$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE Addressing Period Poverty in Colorado JUSTICE NECESSARY STRIVES TO MAKE PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS MORE ACCESSIBLE. PAGE 6 THE FIGHT TO END MATERNAL MORTALITY LOOKING AT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND INCREASED RISK OF MATERNAL DEATH. PAGE 5 LOVE ON THE STREETS TWO VOICE VENDOR COUPLES TALK ABOUT LOVE WHILE FACING HOUSING INSTABILITY. PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 9, 10, 11,12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 FEBRUARY 2024 | Vol.29 Issue 2 SINCE 1997, WE HAVE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TO WORK. DONATE TODAY TO ENSURE OUR VENDORS CONTINUE TO HAVE JOBS. (DENVERVOICE.ORG) STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2023: ENSURING RIGHTS AND CHOICES KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. PAGE 4 FROM YOUR VENDOR: CREDIT: GILES CLASEN
EDITOR’S NOTE TO QUOTE THE INTRODUCTION ROBERT DAVIS SO ELOQUENTLY WROTE for our “Love on the Streets” profiles in this issue, “It is challenging enough to face homelessness, when laws exist that criminalize basic actions ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR like sleeping or sharing food in public places. When the people who are spending their nights in shelters or public spaces have no room for private conversations or intimate moments, it makes it next to impossible for them to pursue or maintain a romantic relationship.” By sharing the stories of Tim and Alyssa, and Jason and Larmarques, we hope to remind our readers that the desire to give and receive love is universal. While many of us glance at encampments as we drive or walk past them, it is too easy to see only the tents. But each of those tents represents at least one person who spends their nights there. And like the rest of us, the people staying in those tents dream of finding love or enjoying the loving relationships they have. Demonstrating love for another is more than giving sentimental cards, flowers, or candy on Valentine’s Day. When we love someone else, we don’t feel that emotion just during commercial holidays. And when we know we are loved by others it makes the good times even better and the bad times less daunting. So, not just on Valentine’s Day but every day – may we all share and experience the gift of genuine love, and may we also make it a habit to let those we care about know they matter. ■ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Kay MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan 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, the Colorado Sun, and Medium.com. 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. WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. PROGRAM COORDINATOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Lanie Lee Cook Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Giles Clasen Gigi Galen WRITERS Lando Allen Robert Davis Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Larmarques Smith Grace Thorburn DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @deeOCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, President Zephyr Wilkins, Secretary Antonio Diaz, Treasurer Michael Burkley Cassandria Carmouche Robert Davis Nikki Lawson Julia Watson Cabal Yarne 2 DENVER VOICE February 2024 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 LANDO ALLEN. Q A If you don’t like your situation (where you live/sleep, your relationship, your health, etc.) , what can YOU do to improve that situation? LANDO ALLEN When I got to Denver, I came across a situation, where a guy was mad at me for snoring while I was sleeping at the shelter. I listened to my voice and got a car and camper to get out of the shelter because they took my stuff. I never looked back. But it’s not easy because I am looking at the city that has tried to take my camper. I’m trying to do the right thing and fix up my camper so it drives better. RAELENE JOHNSON The very first thing to do is ask for help (and want to receive that help). Only when you’re ready to make a change will you start taking chances on yourself and helping yourself get where you need to go by asking for help. When you ask for help and are told what to do, don’t complain. If you complain all the time then you really don’t want the help. In Colorado, there is all kinds of help available if you really want it. JASON MARTIN My health has been on my mind a lot lately, I was diagnosed with Hep C back in 2014, and I didn’t meet the criteria to receive the cure for it. Now, I can receive the cure for free, and I don’t have to meet any criteria, so I’m going to care of it. LARMARQUES SMITH One might think, “Just leave the situation,” but that is easier said than done. Most people grow complacent and choose to stay in an uncomfortable, yet familiar place, rather move to someplace that is unfamiliar. I would research options for other places and make an educated decision on where I should go, based on what needs I have and what resources are available to me. Only I can improve my current situation. 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. February 2024 DENVER VOICE 3
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2023: ENSURING RIGHTS AND CHOICES KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BY UNFPA BRAZIL THE WORLD POPULATION HAS REACHED 8 BILLION PEOPLE. This is a milestone to be celebrated: it represents longer and healthier lives, with more rights and choices than ever in humanity’s history. But for some groups, the understanding of the scenario was different: headlines warn of a world heading towards overpopulation, or of countries and even entire regions aging into obsolescence. Such representations represent birth rates as both a problem and a solution but do not recognize the autonomy of the people who give birth. Expanding and guaranteeing human rights, especially of women and girls, should be the central concern. Additionally, migration, often addressed with a tone of alarm, must be considered as part of the solution: in countries of origin, it can reduce unemployment and underemployment and contribute to reducing poverty and promoting wider economic and social development, while meeting workforce demands in destination countries. The new data published by The State of World Population 2023, “8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: In defense of rights and choices”, from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), shows that it is possible to reach higher levels of development, progress, and equality. But only if governments and the media work together to guarantee access to rights, as well as the information for conscious choices, abandoning the narrative of increasing or decreasing populations and of an alleged ideal number of children. History has shown that fertility policies created to increase or decrease birth rates are frequently ineffective and tend to harm women’s rights. Several countries have implemented programs to create larger families, offering financial incentives and rewards ILLUSTRATED BY TIAGO PALMA Instead of asking how quickly people are reproducing, political leaders should ask if individuals, especially women, are able to freely make their own reproductive choices – a question to which the answer is, very frequently, no. “The quest for fertility goals and the attempt to influence to women and their families, but continue to see birth rates below two children per woman. Meanwhile, there are efforts to slow down population increase through forced sterilization and coercive contraception – a severe violation of human rights. Women’s bodies and access to prevention possibilities and unintended pregnancies cannot be factors controlled by population policies. Demography cannot be synonymous with a reduction in rights. women’s reproductive decision-making will only result in failure,” says Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA. “History has established that those policies are rarely effective and harm women’s rights. Investing in people and in their potential is the safest way to prosperity and peace.” A staggering 44% of women and girls in 68 countries do not have the right to make informed decisions about their bodies when it comes to having sex, using contraceptives, and seeking medical care, and it is estimated that 257 million women worldwide have an unmet need for safe and reliable contraceptives. Family planning should not be used as a tool to reach fertility goals – in fact, it should be used as a tool to give people greater possibilities. Women should be able to choose if, when, and how often they would like to have children, without coercion from so-called experts and authorities. The report emphatically recommends that governments establish policies with gender equality and rights at their core, such as parental license programs, child tax credits, policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, universal access to healthcare, and sexual and reproductive rights. These policies offer a proven formula that will reap economic dividends and lead to resilient societies that are capable of thriving, regardless of population changes. Only with organized policies will we be able to guarantee that people make well-informed and protected choices regarding reproduction. ■ Courtesy of UNFPA Brazil / INSP.ngo 4 DENVER VOICE February 2024
INTERNATIONAL STORY THE FIGHT TO END MATERNAL MORTALITY BY UNFPA BRASIL FROM 2015 TO 2020, approximately 8,000 women in Latin America and the Caribbean died each year due to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum complications. In 2020, the number of maternal deaths in the region increased by 9% from 2019. It is estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic set regional maternal health indicators back by 20 years. While all women are at risk of experiencing pregnancyrelated complications, there is a clear relationship between socioeconomic status and increased risk of maternal illness and death. These deaths continue to reflect gender inequality, ethnicity, place of residence, and education – factors associated with socioeconomic level. The most common causes are high blood pressure during pregnancy, bleeding, and complications from unsafe abortion. However, nine out of 10 of these deaths are avoidable with quality healthcare, access to contraception, and reduced inequality in access to care. The Inter-Agency Working Group to Reduce Maternal Mortality (IWG), part of the United Nations Population Fund, launched a campaign “Zero Maternal Deaths. Avoid the Avoidable” – a joint declaration addressed to the governments of Latin America and the Caribbean, civil society, the private sector, and the media to increase political and financial commitment and prioritize maternal health. As a member of the IWG, the UNFPA appeals to governments to increase political and financial commitment and prioritize maternal health; donors to contribute financial resources; technical agencies to provide the necessary assistance; and the media to highlight this critical issue. Without this joint effort, progress in eradicating preventable maternal deaths will stall, and the basic human rights to health and life will continue to be threatened. “Maternal morbidity and mortality is not just a health problem, it is also a social and political problem,” said Florbela Fernandes, UNFPA representative in Brazil. “It has health and economic implications for families and communities, given the important role that women play in family life, the community and countries’ social and economic development.” ■ Courtesy of Traços / INSP.ngo 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. ILLUSTRATED BY TIAGO PALMA If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at: program@denvervoice.org February 2024 DENVER VOICE 5
COMMUNITY PROFILE CREDIT: GILES CLASEN JUSTICE NECESSARY: ADDRESSING PERIOD POVERTY IN COLORADO BY GRACE THORBURN DIANE CUSHMAN NEAL WAS ADMITTED into a Denver hospital with cystic fibrosis and after several weeks, came out of it with the news the condition had damaged her lungs. She would need a double lung transplant to survive. This was in March 2020, just a few days before COVID-19 began sweeping the country. “The world stopped,” she recalled in an interview with Denver VOICE. “So, I came home and said, ‘How are we going to do this during a respiratory pandemic?’” Cushman Neal said that she thought about her situation and realized that instead of worrying, she should put her talents into advocating for positive change and helping others rather than focusing on her problems. With that, she decided to take action. This is not an unusual approach for Cushman Neal, who said her family describes her as having relentless determination and a knack for generating ideas, which has motivated her to take on various philanthropic projects throughout her life. Cushman Neal’s initial passion for change-making in the community was sparked as a youth when she volunteered at food pantries, and since then, her desire to help others has continued to blossom. As Denver and other cities locked down during the peak of the pandemic, news stories reported that newly out-ofwork families were rushing to food pantries. It occurred to Cushman Neal that if kids weren’t in school, due to the pandemic, it meant they weren’t getting free lunches or breakfasts, and families were going hungry. When Cushman Neal offered to help her local pantry, she learned about an even bigger issue. Not only was lack of food a problem, but as the pantry workers explained, feminine hygiene products were scarce. According to the pantry staff, when a woman came in looking for period products, there was only a small supply of tampons or pads. Cushman Neal said this made her wonder if feminine hygiene was overlooked, how were menstruating girls and women going to cope? Cushman Neal recognized that when a mother faces challenges accessing period products, that need often extends to difficulties in obtaining diapers for their children. That situation can lead parents to prioritize their children’s needs over their own. “[I] made this pact in my head that I was going to get [the pantry] a year’s worth of products anonymously and help them get through the pandemic,” Cushman Neal said. “In doing so, I had this epiphany that if someone doesn’t have PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTICENECESSARY.ORG 6 DENVER VOICE February 2024
COMMUNITY PROFILE CREDIT: GILES CLASEN period products, that also means they don’t have diapers, and they’ll sacrifice period products for diapers.” This flash-of-lightening inspiration led to a significant change for Cushman Neal. She contacted the Jewish Family Service’s food program and suggested that they host a drive for food and hygiene products. She explained to them that she would help, but she would have to work in isolation, as she couldn’t risk exposure to others due to her cystic fibrosis and delicate lungs. JFS food program’s annual fall food drive in 2020 was held virtually due to COVID-19. Cushman Neal had been working with an organic, eco-friendly period company. She’d negotiated favorable pricing for the period products, and her goal was to secure a similar pricing arrangement with a diaper company to maximize the funds raised. The drive ran parallel with the JFS annual food drive for 30 days raising the equivalent of 6,000 months of period products and 80,000 diapers. Pleased with the result, Cushman Neal thanked the pantry staff and suggested they do it again next year. In response, they said, “Oh no, your work is not finished at all, you need to keep going.” So, she did, and along the way, Justice Necessary was born. Today, Cushman Neal is building on that success in the wake of external circumstances that continue to force too many into choosing to go without period products and diapers so that they can feed their families. A report published in 2022 by Justice Necessary found that 47% of Colorado women experience period poverty. Period poverty refers to the struggle women face when trying to afford menstrual products. To address this struggle Justice Necessary is delivering personal hygiene products to schools, food pantries, and outreach organizations to meet immediate hygiene needs in Colorado communities. A few of their partners include CU Denver, The Salvation Army, Jeffco Public Schools, and the Period Menstrual Movement. “People aren’t paying attention to this issue [of period poverty],” said Kate Swindell, a team member for the organization PERIOD – a nonprofit working to eradicate period poverty globally. “It’s a think globally, act locally type of movement right now.” According to Swindell, PERIOD was established through the passion of 16-year-old Nadya Okamata from Portland, Oregon, who gave a name and face to the problem of period poverty. PERIOD, which is made up of 10 women, strives to eradicate period poverty and stigma through advocacy such as their worldwide Period Action Day. Swindell said that “Giving people language and helping people feel comfortable with their bodies and their biological processes,” is the most rewarding part of her work with PERIOD. “Getting comfortable with the word [period] and talking about menstruation has been the coolest thing to see. People say it, own it, and use it.” Assistance programs in Colorado, such as Women, Infants, and Children and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, don’t cover the costs of diapers, baby wipes, or feminine hygiene products. What’s more, the FDA’s decision in February 2023 to cut extra funding to government programs like SNAP, and months of unusually high inflation, have battered many struggling families and reduced their buying power by magnitudes. “So, when that happened, people in Colorado lost an average of $90 per person [per month] in their household…,” said Cushman Neal. “A family of four that was receiving food benefits through SNAP would lose a total of $360 [per month] in the ability to buy groceries. For a senior receiving $212 [per month] it went down to $23 [per month]. [When] you think about that and then you reflect that back on your grocery bill, hygiene becomes one of the last things.” According to Cushnman Neal, because SNAP and WIC benefits don’t cover hygiene product expenses, food pantries are stretched to their limits, and most are in dire need of hygiene products, specifically feminine hygiene products, diapers, and baby wipes. Cushman Neal said that in just one month, Justice Necessary’s partner agencies experienced a 467% increase in requests for period products. “If you don’t have to go out without your hygiene products, you quite often don’t put yourself in the shoes of someone who might,” said Wendy Z, who asked that her last name be withheld for privacy. According to Wendy Z, without Justice Necessary’s work to ensure that basic hygiene products are available at food pantries, she would not have been able to get the necessary products she needed. “If everyone had access to period products it would be a miracle,” she said. Period poverty impacts menstruators physically, medically, emotionally, and socially. In 2022, Justice Necessary surveyed 1,256 Coloradans who identified as female between the ages of 18-40 about their access to period products in the past 12 months and how that impacted their daily lives. Sixty-seven percent of women felt uncomfortable and stressed out when they didn’t have adequate access to period products. Fortyone percent of respondents used period products longer than recommended, and 38% of women missed personal activities due to period poverty. By using hygiene products longer than recommended, menstruators are at risk for bacterial infections, skin irritations, and a slew of other health problems caused by a lack of access to clean and hygienic products. Continued on page 8 February 2024 DENVER VOICE 7
COMMUNITY PROFILE Continued from page 7 “When you think about how easy it is on a medical level and then formaldehyde [a harmful, potentially cancer-causing chemical which is found in many menstrual products] goes into or on a menstruator’s body, you think about what does that do long term?” said Cushman Neal. Cushman Neal said that by providing the community with hygiene products that are free of harmful chemicals and environmentally responsible, they’re avoiding boomeranging these women back into a system where they will need medical help in the long term due to these harmful chemicals entering their bodies. For someone with a motto of “dream it, plan it, do it,” connecting with nearly 1,000 pantries and organizations in Colorado that provide personal hygiene products to menstruators in the Colorado community is just the starting point of Cushman Neal’s work. Justice Necessary will soon launch “Find Your Pantry,” a program to help community members find their nearest pantry for food, period products, hygiene products, and more. “By doing this, it allows us to tell people in Colorado where to go so that you don’t have somebody traveling across town with their children to find out they can’t get diapers, they can’t get period products,” said Cushman Neal. “There’s so many people that are so generous that can work on a community level to support each other.” At the heart of Cushman Neal’s work at Justice Necessary CREDIT: GILES CLASEN Justice Necessary forges connections and educates policymakers about this hidden crisis to build a community where everyone has access to hygiene basics. Thus far, Justice Necessary has donated at least 3.1 million organic period products, 82,216 and counting eco-friendly diapers and wipes, and 190,348 other basic hygiene essentials. The organization also played a key role in advocating for policy change. The collaboration with the HB22-1055 Stakeholder Group to raise awareness about period poverty and diaper needs ultimately led to the removal of the Colorado state sales tax on essential products such as period products, diapers, and incontinence products. Justice Necessary was also successful in securing an official proclamation from the State of Colorado and Governor Polis for Diaper Need Awareness Week in September 2023. Currently, Justice Necessary is running legislation in the 2024 legislative session to ensure access to period products for middle and high school students in Colorado. Affordability, access, and awareness are the three driving factors of the period poverty crisis. According to Cushman Neal, Coloradans who live 20 to 50 miles away from stores that are already on the smaller side may be forced to buy personal hygiene products at a higher price. Beyond the issue of access to period products and their affordability, Justice Necessary is also committed to people with serious illnesses. Speaking from her experience, Cushman Neal said that individuals with cystic fibrosis are recommended to consume 4,000 calories a day. “When you think about a family raising a kid with cystic fibrosis needing to buy 4,000 calories of food per day, that’s another reason hygiene gets put on the back burner because you have to make that choice in the checkout line,” Cushman Neal said. “But the reality is, if you have a serious illness, hygiene can be the difference, I’m not being overdramatic but literally, it is life and death, because when you are immunosuppressed or struggling the difference of an infection is the difference of if you are going in the hospital or if you’re going to be able to continue to live a normal life.” Justice Necessary’s commitment to a cleaner environment has allowed the organization to address two pressing societal FACTSHEET COURTESY OF JUSTICE NECESSARY issues simultaneously: protecting the planet and providing feminine hygiene products that are free of harmful chemicals. Cushman Neal pointed out that a common misconception is people automatically assume eco-friendly products that are good for our bodies and the environment are expensive and are not within reach. Period products that contain formaldehyde and known carcinogens easily transit these chemicals into the bodies of menstruators. “Medically we’ve been able to create vaginal creams that allow medication to be delivered through that method as they go very easily into the bloodstream,” said Cushman Neal. is helping the next person in need, month after month, by increasing outreach to connect with further organizations and food pantries to ideally fulfill the needs of all 64 counties in Colorado. According to Cushman Neal, when someone calls to express how access to personal hygiene products has enabled them to resume their daily routines – like going to work, spending time with their families, or going to school – she knows Justice Necessary is making a difference. She also knows her work has just begun. “What’s hard for me, honestly, is I then worry that we’ve only done this amount, but I want to do more.” ■ To learn more about Justice Necessary, visit justicenecessary.org. 8 DENVER VOICE February 2024
SPECIAL FEATURE of melt away when he hugs me. His hugs make me feel safe. I didn’t feel that way often when I was growing up in Missouri. Tim is the first person in my life that has made me feel safe like that. TIM: Alyssa makes me feel loved. I can tell her all my secrets. If I share something I’m passionate about, she’ll nurture it. My ex never did that in the 14 years we were together. Alyssa makes me feel complete in ways that I’ve never felt before. It’s kind of scary when you love someone enough to get hit by a car or take a bullet for them. When and where did you two share your first kiss? What did it feel like? TIM: She told me her mom was going to put her out on the street because they couldn’t get along, and I didn’t want that for her. I drove out to pick her up, and I don’t know what came over me. After I saw her, I kind of ran over and gave her a big hug and kissed her. She pulled away at first because she knew about my ex-wife. I told her that we had separated before I drove out to get her, and we just kissed. Where was your first date? TIM: Burger King in Arkansas! TIM (L) AND ALYSSA (R). CREDIT: GILES CLASEN ALYSSA: I still have the crown I got that day. I keep it in the glove compartment of our car. LOVE ON THE STREETS: Tim & Alyssa BY ROBERT DAVIS EVERYONE FALLS IN LOVE, but homelessness can make it much more difficult to do so. There is no such thing as “privacy” when you’re living outside, much less anything that resembles a safe place to call home. Laws that criminalize basic human actions like sleeping, sitting, lying down, or sharing food in public spaces make romantic courtship much riskier for people targeted by these laws as well. Add to that the trauma and stress of unsheltered homelessness itself and falling in love seems impossible. For Alyssa Will and Tim Jones, who have been dating since August 2023, falling in love has been one wild ride. Early on, they rode the highways back and forth through Arkansas and Missouri together before they embarked on a journey to Colorado. But their car broke down shortly after they got to Denver and even though they work odd jobs every day except for Sunday, Tim says, their income isn’t enough to afford rent, food, and a hefty mechanic bill altogether. But those challenges haven’t stopped Alyssa and Tim from building a romantic relationship together. It’s hard work, but necessary nonetheless, Alyssa said. “Whenever we get our time together, we go outside for a walk and hold hands like a new couple,” Alyssa said. Denver VOICE spoke with Alyssa and Tim about how their relationship started and what it takes to fall in love while experiencing homelessness. This interview has been lovingly edited for length and clarity. DENVER VOICE: First, I have to say I love how you two smile every time you look at each other. How did you first meet? TIM: I was living in Arkansas at the time with my ex-wife and kids. My ex and I had a lot of issues that ended up tearing us apart. So, I moved out and started staying with a friend. That’s when I met Alyssa the first time. I think we played Mario Party that night, She ended up moving back to Missouri shortly after we met and I didn’t get to see her for a while after that. ALYSSA: We stayed in contact while I was in Missouri. We talked about life and whatever was on our mind. I was staying with my mom at the time, and I ended up leaving her house because of a disagreement. I got arrested and put in a holding cell for a couple of days. Tim didn’t hear from me while I was locked up and he didn’t like that. He was the first person I called when they let me out and I got back to my mom’s place. I told him all I wanted to do was see him and play Mario. So, he drove out to come get me and we’ve been together ever since. What do you like about your significant other? Do you have a favorite body part, or a favorite part of their personality? ALYSSA: Tim is so funny. There have been times when he’s told a joke and I almost cry because it’s so funny. He also gives the best hugs. I could be having a panic attack and all he has to do is hug me and I’ll be okay. My pain and frustrations kind What happens if you get into a disagreement? How do you resolve it? TIM: We’ve had our ups and downs. A lot of downs. But we keep working through it. Whenever we get into a big fight, we usually take some space for ourselves. I’ll go one way and she goes another, but we keep talking. We talk on the phone instead of texting because we want to hear each other’s tone. Talking about your feelings is a big part of being in a relationship. If you can’t talk about them, then the relationship isn’t going to work. How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship? ALYSSA: It can be hard to be romantic or intimate when you’re sleeping in a car or living at someone else’s house temporarily. We sometimes stay with Tim’s brother, but there really isn’t space for us to be romantic there. There are people walking around all the time and there’s no privacy. TIM: She calls me handsome, and I tell her she’s beautiful every day. I know some people don’t like public affection, but we don’t care. I’ll hold her hand or kiss her. The only thing we don’t really get to do is be intimate in that “special” way. What does the word “love” mean to you? ALYSSA: Love is putting someone else before yourself for whatever reason. It’s about focusing all your energy on someone else to the point that they feel warm. I have had a hard time showing people that I love them in the past, but it’s easy to love Tim. I show him love through words of affirmation and physical touch, even when I’m feeling lazy. TIM: Love means everything. It’s sacrifice; it’s change; it’s about doing things for someone else that you wouldn’t do for yourself. ■ February 2024 DENVER VOICE 9
SPECIAL FEATURE What do you love about each other? JASON: Larmarques accepts me for who I am. I’ve had a lot of trust issues. My life could be a couple of novels from what I’ve been through. Now, I have somebody who actually cares about me. And it’s been a while since I’ve had that. I feel human again. Before, I didn’t. I was lied to from an early age about who my father was, so I had identity issues and always kept people at bay. But when you find somebody that really cares, it’s a good thing. I like having that feeling. LARMARQUES: Jason is intriguing. He is so different from the person that you see, or the front that he puts on. He puts on this really masculine, “I don’t give a fuck about the world,” persona, but he’s actually a big soft teddy bear, cuddling thing. He’s just as romantic and soft and caring as I am. He just doesn’t show it to others. In past issues of the Denver VOICE, you both have written about walks you’ve taken or places you’ve gone together. Can you tell me about one of your most memorable adventures? LARMARQUES (L) AND JASON (R). CREDIT: LARMARQUES SMITH LOVE ON THE STREETS: Larmarques & Jason BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN IN THE THREE YEARS since they first became a couple, Larmarques Smith and Jason Martin have lived together in an apartment, stayed at the same shelter, or spent their nights tucked away on the streets of Denver. Recently, they were part of a sweep, where city officials transported several individuals from an encampment to a nearby hotel that has been converted into a temporary shelter. Larmarques and Jason met at a party, and neither could deny the spark between them. Upon learning Jason was visiting from Wyoming and not exactly thrilled at the thought of returning, Larmarques suggested that Jason stay with him. What started as an instant attraction three years ago has grown into a loving and supportive partnership. For the second our Valentine’s Day-themed “Love on the Streets” profile, Denver VOICE spoke to Larmarques and Jason about how their relationship has grown while looking for places they can shelter together. Denver VOICE: How would you describe your relationship? JASON: Larmarques is my partner. We do everything together. Talk about how you met. JASON: I came to Denver with a guy from Wyoming. I’m a city boy, and I had been living in Wyoming for three or four months. When Larmarques presented an opportunity for me to move here, I took it. LARMARQUES: I understood why Jason wouldn’t want to go back to Wyoming. I jokingly commented that Wyoming is so exciting and a such great metropolis, that everybody loves to not go back there. I also let him know he was welcome to stay with me. How has your relationship changed since you first got together? JASON: We’ve gotten closer. We’ve gotten into a couple of big fights, but I respect him, and he respects me. Larmarques, you’ve been a vendor since 2016 and have spent most of that time without stable housing. What is the difference between living on your own, and now, with Jason as your partner? LARMARQUIS: I have a little more sense of security. I know that there is actually somebody who has my back no matter what. Sometimes, when you’re living on the streets, you miss out on that because as much as you want to, you can’t trust everybody. So, I’m thankful for him being there. Just having a second pair of eyes. I have his back, and he has my mine. I can see a situation totally differently than he can, so it’s nice to have his take on things. LARMARQUES: Mike Johnston had just become the new mayor, so when the city started sweeping encampments in Denver, they also started putting the people up in hotels. The buses had been free, so it was easy to go back and forth, but when RTD started charging again, we decided we should probably go back [to Denver]. It’s actually more convenient for us to be here because our methadone clinic, my doctor’s office, and all of our things are in Denver. JASON: It was more viable that way. Other than going on adventures, are there any routines you have or rituals you do together? LARMARQUES: We like to have coffee together. When I got back from traveling for Christmas, I bought a kettle and a French press so we could have coffee together in our hotel room. JASON: Larmarques makes great coffee – which reminds me of another reason I fell in love with him. He can cook. He cooks very well. Do you find people are less accepting of you as a gay couple or as individuals experiencing homelessness? LARMARQUES: Denver’s usually pretty good about accepting people who have different types of relationships. I don’t think we’ve had any issues with that part. As far as LARMARQUES: This past summer, we were staying in one of the local shelters. In the middle of the night, Jason got up to use the bathroom and was kicked out of the shelter for having a lighter in his hand. He wasn’t smoking, but they saw it and said “You’re outta here. He didn’t do anything, but he got kicked out. I left the shelter, too then, because I’m not going to let my partner go out there alone, and I’m going to stay with him in solidarity. We ended up staying outside, under the stars, and it was nice. JASON: After that night, we decided to take the bus up to Boulder to check out the shelter situation there. We probably stayed in Boulder for a month or so, and we went back and forth for a while. So, what brought you back to Denver? 10 DENVER VOICE February 2024
SPECIAL FEATURE homelessness, we have had issues with people. For example, if you have a backpack on, people automatically assume that means you’re homeless. JASON: I did have a guy throw the “f” word at me when I was walking with a girl and two guys along Colfax. Larmarques wasn’t with me, but the guy called me a faggot, and I beat the shit out of him. The people I was with pulled me off of him because they worried I could’ve killed him. They pulled me off, and then we left. But that was just the guy’s ignorance. When people have a problem with us being gay, it’s few and far between. For the most part, people look down on us for being homeless, but not because we’re gay. Before you moved to the hotel, how did you find time for intimacy? JASON: We didn’t have any. LARMARQUES: We could have soft moments anywhere, but as far as like, being intimate, it was really hard. We just didn’t. It wasn’t that we didn’t want to…. It’s hard to “get down in a tent.” There’s not enough legroom. There were times when we were invited to someone’s home, and we would have privacy there. I am really glad we have a place now. Now that you are in a place, how is it different? JASON: It’s normal now. I’m a creature of society, but it’s nice to have a place that is our space, where we can be alone. LARMARQUES: It does feel normal. We can take a shower together. He can wash my back, I can wash his. How do you work through any tension between you? LARMARQUES. We argue and then, we just move on to the next thing. We might mention it later, but it’s not a “hold this over the other person’s head” thing. We say what it is that bothers us and then we just move on,” We just have to talk about it first. JASON: It’s good to have someone who can tell you stuff they’re upset about, and you don’t get mad. It’s more of realizing, “Okay, I guess I’ll take a look at myself.” How do you guys support each other emotionally,? JASON: We just know what each other wants. How do you make your relationship work? LARMARQUES: It’s important to always have a sense of wonder. Just be open to suggestions and don’t be afraid to be open to or consider other ways of doing things, or else you’ll be stagnant. It’s nice to be able to be with someone who’s just as openminded to other ways of doing things about things as I am because I can say something completely off the wall to Jason, and he can take it. It’s nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of. JASON: We realize that everybody needs to be more openminded. Be open to suggestions and not so quick to judge somebody because when you do that you might lose out on a lot of meaningful experiences. I don’t judge anybody because I’m trying to learn something new. There is no religious book or doctrine that says you can’t make life better for yourself. That’s what we’re doing. Making life better for ourselves and each other. ■ VALENTINE BY GIGI GALEN February 2024 DENVER VOICE 11
IN YOUR OWN WORDS GOING THROUGH CANCER BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR AS I WRITE THIS, it is five days before I have my first chemo treatment, and by the time you read this, I will have one treatment under my belt! I’m hoping to have very few side effects, but I have made up my mind that I will deal with it. I still find myself spacing out and losing sense of time, but I don’t feel bad yet. When I start chemo, all bets are off. I know my time is coming to be sick. I have gotten my house clean and ready for winter. I have stocked up on food and other supplies I will need for what is to come. I still find it hard to believe I have cancer. I know how lucky I am, having whoever read my scan find the tumor as early as they did. I appreciate that I wasn’t told how big it could have grown or how fast it could have moved before it was found. The doctors I have are the best. They care deeply for all of the patients they see every day. If you need anything or have a problem, they do everything they can to help you out. No one knows how they will react to having cancer until the time comes. Don’t listen to people who tell you about what their family member or friend who had cancer went through during their treatment. Don’t listen if they tell you they know someone who had this or that happen, and that you should prepare for what’s coming. Let me tell you something. I have found that everyone’s treatment is different, depending on their cancer and how they react to the treatment. There are so many kinds of cancer, so from the beginning of my treatment, I didn’t listen to anyone but my doctor! I thank God for putting the right people in place to care for me and help me during this time. Don’t put off getting your things in order if you are about to start chemo. If you have a dog who needs walks, line up people before the time comes. Find someone who will help you shop or will shop for you or someone who will pick up your mail from the mailbox for you. I thank God my primary doctor set me up with the best docs to treat me! I thank God even if I’m in pain because a lot of people are in worse pain or didn’t get a chance to wake up at all. I am grateful I can feel anything at all. I thank Him for making it possible to change my life, s so I can write my stories or poems and help others with my writing. I thank God for everyone who will help me during the time I cannot vend the Denver VOICE. I thank God for the Denver VOICE staff, who have become my family because they care so much about me and the other vendors. When you donate to the Denver VOICE or send money via Venmo to your favorite vendors during the winter, it helps them find shelter, so they don’t have to struggle with harsh winter weather. RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: KAREN BEEMAN I always thank God for everyone who helps me and other VOICE vendors out when we aren’t able to work. I pray that God will bless everyone who is reading our paper. I will close for now. Monday, I start chemo, and I will keep sharing my story so it may help someone just starting their journey on the road to cancer treatment and recovery. ■ WINTER WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: • Socks • Toiletries (individual or travel-size) • Toothpaste, deodorant • Chapstick, sunscreen • Hand warmers GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: • 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 12 DENVER VOICE February 2024
EVENTS WHEN: Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17, Feb 24, 7:30 a.m. COST: Free WHERE: Urban Sanctuary, 2745 Welton St. INFO: urbansanctuary.love ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY At this teen event, attendees will make duct-tape roses, a sarcastic beaded bracelet, the ultimate emo playlist, and more! Black, goth, and emo clothing is encouraged. WHEN: Feb 11, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library, 1498 N. Irving St. INFO: denverlibrary.org/events FREE DAY AT THE DENVER ART MUSEUM Enjoy a free day at the museum! Advance ticket reservations are encouraged. WHEN: Feb 13, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. INFO: denverartmuseum.org WINTER OF READING USED BOOK POP-UP SALE Pick up some gently used books to cuddle up with this winter. WHEN: Feb 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Ross-University Hills Branch Library, 3654 Navajo St. INFO: denverlibrary.org/events FREAK TRAIN Held the last Monday of each month, Freak Train has remained Denver’s most unique live entertainment experience for more than 20 years. The first 12 people to sign-up get 5 minutes to do anything they want on stage (well, just about anything). It might be the best 5 minutes of your life; it might be the worst. Either way, there’s free beer! WHEN: Feb 26, 7 p.m. doors; 8 p.m. show COST: $5 WHERE: Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St. INFO: bugtheatre.org COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES QUEER COMMUNITY YOGA These classes are specifically designed to nurture inclusivity, overcome inner blocks, and to release societal pressures. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 ACROSS DOWN 1. Computer key above Caps Lock 4. Like chili peppers 9. Breakfast chain 13. Carte start? 14. Small boat 15. Construction site sight 16. Crucial components 18. She had “the face that launched a thousand ships” 19. Get gold or silver 20. Red Sea peninsula 22. Back muscle, familiarly 23. Not impressed 25. Popular pop 27. Family room 28. Vim 30. Listening to Muzak, maybe 31. Compass reading 33. When doubled, a dance 35. Versatile vehicle, for short 36. Oysters or chocolate, according to some 40. “So ___ me!” 41. Giant slugger Mel 42. Receptionist on “The Office” 44. Savory Indian turnover 47. Comedian Notaro 49. Satisfied 51. Approval 54. O’Neill play “The Iceman ___” 56. Disencumber 57. Fable writer 59. “La ___ Vita” 60. Poplar variety 62. Roughhousing 64. Descriptor for Al Yankovic 65. Run off to the chapel 66. Neighbor of Ind. 67. Palm reader, e.g. 68. Chart anew 69. C.I.O.’s partner 1. Rabbi’s text 2. Property recipient, at law 3. Kerchief: Var. 4. Lug 5. Drivel 6. “Last one ___ a rotten egg!” 7. Shaped like a volcano 8. Kind of question with two possible responses 9. Anger 10. Call to the hounds on a hunt 11. Low tie 12. Group of five 15. Italian wine mentioned in “The Silence of the Lambs” 17. Crow cry 21. Unplugged 24. Go down 26. Not spendy at all 29. Vietnamese soup 32. ___ salts 34. “Much ___ About Nothing” 37. Union member, of a sort 38. Addams family member 39. Alabama’s state flower 43. Laurie of “Roseanne” 44. Drinking tubes 45. “It all makes sense now” 46. Child’s makebelieve dessert 48. Try for a long pass 50. “___ never see it coming!” 52. Theater worker 53. First Pulitzer Prize novelist 55. Swabber 58. Occasion for a corsage 61. Goof up 63. Health resort February 2024 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR
DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $10,000+ Anonymous Individual Donor Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Matt and Nikki Seashore Cisco Francis Trainer and Trainer Family $5,000 - $9,999 Anschutz Family Foundation Laurie Duncan and Duncan-Mcwethy Foundation Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Frederic K Conover Trust The Christian Foundation Bank of America Charitable Foundation Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation Envestnet $1,000-$4,999 Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Katherine Standiford Jill Haug Joshua Kauer Walker Family Foundation Alexander Seavall Whole Foods Foundation Michael Dino Alex Salva Signs By Tomorrow Rose Community Foundation Russell Peterson Donald Weaver Chris and Susan Pappas Julia and David Watson Gaspar Terrana SEI Giving Fund Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Megan Arellano Lisa Wagner Warren and Betty Kuehner Keyrenter Property Management Denver Mathew Rezek The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Maggie Holben Michael J. Fehn and Jan Monnier Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Elsbeth Williams Christopher Boulanger KO Law Firm Graham Davis Peter Iannuzzi $500-$999 Margaret Ramp John Gibson Ruth Henderson James and Cyndi Lesslie Fire on the Mountain Craig Solomon Christopher Stewart 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 Nikki Lawson CEDS Finance Impact Assets Courage and Community Foundation Louis Irwin Mary Livernois Mr B’s Liquor Wines For Humanity KL&A Engineers and Builders 14 DENVER VOICE February 2024 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 February 2024 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 T A B S P I C Y S I N A I I H O P A L A C A N O E C R A N E L I N C H P I N S H E L E N M E D A L L A T U N A W E D C O C A C O L A D E N P E P E N E C H A U T E A P H R O D I S I A C S U E O T T S A M O S A P A M T I G M E T T H U M B S U P C O M E T H R I D A E S O P D O L C E A S P E N H O R S E P L A Y W E I R D E L O P E S E E R R E M A P I L L A F L DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13 O N H O L D
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