EDITOR’S NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: IT IS QUITE DAUNTING to think that the Denver VOICE could face repercussions for running a cover story, reminding folks that it’s important to stand up for refugees, who came to Colorado in search of a better life. It is more than terrifying to witness the criminalization of programs and policies ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR that were created to meet the most basic needs of refugees and everyone else in the United States. I remember being taught the meaning behind Emma Lazarus’ poem, “The New Colossus,” which is inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The closing lines of the poem summarize the beliefs that are the basis for many of these now-canceled programs that were created to help everyone living in our country. “Give me your tired, your poor… the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempesttossed, to me…” clearly express why immigrants fleeing persecution or violence in their home countries have spent the last two centuries believing that the U.S. was a safe haven. Today, our government encourages immigrants either to “self-deport” or face imprisonment without due process — even if they entered our country legally or have already earned U.S. citizenship. 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. The mission of the Denver VOICE is to elevate the stories of those whose voices often go unheard. We recognize that many “tempest-tossed” individuals experiencing homelessness and financial instability, or who belong to marginalized communities lack a platform to speak out or have advocates stand up for them. Our purpose is to provide a platform for those voices — regardless of their citizenship status, religion, race, or gender. This mission reflects the ideals upon which the United States was founded. I can only hope that we will not see the Statue of Liberty dismantled because someone deems its message too “woke” or believes it contradicts the current government’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @OCE MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Giles Clasen ART DIRECTOR Andrew Fraieli ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Maddie Egerton VOLUNTEER COPY EDITOR Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Giles Clasen WRITERS David Gordon Wayne Easterling Raelene Johnson Jerry Rosen Rodney Woolfolk Giles Clasen 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: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Michael Burkley Mackenzie Langley Ashni Pabley Eduardo Platon Edwin Rapp Charity Von Guinness 2 DENVER VOICE May 2025 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
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