$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE DENVER’S UNFULFILLED PROMISES THE CITY’S LATEST SWEEPS TRASH HOPES FOR PROMISED HOUSING. PAGE 6 FROM THE STREETS WITH LOVE ARCHIVE PRESERVES LETTERS FROM UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS SEEKING HUMAN CONNECTION PAGE 9 DESPITE BILL’S REJECTION, COLORADO RESCUE ADVOCATES REMAIN MOTIVATED EFFORTS TO SAVE HEALTHY ANIMALS WITH COLORADO RESCUE ACT HAVE NOT LOST MOMENTUM. PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 6, 7, 8 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 MAY 2024 | Vol.29 Issue 5 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: “THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS ADDING MORE TRAUMA TO OUR LIVES,” TRACIE SAID. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN
DIRECTOR’S NOTE AS I SIT DOWN TO PEN MY FINAL DIRECTOR’S NOTE for this incredible publication, I am filled with a mix of emotions that are difficult to put into words. With a heavy heart and a profound sense of gratitude, as I bid farewell to the role of executive director of the Denver VOICE, I think about how the month of May has always held a special place in my heart. For most of my life, I didn’t have a father figure, but my mother, grandmother, and all of the mothers who claimed me as their own over the years made Mother’s Day a rather important holiday to me. The decision to resign from my role as executive director has not been an easy one. However, in JAMES KAY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR reflecting on my time here, I am reminded of the importance of the motherly figures in my life, who have supported and guided me to this point. Without them, I do not think I could have made it to where I am today. I am incredibly grateful to my maternal influences for showing me kindness, humility, and what it means to be there for another. Continued on page 3 DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Kay THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS GILES CLASEN is a freelance photojournalist who is a regular contributor to the VOICE. Several of the photos he’s taken for the VOICE have won national and international awards. He also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. 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. JAMIE MILLER graduated from the University of Georgia with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and business management. She enjoys exploring the Colorado mountains, reading a good book at a local coffee shop, and doing yoga. JACOB RICHARDS is a community organizer and writer on the western slope of Colorado. His columns have appeared across the West including The Denver Post, Salt Lake City Tribune, and The Daily Sentinel. When not working in the wilderness, he is working on a project called “A People’s History of the Grand Valley.” MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Lanie Lee Cook Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Anson Giles Clasen Gigi Galen Jacob Richards 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. WRITERS Steve Anson Giles Clasen Connie Gaitan Alan Hudson Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Jamie Miller Jacob Richards Jerry Rosen Larmarques Smith Charles Spring Rodney K. Woolfolk BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, President Antonio Diaz, Treasurer Michael Burkley Cassandria Carmouche Robert Davis Muhammad Khan Nikki Lawson 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 2 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE May 2024 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
DIRECTOR’S NOTE Continued from page 2 Throughout our relationship, my fiance, Morgan, and I have spent a lot of time discussing the positive impact our parental figures have had on our lives. Now, Morgan and I have the same opportunity to have a similar impact on her little brother, who lives in Georgia, where he has an established medical team and support network. Having caring individuals in my life has allowed me to connect so much more deeply to the Denver VOICE family and the community we serve. This organization has been more than just a job to me; it has been a journey of the soul. The stories of resilience, hope, and humanity that grace the pages of our street paper, along with the work we do every day have touched a deep part of my being, one that I will never take for granted or forget. I have made lifelong friends with much of this community, including our amazing vendors. As I embark on the next chapter, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned and the memories of my time with the Denver VOICE, that I will cherish forever. I am eternally grateful to the dedicated staff, volunteers, vendors, and readers including my maternal influences, who have made this experience so meaningful. Though my role may be changing, my commitment to the mission and values of the Denver VOICE will remain the same. I look forward to continuing to support this organization in whatever capacity I can, knowing that its impact extends far beyond the printed page. Thank you, Denver VOICE Community, for allowing me the privilege of serving as your executive director. It has been an honor and a privilege that I will carry with me always. ■ LEFT TO RIGHT: ROBERT DAVIS, ELISABETH MONAGHAN,RAELENE JOHNSON, CONNIE GAITAN, JAMES KAY, ALBERT BLAND. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN 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. May 2024 DENVER VOICE 3
SPRING WISH LIST Q 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 Ball caps, hats Fold-up umbrellas, backpacks 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! A ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. Editor’s Note: to commemorate Mother’s Day, vendor Alyssa Smith submitted this month’s Ask a Vendor question about motherly figures and the impact they’ve had on the vendors’ and staff’s lives. On the following page, you also will see a tribute from VOICE vendor Steve Anson to his mother. Did you have a motherly fi gure or someone who was like a mother to you, and what kind of impact did they have on your life? CONNIE GAITAN, PROGRAM COORDINATOR My mom has made a huge impact in my life. She has taught me how to get through so many of life’s lessons and to never forget to have faith. My mom has always had a special relationship with God and has taught me why prayer is so important. She prays for me all the time, but when I really need her comfort and care, I know that it’s not only coming from her, but also from that special relationship she has with the one above. ALAN HUDSON My mother was the best mom ever. She was a strict mom. She was always telling me to go to school or work. I was just a kid, and she always gave me advice on real life. Man, she was my world! JASON MARTIN My mother passed away on Oct 7, 2011, from a massive heart attack. She was 56, and I was extremely close to her. I haven’t found another woman that comes close to a motherly figure. I really wish I could [find such a person]. JERRY ROSEN I have some friends who could be motherly figures to me, but no one could be a true mother figure the way my mother was. She was really special, and I miss her very much. LARMARQUES SMITH My mother is still very much a part of my life, even though we have a storied relationship. My mom and I are very close. Everywhere she went, I was by her side. When I came out to my parents, my mother was hurt and upset, but over the years, she has learned to live with it. She taught me to treat others the way I wanted to be treated. She still is hopeful that I will give her a grandchild, but I tell her not to hold her breath. LOL. I love Ms. Linda Smith with all my heart! CHARLES SPRING When I moved to Colorado from Louisiana in December of 2023, I was placed at the 48th Ave. Denver Rescue Mission. After about a week, I applied for a case manager, and luckily, I got Julia. She reminded me of my mother, Norine, who passed away on Nov 16, 2018. Julia was caring and able to get me to open up about myself. My mother was also special that way. I also had two sisters that impacted who I’ve become. One made me believe I could do anything, and the other one taught me [how to feel] sympathy. RODNEY K. WOOLFOLK @DenverVOICE Mother Johnson! She let me stay rent-free for so long. She even baked me a cake on my birthday. I call her mom. 4 DENVER VOICE May 2024
IN YOUR OWN WORDS HEY, JEFF BEZOS! BY STEVE ANSON, VOICE VENDOR TODAY, 22 JANUARY 2024, is the 51st anniversary of the case known as Roe v. Wade. In 1957, five years before my birth, my mom was raped, impregnated as a consequence, and forced by the State of Colorado to carry the pregnancy to term. In 1961, my mom was told by her doctor that carrying the pregnancy that produced, well, me, would kill her and me. My mom assented, asking for an abortion, and was denied by the State once again. I want to be clear: my dad , who raised, or sired me — to use a horseman’s phrase — was a good man. I know, firsthand, how much of a financial burden was placed on my parents due to my birth. Speaking from my own ethics, I say the State of Colorado was wrong. To my dear parents’ credit, they did a hell of a good job in raising me. I did not become a good and decent man until about February 2012, when I finally quit drinking, after I lost their house, and after I had lost nearly $400,000 in insurance proceeds, due to my not paying my property tax. Throw in a second DUI, and there you have it. What it took for me to find my decency was not having that house to which I could return. Prior to 2012, I was consciously trying to drink myself to death. I was trying to avoid a future I am now living. In 1999, my dad died. At that time, I decided what I had to do. In 1997, I decided how to deal with the fact that my mom was transitioning from COPD to emphysema, which would, eventually end her physical life. I began to drink cheap-ass bourbon. Lots of it. I knew it pissed off my now ex-wife. I didn’t care. I had seen the future. The way I figured it since I was witnessing my own eventual death — and the life leading to it — why not just speed up the process, avoiding a messy, painful ride? Along the way, I learned that my maternal grandmother died of emphysema. She never smoked a cigarette. My lung condition is genetic. By the time I quit drinking, I was consuming five liters of that poison per week. Much worse than all that damage was the psychological damage — how I hurt my former wife. (Amy, I am sorry for being the drunken jerk I was. I got what I deserved. I’m not a drunk now. Whether I’m a jerk or not, that is for the dozens of folks I deal with every day to decide.) The past informs the present and the future. Who’s to OR LIVING, MINUS FREEDOM OF CHOICE, EQUALS HOPELESSNESS say how time works? I have personally experienced precognitive dreams. I sure would like it if I could use precognitive dreams to choose lottery numbers. Life don’t work that way, blast it. Pretty much everyone knows I am mobility challenged, well, I’ll just say it this way: someone said to me, “This is what I do. I’m a transit cop.” My response was, “And this is what I do. I carry around a chair.” Bouncing back to when I was married. Amy approached me after taking a home pregnancy test. She was quite direct with me, “We need to make an appointment with Planned Parenthood.” I didn’t bother responding in any way. Two weeks later, Amy and I were being harassed before our appointment. Now that I’ve smoked a cigarette, I’ll get back to explaining my other skill… Scribbling. It ticks. It creaks. It breathes. It’s this odd little nightmare called Life. (All apologies to Dr. Who, there.) My dream that I live includes me rolling around in a wheelchair. This means I order lots of stuff from Jeff Bezos’ baby, Amazon. My most recent package was delivered to my neighborhood Whole Foods — also owned but not sired by Mr. Bezos. They opened at 9 a.m. No one was at that desk until 10:45 a.m. Why complain to Amazon? They really don’t give a shit. They just want your money. Listen up, Bezos: When I get to hell, you will know who’s in charge. You will be answering to me. You wasted my time, Asshole. I hold the cards in this game. Read ‘em and weep all you want. When we meet, the only teeth being gnashed shall be yours. I had intended this article to be published in April. That was before I realized that it made more sense to publish this piece and a second one I submitted to the VOICE at the same time. Now that I realize both are to be published in May, I have this to say: Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. ■ A LITTLE OLD ELECTRIC TORTOISE THE ARC BY STEVE ANSON, VOICE VENDOR poked his head out of my blue tennis shoe And looked both ways. Jasper, I inquired, “why do you always look both ways when you rise from your slumber?” “Who’s been sleepin’,” Jasper slyly replied. “Didn’t your mama teach you? Back when you were just a boy she told you you never know what’s to come and to keep your eyes wide. Opportunity is often in the same window you just walked from but walked away so quick that you could not see that the shadow hides the other sources of light and truths denied by those who could not keep more than they could earn and because they could not learn the lesson could not stick. By the way, I’m a tortoise,” Jasper added; ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE ANSON “and justice moves so slow that sometimes we do not see where the sunlight went when it had to go.” ■ May 2024 DENVER VOICE 5
LOCAL FEATURE “THEY SAID TO COME HERE AND GET SERVICES. BUT NOW THEY’RE FORCING US TO GO, BUT GO WHERE?” VOICE VENDOR DAVID GORDON AKSED. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN UNHOUSED DENVERITES FRUSTRATED WITH CITY’S UNFULFILLED PROMISES BY GILES CLASEN UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS ARE EXPRESSING FRUSTRATION after recent sweeps of large encampments in Denver. Many moved to the camps under the belief they would receive housing through one of the City of Denver’s encampment resolution programs. Instead, the encampments were swept, with only a few in one camp, and no one in another, receiving offers of temporary shelter or housing. One woman, who asked to be identified by her street name Lady Red, said she moved to the encampment near Havana Street and 45th Ave. because a police officer from District Five told her that those in the camp would be offered housing after the sweep. Three other individuals in the camp also moved to it after being told by an officer that they would receive housing. But there was no housing or shelter offered on the morning of the sweep, April 11, 2024. Denver Police Officer Timothy Scudder said at the Havana St. sweep that he did not believe his officers would give incorrect information about housing options and they had been instructed not to give this type of information during interactions with the unhoused community. He referred all other questions to the communications team. More than a dozen individuals expressed anger and disappointment that the city did not offer housing or shelter at the time of the sweep. “I know one city entity doesn’t know what the other entity is doing, but that’s crap,” Lady Red said. “They can’t make mistakes like this because the consequences are too great for us. Moving all the time is dangerous. Going to a camp where you may not know anyone is dangerous. Chasing housing like this puts us in danger.” Ten individuals at the encampment on Havana St. did receive housing through Denver’s Street to Lease program in the weeks before the sweep according to Andy Phelps, director of encampment response for the City of Denver, the morning of the sweep. More than two dozen individuals, including Lady Red, camped at the site and said they did not receive any housing or shelter. Some joined the camp too late to participate or were away from the camp when city outreach teams visited the site to enroll individuals in the program. Lady Red said the most frustrating aspect of the City’s encampment resolution housing programs is that the unhoused community has no option to actively enroll to receive a housing resource. The Street to Lease program subsidizes 12 months of rent and utilities for those lucky enough to be enrolled at a camp. Individuals cannot sign up to participate in this program, They are only offered by city outreach workers when they choose an encampment to participate said Jose Salas, deputy director of communications for the Denver Mayor’s office. Solas said the Mayor’s strategy is to get housing resources to the unsheltered homeless community by engaging with individuals living in encampments. 6 DENVER VOICE May 2024
LOCAL FEATURE “We have a mission and we believe it’s the right thing to do to go to these encampments and identify folks and provide them with resources like housing. That’s our number one focus,” Solas said. According to Solas, the outreach team tries to match resources with different camp sizes. If the city has five housing units available at different sites, then the outreach team tries to find a similarly sized camp to match the number of resources available. Solas also said Mayor Johnston has prioritized housing for the homeless community more than any previous administration and has housed nearly 1,500 individuals since July 2023. The goal of the “2024 All In Mile High” program is to house 2,000 individuals by the end of the year. However, the Mayor’s approach to offering new All In Mile High housing resources only through street outreach programs may be having unintended consequences. “Unfortunately, the reality is that right now, we have more people than resources,” Solas said. According to Solas, the encampment resolution approach is a “double-edged sword.” The City is housing some of the most vulnerable in the homeless community, but those who want to participate in the new housing programs can’t access them except by being at the right camp at the right time. Lady Red said it is extremely discouraging to hope to get a housing resource this way. “I have been chasing housing and following this outreach team forever,” she said. “I have been trying to be in the right camp since the program started last year, but I have been out of luck every time. I just don’t know where they’re going to go next, and it is crap that the outreach team won’t tell us where they’re going to go.” Another resident of the Havana St. encampment echoed Lady Red’s feelings that those seeking help aren’t able to get the new housing resources unless they are at the right encampment at the right time. “We’re not out here because we’re criminals or because we’re drug addicts,” said Cutter Antz, who asked to be identified by his street name. “The majority of us are out here because of tragedy. Something hit every one of us hard. That led to mental illness, or losing a job, or a conviction, or something that landed us on the street. And once you’re out here you can’t get back on your feet without help.” Cutter Antz said it is difficult to see individuals chasing the help they need only to be rebuffed by a city sweep that upends their lives. One encampment at 8th Ave. and Navajo Street grew significantly because many individuals heard that those in the camp would receive shelter or housing when the camp was swept. “City officials told me to come here. This would be the next camp to get housing, so I came here because they told me to,” said Denver VOICE vendor David Gordon. Gordon explained that he didn’t know exactly who had told him to move to the camp, but the person he spoke with identified themselves as working for the city. Gordon also said he moved to the camp weeks before it was swept on April 16. Once in the camp, his only interaction with city staff was when police officers made daily visits to it. “They shouldn’t go back on their offer,” Gordon said. “They said to come here and get services. But now they’re forcing us to go, but go where?” The Denver VOICE spoke with dozens of individuals who said they too had moved to the camp after hearing from outreach workers, case managers, police officers, or word of mouth that the camp would be receiving a housing resource. The drive for housing among the homeless community is so great that the 8th Ave. encampment ballooned to more than 150 individuals in more than 60 tents and lean-to structures after individuals heard that the camp would be next to receive housing. “THE MAJORITY OF US ARE OUT HERE BECAUSE OF TRAGEDY. SOMETHING HIT EVERY ONE OF US HARD,” SAID CUTTER ANTZ. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN “The city is working to prevent this type of miscommunication or mistakes through consistent training and communication with the city partners,” said Derek Woodbury, interim director of communications and engagement for the Denver Department of Housing Stability. Mayor Mike Johnston acknowledged the desire for housing was one cause for the camp’s growth during a town hall on April 9th. “I’m [at the 8th Ave camp] because I want to get housing and this is what my case manager told me was the best option to stay here,” said Tracie, who asked to be identified by only her first name. Tracie said she doesn’t feel entitled to housing or free rent, but she can’t get off the streets without assistance. It is extremely difficult to get a job when homeless because employers won’t hire an individual who cannot apply for a job online and lacks a shower or clean clothes. According to Tracie, moving into an unknown encampment is traumatizing and dangerous. She has been physically attacked and sexually assaulted during her two years on the street. Sweeps of homeless camps make her life even less stable. Continued on page 8 May 2024 DENVER VOICE 7 “I HAVEN’T SEEN ANY CASE MANAGEMENT OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT OFFERED TO ME,” SAID LAUREN BB. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN
LOCAL FEATURE Continued from page 7 “I don’t want to kill myself, but I don’t want to keep going anymore, you know?” Tracie said. “I need to get into someplace. I was told to come here and I would be eligible for housing. I did what my case manager told me to do. Instead of housing, I get police telling me to leave or get arrested. I can’t seem to win.” Tracie is willing to walk to anywhere in the city and stand in line for hours or days if she could sign up to receive one of Mayor Johnston’s new housing resources. “I don’t mind working hard and then providing for myself. I’ve done it before, but I just need help to start,” Tracie said. “I find it awful that I can’t work for a home, that I Just have to wait and hope for the City to show up at my camp.” Woodbury said that he would advise individuals living on the streets to participate in case management through the city’s outreach workers or with one of the city’s partners like the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless or the Saint Francis Center. According to Woodbury, that is the best way for an individual to pursue resources to aid folks in moving from the street. Woodbury acknowledged that the only way to receive one of the new housing resources was through the city’s street outreach team. “We’re taking a step-by-step approach, you know, encampment by encampment,” Woodbury said. “You know, we’re not announcing encampments in advance because it’s something that we’re working on every day of the week, and there’s many encampments throughout the city. We are deploying more resources than ever before.” The camp at 8th Ave. was one of the first encampments in months to be swept without the City offering housing or shelter to any of the individuals living at the site. Woodbury said the reason the 8th Ave. site was without any access to housing was because of its size and the threat it posed to public health and safety. According to Woodbury, the Mayor plans to avoid sweeps that do not also offer some housing resolution in the future. “Department of Housing Stability outreach teams have been meeting with individuals in the encampment for some time and connecting to them to offer longer-term case management services,” Woodbury said in a follow-up email with the Denver VOICE. Individuals in the camp claimed they had not interacted with city outreach teams. The night before the sweep. 30 individuals living in the 8th Ave. camp also said they had not had any interactions with outreach workers offering case management or other services. All of the individuals surveyed said the only encounters they had in the weeks prior to the sweep were with police officers, or volunteers and staff with the Harm Reduction Action Center, who offer needle exchange and other harm reduction services. “I believe I have seen the street outreach team out here and they did a count. But I haven’t seen any [case management] or anything like that offered to me,” said Lauren BB. “I am at a loss here. I have been out here for two years now, and I must have missed out. I must not have been at the right place at the right time because I haven’t seen any of this housing that they offer.” To Tracie, the dispersion of new housing resources only through encampment resolution feels more than unfair. “They don’t understand how this is adding more trauma UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS PACK UP THEIR BELONGINGS, AS THE CITY BEGINS TO SWEEP THEIR CAMP. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN to our lives,” Tracie said. “We get our hopes up that this is all ending, that we’ll get housing by moving to this camp. When they tell us there is no housing, and we have to move or go to jail it hurts. It makes you feel hopeless. It makes you want to quit.” ■ LADY RED MOVED TO AN ENCAMPMENT NEAR HAVANA STREET AND 45TH AVE. BECAUSE SHE WAS TOLD HOSE IN THE CAMP WOULD BE OFFERED HOUSING. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN AS SWEEP TAKES PLACE, AN UNHOUSED INDIVIDUAL LEAVES BEHIND THEIR ARTWORK. CREDIT: GILES CLASEN 8 DENVER VOICE May 2024
COMMUNITY PROFILE FROM THE STREETS WITH LOVE BY JACOB RICHARDS Editor’s note: The author had a small part in finding a home for this collection through his role as president of the Mesa County Historical Society. RECENTLY, A SMALL COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTS WAS ARCHIVED at Colorado Mesa University Special Collections and Archives. The documents are not particularly old, nor are they written by or to anyone famous or powerful, but they are rare — because they are almost entirely written by people experiencing homelessness. “Without the records and voices of marginalized groups, the historical record is incomplete,” said Amber D’Ambrosio, the special collections and archives librarian at the University’s Tomlinson Library. “History is written by the victors in large part because the victors can control the records and voices that are preserved,” D’Ambrosio said. “In the last quarter century, a growing effort has been made to find the ‘silences’ in the archives and to actively pursue ways to correct those ‘silences.’” The collection consists largely of letters written to staff and volunteers at the Catholic Outreach Day Center in Grand Junction from 2000-2006. Many of the letters are from jails and prisons and simply ask staff to hold on to their things. “It’s just a small backpack but it’s all I got,” one man wrote. Other letters make bigger requests of the staff, like forwarding mail, cashing checks, and more. “I need my check. I have to keep my trailer. If I lose it, I will be on the streets again,” one writer pleaded. Some of the letters from behind bars are reaching out for human connection in a very lonely world. An artist who said he was painting again wrote, “When you wrote [to] me, it really rekindled hope for me.” On the envelope, the staff had written a note about the man: “He spent a month in the wilderness trying to die, no food, only a gallon of whiskey and his drawing pad…[he] put an hourglass with sand in it in every [picture].” Another man wrote, “Tell them to come visit me. I haven’t gotten one visit since I’ve been here.” Another man wrote, “Tell them to come visit me. I haven’t gotten one visit since I’ve been here.” Some of the writers have a sense of humor. “Tell them … I am accused of being a habitual idiot; not serious but it requires months of rehab,” one man wrote. The same joker RANDY AT AN ENCAMPMENT KNOWN AS “THE POINT” CIRCA 2008. NOTE ON THE BACK OF THE PICTURE READS, “HIM AND HIS GIRLFRIEND WORK MOST OF THE TIME. HE DRINKS SOME BUT MOST OF HIS FRIENDS ARE NOW DEAD NOW FROM THE ‘OLD LIFESTYLE.’” ended his letter, “Say hi to everyone, especially all them good looking catholic babes.” One envelope from prison had a staff note on it saying the man was in prison for a murder he might not have committed. He didn’t know because “They were all drunk.” There are a few letters — too few — from people who had found greener pastures writing proudly to say they had rebuilt their lives. Sometimes just getting to a different city could make all the difference. I earn $25 dollars a week.”Right close to the beach.” “I made it, and the Eugene Mission is really good,” one man wrote, adding: “I work on a truck until 3 p.m. collecting used newspapers to recycle at the mission. I earn 25 dollars a week.” A postcard from Florida reads, “[The] dolphins are a sight to see. Right close to the beach.” More than a few heartbreaking letters with pictures are from family members searching for loved ones swallowed by the anonymity of the streets. There are also numerous death certificates and documents related to end-of-life planning that the Day Center staff took on for people who died without next of kin. The documents taken individually do not say a lot historically, but the totality of the collection speaks volumes to the pain, struggles, humanity, loneliness, and small victories won by those experiencing homelessness. The collection speaks to economic exploitation and the poverty-to-prison pipeline, but it also speaks to the enormous power that simple acts of kindness can have in a sometimes cruel world. While there are just a few notes written by Day Center staff on the backs of envelopes and pictures, their passion and humanity shine through in the words of the people who wrote to them. “This collection offers a rare opportunity to preserve the words and voices of people whose existence might otherwise be forgotten,” D’Ambrosio said. “CMU Special Collections and Archives now has a role to play in helping this collection survive into the future so that these voices and the people they belong to are not forgotten,” she added. ■ COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVE SOME OF THE COLLECTION OF LETTERS BY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS May 2024 DENVER VOICE 9
LOCAL STORY CASHEW’S ADOPTION DAY AT HUMANE SOCIETY OF FREMONT COUNTY. COURTESY OF DOUG RAE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HUMANE SOCIETY OF FREMONT COUNTY. UNDAUNTED, ADVOCATES REMAIN COMMITTED TO PASSING COLORADO RESCUE ACT BY JAMIE MILLER LAST YEAR, 11,466 CATS AND DOGS were reported euthanized, dead, or missing/stolen in Colorado’s animal shelter system, according to the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA). Of these 11,466, there is no reported data on the number of healthy animals that were euthanized for shelter space. But Davyd Smith, founder of No Kill Colorado, knows there are thousands of them. “Unfortunately, thousands of shelter pets are needlessly killed each year. This is often justified by arbitrary policies that lack transparency or accountability, resulting in the death of countless animals that, had they been given the chance, could be in a forever home today,” said Smith in a letter to the Colorado General Assembly. Some SARA Coalition (Shelter and Rescue Alliance Colorado) members, like No Kill Colorado, Maxfund Animal Adoption Center, and Humane Society of Fremont County, along with national partner groups like Best Friends Animal Society, are working to shrink the number from several thousand to zero with the Colorado Rescue Act. This legislative initiative is aimed at improving communication by mandating collaboration between animal shelters and licensed rescue organizations in Colorado, focusing on the goal of saving the lives of homeless pets. The bill is KATHY GAINES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MAXFUND ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER, WITH A RECENTLY ADOPTED BOXER/TERRIER MIX. COURTESY OF MAXFUND ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER. 10 DENVER VOICE May 2024 sponsored by Colorado House Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Ryan Armagost. On February 29, 2024, the Colorado Rescue Act was rejected by the state of Colorado. It was presided over by Colorado House Representative Karen McCormick. The polarized political climate of animal welfare played a heavy role in the bill’s rejection, according to Bailey Kramer, principal lobbyist at Legacy Consulting. “We knew passing this bill would be particularly difficult with heavy opposition…and as we made concessions to the bill, the goalpost was constantly moved,” said Kramer. The bill would require that shelters communicate what animals are on euthanasia lists, shedding light on which healthy animals are being euthanized. “We believe that it boiled down to the fact that organizations would have to disclose — not publicly but just to other shelters and rescues — that they are euthanizing animals that could otherwise be in loving forever homes today,” said Kramer. Kramer added that there is a divide in the Colorado animal welfare community between two philosophies: no-kill and socially conscious sheltering, which further contributed to the bill’s downfall. “The Colorado Rescue Act was not inherently no-kill and did not require that shelters function as no-kill shelters. The bill only required that all shelters/rescues work together regardless of business model. Even this was a hard no for socially conscious sheltering organizations,” said Kramer. Those who opposed the Colorado Rescue Act include Dumb Friends League, Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) Colorado Voters for Animals (CVA), and more. According to Smith, many shelters opted out of supporting the bill out of fear. “The opposition effectively went to the small rural communities in the state and scared them into thinking this was going to hurt them, somehow cost them more. The only
LOCAL STORY instance the mandate takes place is if a healthy or treatable animal is three days away from being euthanized, and other attempts to transfer or adopt out the animal have not worked,” said Smith. Other shelters opted out of supporting the act because of its association with “no-kill.” “There is a risk with being on board with ‘no-kill.’ In Colorado, the large, well-funded shelters are anti-no-kill. If you come out against them, they will oppose you, and it can affect the way [your shelter] performs in the state. So, a lot of rescues don’t [come out against them], especially the little ones. They are afraid to stand up to the well-funded shelters since they could lose their support, even if they do not agree with everything they do,” said Smith. Doug Rae, executive director of the Humane Society of Fremont County (HSFC) and supporter of the Colorado Rescue Act, has maintained one of the highest save rates in the country for the last decade. He has accomplished this despite being an underfunded open-admission shelter, meaning they must admit every stray and/or surrendered animal from within its jurisdiction, in an underserved community. When Rae arrived at HSFC in 2013, the shelter was killing 30% of dogs and 50% of cats. For the past decade since his arrival, they have had a save rate of 97% or higher. His business model is simple: “Treat every animal like it is family.” “People say it can’t be done. People tell me it is not a smart business model to save every animal. Yet here we are, doing it, and running successfully,” said Rae. One of these animals is Cashew, who is the longest resident at Fremont. Cashew had two rear-leg ACL tears when he arrived at Fremont. At many shelters, this would have deemed him untreatable and at risk of being euthanized. Fremont looked beyond the limp and instead saw his tail wag. The shelter spent $6,310 to repair his ACLs in the hopes he would be adopted. The Fremont team shared a bittersweet farewell in 2023, when, after 511 days in the shelter system, Cashew went to his forever home. “People can call it no-kill, social conscious sheltering, or anything else they want. My team would call it an extra special effort for a dog that needed our help, and we gladly gave it to him — no matter how much it cost or how long it took to get him adopted,” said Rae. The Colorado Rescue Act was modeled after legislation in other states, like California, where they passed the Hayden Law, and Texas, where the Austin City Council passed a set of comprehensive laws to meet a 95% live release rate, and surpassed that goal with a 97% live release rate. Both states also have succeeded in collaboration among shelters while mitigating overcrowding, limited resources, and a shortage of veterinarians. Kathy Gaines, executive director at Maxfund Animal Adoption Center — the largest no-kill shelter in Colorado — explained that Colorado shelters work in silos. This often causes Maxfund to fill open kennels with animals imported from out of state instead of taking local animals who otherwise might be euthanized. “We do have open kennels sometimes. It is just monumentally easier to look for animals to import from out of state because shelters in Colorado that are overcrowded are not required to communicate to licensed shelters and rescues here in Colorado, even when they are healthy and treatable pets that are going to be euthanized for space,” Gaines said. “The Colorado Rescue Act was an attempt to require that shelters and rescues work together more in Colorado to make it easier to pull those animals right here where we live.” Smith says that Colorado’s ability to successfully move out-of-state animals through the shelter system represents an opportunity to save all animals within the state while still helping neighboring states. “Colorado does over 100,000 adoptions each year. When we are bringing in 30,000 to 40,000 animals per year from outside states, we should be able to save every animal here, as well. It is very important to realize we have more adopters than we need in Colorado to save every healthy or treatable pet,” said Smith. According to PACFA, Colorado imported 35,991 cats and dogs in 2022. Despite the Colorado Rescue Act’s rejection, efforts to get the bill passed and work toward saving every healthy animal in Colorado are not losing momentum. Gaines explained that the SARA team is strategizing on the next steps and gearing up for next year’s legislative session. “It seems like we all should be working together on this common problem. No part of me thinks anybody wants to be euthanizing animals that are healthy and treatable. If I had my dream, we would get past the transparency issues, the anxieties that surround that, and just be actively promoting a better way of communicating with each other,” said Gaines. The Colorado Rescue Act team is looking for more bill sponsors and encourages the Colorado community to get involved. To read more about the bill and learn how to get involved, visit nokillcolorado.org/colorado-rescue-act. For those interested in helping support No Kill Colorado, Maxfund, and Fremont County Animal Shelter, visit nokillcolorado.org, maxfund.org, and fremonthumance.com to donate and view volunteer and fundraising opportunities. ■ VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are looking for volunteers to help with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at the Denver VOICE offi ce (989 Santa Fe. Dr.), as well as event support. If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at program@denvervoice.org. DOG AT THE MAXFUND ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER. COURTESY OF MAXFUND ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER. May 2024 DENVER VOICE 11 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.
IN YOUR OWN WORDS KEEPING THE FAITH BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR BRINGS MAY FLOWERS BY GIGI GALEN, VOICE VENDOR RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: KAREN BEEMAN SUMMING UP THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR This year has been hard on me, but since four weeks ago, I have been cancer-free. The doctors I have have given me the best treatment ever. I want to give special thanks to all of those doctors, nurses, and all of the others, who give us care. I’m very grateful for that. Now, I get to look forward to surgery, which is two weeks away. Just wish they found out I needed it over a year ago. I can’t believe how fast time is going this year. Hopefully, after my surgery, time will move just as quickly. A little while ago, I came home from seeing the heart doctor. He set me up for more tests in May. He believes the meds from the chemo are messing my heart up. My EKG looked better than the last time they checked my heart. I’m hoping that once all of these tests and treatments are over, my body will go back to normal. Just now, I got a call about my other health issue, and my pre-op appointment for my surgery has been moved up to May 2. I feel like maybe things are looking up for me, I feel like the last half of this year will be my best, and I will enjoy it with all my heart. PLANNING FOR THE SECOND HALF Being a person who loves to put smiles on the faces of others, it has been very hard to not be around anyone. When you deal with cancer and go through chemo and radiation treatments, you have to be very careful so you don’t get sicker from anyone you come into contact with. Boy, I can’t wait to make everyone smile or lift them up! Going months mostly by yourself is very hard. I am lonely because I don’t like being alone. I’m okay by myself, but I prefer being around others. ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI GALEN Once I’m clear of all of my health issues and get the okay to be around everyone, I’m going to look into being a volunteer somewhere to help others. That will be fun for me. When you help others and do it from your heart, you will see how full of happiness your heart will be! When you help others, you will find your troubles no longer seem as bad. Blessings will come back to you tenfold. I’ve learned that no matter what health issues you may be going through, you have to go through it with a positive attitude. Allow no negativity to get trapped in your head. You don’t want negativity around you when you are dealing with your health. Don’t worry about it. Just deal with it. Worrying does nothing good for you, and it won’t change anything. LOVING SELF I learned how to care about me, and I can tell you that taking care of Self starts with Self-love. Self-care, Self-love, and Self-worth are everything. If you make time for them, you will have a blessed life. Never give up on Self. Believe you can do whatever you put your mind to! Don’t give anyone power over you. No one but you should have power over you Always say to Self, “I can, and I will stay strong.” because if you don’t, no one else can do that for you. KEEPING THE FAITH My faith has kept me going. You can’t see your blessings if you don’t have faith that you will receive them. I’m very grateful for my faith. It has helped me get through all of the hard times I’ve been through. It has kept me positive to know I will get through anything that comes my way. I have found out how strong I truly am. ■ 12 DENVER VOICE May 2024
EVENTS WHEN: May 4, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. COST: Free for general admission WHERE: Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W. Florida Ave. INFO: levittdenver.org SLOAN’S LAKE SPRING BAZAAR This outdoor market will feature 80+ local vendors, DIY crafts, pop-up bars, food trucks, music, and more. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. WHEN: May 11 + 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. COST: Free entry WHERE: 1611 Raleigh St. INFO: denverbazaar.com ACROSS WALK WITH CHIEF METEOROLOGIST, MIKE NELSON Walk and talk with Chief Meteorologist, Mike Nelson, from Denver7. Topics will include extreme weather, climate change, and other weather-related phenomena. Meet by the Washington Park Boathouse near the intersection of E. Exposition Avenue and S. Franklin Street. WHEN: May 15, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. COST: Free WHERE: Washington Park, 701 S. Franklin St. INFO: denverlibrary.org/events 1. Camp beds 5. Response to “Are not!” 9. Loud, metallic sound 14. “You said it!” 15. Palindromic title 16. Indian coin 17. Michael of “Arrested Development” THE NARRATORS The Narrators is a live storytelling show and podcast hosted by Ron Doyle and Erin Rollman. Comedians, actors, musicians, writers, and other fascinating folks share true stories from their lives, centered on a monthly theme. This month’s theme is Couples. WHEN: May 15; doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. COST: Name your own price; purchase online in advance. WHERE: Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St. INFO: thenarrators.org 18. Oscar winner Sorvino 19. Reply to a knock 20. Compulsive thief 23. Textbook division 24. “My package arrived!” 28. Greek vowel 29. Salsa and guacamole 32. Hold up 33. Latke ingredient 35. Schools of thought 36. Verses for children 40. Dry Spanish sherry 41. Do over, as a shot 42. Frozen drip 45. Scattered 46. Org. with body scanners 49. Hears again, as a case 51. Until now 53. Jane Austen and George Eliot, e.g. 56. Aired again 59. Reverberate 60. Presidents’ Day event 61. Speechify 62. Letter opener? 63. Jazzy Fitzgerald 64. Pirate’s pal 65. In stitches 66. Neptune’s realm DOWN 1. Witch’s laugh 2. Egg dish 3. Mother ___ 4. Ginger cookies 5. Coiled fossil shell 6. Mangle 7. Poet Teasdale 8. Sultanate citizen 9. Fold 10. One, for some 11. Liable (to) 12. Alumna bio word 13. Plop or plunk preceder 21. Foofaraws 22. “___ be a shame if...” 25. Nonchalance 26. Edges 27. Nav. rank 30. Henry VIII’s last wife 31. Eye sores 33. Reproduce 34. “...___ take arms against a sea of troubles...” 36. “I’m impressed!” 37. Condo division 38. Hedgerow tree 39. “As a matter of fact,” informally 40. Douglas ___ 43. Laura of “Love Actually” 44. Hosp. readout 46. Tex Mex dish that comes wrapped in a husk 47. She got her groove back 48. Lover of Dido, in myth 50. Racing vehicles 52. Medicine amounts 54. Slurpee alternative 55. “Pygmalion” playwright George Bernard ___ 56. Data storage site 57. Memorable time 58. Snitch COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: L.A. WITCH WITH PINK FUZZ Come enjoy a night of free music, featuring L.A. WITCH and Pink Fuzz. Bring your own blanket, chairs, picnic, and/or purchase food from rotating food trucks. Show is rain or shine. COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 TODAY’S TOPICS WITH JOHN NOVOSAD Join John Novosad and his funny friends as they tackle topics ripped from today’s headlines. This show features stand-up, sketch comedy, PowerPoint, and music. WHEN: May 26, 7 p.m. COST: $15 WHERE: Comedy Works – Downtown, 1226 15th St. INFO: comedyworks.com May 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
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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 ALANON FAMILY GROUPS: al-anon.org; Find a meeting: al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: aa.org; Colorado Service Centers; daccaa.org/central-office/other-central-offices 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/ URBAN PEAKS REHAB: 490 Lafayette St., #104; 303-599-5131; Medication management and therapy center specializing in opiate addiction; M, T, Th – 9am-12pm, 1 pm-4pm, W – 9am-12pm, 1 pm-7pm; urbanpeaksrehab.com 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 May 2024 DENVER VOICE 15 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 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
WHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 people experiencing housing or financial instability. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE
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