the horrific Marshall Fire and the latest shooting spree that killed five of our neighbors. We cannot ignore the darkness or what causes it. At the same time, we must not forget there are more benevolent people in the world than there are evil. That’s why, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we are highlighting the words, actions, and creative expression of those whose compassion and caring are making things more tolerable. For this issue, we asked Denver VOICE vendors to share the nicest thing someone did for them over the past two years. Also in this issue, we are introduced to local organizations like the Arapahoe County Quilters and Pedestrian Dignity, whose efforts prove others are rallying to improve the lives of their fellow humans. One of the most meaningful traditions honoring those who died while experiencing housing instability is the annual vigil hosted by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. For many, this vigil is the only memorial acknowledging these individuals. You can read more about the vigil in Giles Clasen’s interview with the Coalition’s Cathy Alderman. You will also see the Valentine’s Day-themed illustrations created by Denver VOICE Vendors Gigi Galen and Lando Allen. Valentine’s Day may be a commercialized holiday, but it’s also a day when some of us celebrate those friendships and relationships that make our hearts swell. Right now, many of the people we hold most dear are hurting. We may not have the financial or material means to alleviate that pain, but rather than sit back and feel helpless, we can find ways to make their lives a little easier, and I hope the people and work covered in this issue are a reminder that by taking action, good is possible. ■ February CONTRIBUTORS GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. 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. ADRIAN MICHAEL is a Denver-based photographer who specializes in editorial, portraiture, documentary and street photography. He’s been creating images for over 15 years and has a passion for capturing the true essence of people. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Anthony Cornejo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Ashton Brown Haven Enterman Kersten Jaeger Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Lando Allen Giles Clasen Cat Evans Gigi Galen 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. Adrian Michael WRITERS John Alexander Lando Allen Giles Clasen Cat Evans Raelene Johnson Adrian Michael Jerry Rosen BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, Treasurer Zephyr Wilkins, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson 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 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE February 2022 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
3 Publizr Home