$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE LANDO ALLEN 2022 Denver VOICE Vendor of the Year KING CHARLES AND THE HOUSING CRISIS POUNDBURY’S UNIQUE ROYAL ORIGINS MAKE IT A PLACE OF INTRIGUE AND CURIOSITY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LONGRUNNING HOUSING CRISIS. PAGE 6 CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE OF BLACK MOTHERS CDC DATA SHOWS THAT BLACK WOMEN IN U.S. ARE 3 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE OF PREGNANCY-RELATED CAUSES. PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 3, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 JUNE 2023 | Vol.28 Issue 6 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: ARTWORK BY DENVER VOICE VENDOR GIGI GALEN
DIRECTOR’S NOTE AS I REFLECT ON MY FIRST FEW MONTHS here at Denver VOICE, I can’t help but feel fortunate that the vendors, board members, staff, and all our supporters, who put so much energy into this organization, have embraced me and shown nothing but support and love for the work we do. While the program has impacted JAMES KAY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR so many lives for much longer than I’ve been affiliated with the VOICE, it was not long after I started that our team began highlighting additional vendor needs we could meet. Through feedback from the vendors, we realized that our safe space on Santa Fe was a lot more to people than a place to pick up papers. Based on conversations with several Denver VOICE vendors, who are also visual artists, Connie Gaitan, our program coordinator, and I began purchasing supplies and then set aside space in our office for vendors to work on their art. Our location in the Santa Fe Art District gave us an opportunity to give these vendor artists a way to showcase their art and receive additional income for their work. Our very own Lando Allen’s efforts helped inspire what we hope will become a successful art program. Earlier this year, Lando got his sales license, and with the assistance of our volunteer Daniel Chavez, who is a web designer, Lando now has a website for his art. In the two months since Lando’s website was launched, several art collectors have purchased his work, and others have commissioned additional pieces from him. The result of our effort and the vendors’ engagement with the art program has already proven to be powerful, and we believe this opportunity is worth pursuing even further - which is why we are asking the community to help. On the back cover of this issue, you will find information about our Summer of Color Campaign, and we are asking for your help with creating a more extensive program for our Denver VOICE vendors. Your donations will go a long way in helping us establish this program. If you are interested in learning more or providing a donation match, please email me at james@denvervoice.org. Thank you all for your amazing support of our program and our mission! View Lando Allen’s artwork at lando-paints.square.site/. ■ DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Kay MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Connie Gaitan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Gigi Galen WRITERS John Alexander Lando Allen Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Jerry Rosen Larmarques Smith 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. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, Treasurer Zephyr Wilkins, Secretary Albert Bland Donovan Cordova Antonio Diaz Raelene Johnson Jennifer Seybold Julia Watson Cabal Yarne 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 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. OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE June 2023 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S ASK A VENDOR CAME FROM DENVER VOICE VENDOR JOHN ALEXANDER. Q A In what ways do you see the Denver VOICE’s value in the community, neighborhoods, and city? How do you see its value in your own life? JOHN ALEXANDER Since becoming a VOICE vendor, I have seen many ways the Denver VOICE has changed lives. As far as seeing the values of the Denver VOICE in my own life, it is similar to how I’ve seen the program help other vendors. I have greater goals because of those changes. For a successful, blessed vendor of the VOICE, the changes that people experience are automatic because we are enjoying a new and better way of life. LANDO ALLEN The VOICE gives me independence in a couple of ways: It keeps me away from the food line, and it keeps me away from people who want to do me harm. The income I make from vending also allows me to be a consumer and buy things like food, parts for my RV, and art supplies. JASON MARTIN I see the Denver VOICE doing a lot of good in the community by giving people a voice. It employs people daily and gives people a chance. Now, I am not only seen, but I also have a VOICE, so I am heard. JERRY ROSEN The Denver VOICE helps people in many ways: It gives them an income when they need to make money. It helps individuals by giving them an opportunity to do something worthwhile in the community. It has also allowed me to make an income and helped me gain self-confidence by knowing I’m doing something useful. LARMARQUES SMITH I started vending the Denver VOICE in June 2018. I was still relatively new to Denver and most definitely new to the homeless experience. I have seen the value of the paper in many ways, from other vendors who have used the paper as their primary source of income, to customers who actively read and support our organization. I have seen customers who did not know the VOICE existed become serious supporters. The Denver VOICE’s impact on my life cannot be measured. You cannot put a price on safety… well, not in a dollars and cents-type of way. The VOICE office is my safe space. When I need a place to go, or someone just to hear my side of any story, the VOICE is that place for me, which is priceless. 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. June 2023 DENVER VOICE 3
PAGE TITLE VENDOR SPOTLIGHT SUMMER 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 Bottled water LANDO ALLEN (LEFT) RECEIVES HIS VENDOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM SPECIAL GUEST AT DENVER VOICE’S RISE AND THRIVE, BREE DAVIES (RIGHT). CREDIT: GILES CLASEN VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: LANDO ALLEN GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s jackets/shorts (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s jackets/shorts (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! BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN, MANAGING EDITOR LANDO ALLEN DOESN’T LIKE A LOT OF ATTENTION. But when it came time for the Denver VOICE vendors to nominate the vendor of the year for 2022, it was Allen who received the most votes from his peers, so he didn’t have a choice. And if you don’t know him, keep reading to understand what he’s been up to over the past year — then you’ll get why he was nominated. Since 2009, Allen has vended the VOICE and has been among the top vendors every month since. A primary reason for Allen’s success is the way he connects with people. He may be getting over a cold or having a rough day, but you wouldn’t know it. That’s because he makes a point of focusing on the positive attributes of the people or situations he encounters throughout the day. One way he manages whatever challenges he may be facing is to paint, and it turns out, his paintings are pretty darn good! About a year ago, Allen brought a piece he had recently completed to show his fellow vendors and the Denver VOICE staff. It wasn’t his first painting, but it was the first time many of us were aware of Allen’s artistry. Because the reception of his artwork was so positive, Allen was encouraged to bring in more of his artwork. It wasn’t long after that Allen wondered if he could make additional income from selling his art. He then applied for and received his sales license. He also continued to bring in more paintings, which we hung on the walls of the VOICE office. Our location in the Santa Fe Art District presented an ideal opportunity for people participating in the First Friday Art Walks to recognize Allen’s talent. With the support of VOICE Program Coordinator Connie Gaitan and volunteer web designer Daniel Chavez, Allen now has a website where people can view his art, purchase his paintings, or explore the possibility of commissioning his work. While the positive feedback he has received has spurred him to create more, it is the opportunity to vend the paper that Allen credits with enabling him to have his own place and take care of his basic needs. He also says the organization has helped him maintain his dignity. For the past few years, Allen has spoken of getting a houseboat and living somewhere with water and a warmer climate. When that happens, he will leave a void at the Denver VOICE, but he has taught us all the valuable lesson that, despite life’s greatest challenges, if we get out of our own way, keep moving forward, and continue to learn and create, we can live more fulfilling lives. Given Allen’s attitude, determination, and past success, @DenverVOICE LANDO ALLEN SHOWS OFF A RECENT PAINTING. CREDIT: ELISABETH MONAGHAN there is no doubt he will continue to stand out as a skilled artist and exemplary human being. And even though he may not like drawing attention to himself, it would not be a surprise if his future included more than just a few additional minutes in the spotlight. ■ 4 DENVER VOICE June 2023
PROGRAM UPDATE HOW TO RECOGNIZE A VENDOR BY CONNIE GAITAN, PROGRAM COORDINATOR THE DENVER VOICE HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF FRAUDULENT INDIVIDUALS POSING AS DENVER VOICE VENDORS. To ensure you are getting your paper from an authorized vendor, here are some things to look for: • Denver VOICE vendors must wear their badges at all times. The badge must be visible with a recent photo and the current year highlighted on the front of the badge. • (Note: If the vendor has a temporary badge, their photo will not be on the badge, but their number and the current year will be visible. Once a new vendor returns a second time and purchases more papers, they will receive a badge with their photo on it.) • Denver VOICE vendors are trained with specific language and operate under specific rules for earning. They will never ask you for donations that come back to the Denver VOICE. (Your donation goes to that individual directly and is not tax-deductible as it is a gift to that person.) • If you do not have cash, you can pay directly through the @DenverVoice Venmo account. Be sure to include the vendor’s name or badge number in the notes, so they receive the payment. • There are specific rules about how vendors can go about their work. They will never have tables or booths set up with signage or donation boxes for payments. They should never sell other products alongside the paper. • While vendors are permitted to give away old issues free of charge, they should only be vending the current issue of the paper. Before they can participate in our program, Denver VOICE vendors receive training to understand our program, resources, important programmatic guidelines, and city laws and regulations. The Denver VOICE and its vendors take pride in the work we do, and we appreciate community supporters like you! If you have any questions, concerns, or positive comments about a specific vendor, email our program coordinator at program@denvervoice.org or call us at (720) 320-2155. ■ June 2023 DENVER VOICE 5
INTERNATIONAL STORY QUEEN MOTHER SQUARE. CREDIT: DUCHY OF CORNWALL POUNDBURY: HOW DOES THE KING’S VISION STACK UP IN A HOUSING CRISIS? BY LIAM GERAGHTY POUNDBURY IS KING CHARLES’S PET PROJECT. Located on Duchy of Cornwall land just west of Dorchester in Dorset, the monarch has spent more than three decades carving out his vision of what Britain should look like across its 400 acres. A model village designed to show how building development can enhance the English countryside, to “break the mold of conventional housing development”, as the King put it, he has been overseeing Poundbury’s development since 1993. Originally laid out by architect Léon Krier, the project is due to be completed in 2027, with 2,700 homes built, meaning one for every job in the area. To some detractors, Poundbury is a sort of “feudal Disneyland”, a prince’s plaything existing outside the realms of reality. But Poundbury’s unique royal origins make it a place of intrigue and curiosity in the context of the longrunning housing crisis. Françoise Ha is one of around 4,500 people living there and is chair of the Poundbury Residents Association. “It’s interesting seeing which countries are interested,” says Ha. “Certain countries like France are very interested, Canada, the Dutch, and America, as well. “I don’t think people are particularly royalist or republican here. I think we’re here because it’s a beautiful place to live and the vision that he’s made is quite different from other places. “Poundbury is an interesting idea. It’s been like Marmite 6 DENVER VOICE June 2023 before because it was green fields, but I think it’s good at what it’s trying to do.” What Poundbury is trying to do is be more than the sole preserve of the rich. Sure, take a cursory browse on Rightmove and you’ll see the first-floor apartment overlooking Queen Mother Square on the market for a cool £1.25 million. But a couple of pages later there are sub-£200k flats, with some available for shared ownership. One of the principles behind Poundbury is a mix of affordable homes alongside less affordable properties, and 35% of the homes being built are affordable housing for rent, shared ownership, or discounted sales. The Duchy also has a Discount to Open Market scheme running in Poundbury, which allows first-time buyers to purchase properties at a 25-30% discount which is then passed on to the next owner. There is a mix in the styles of houses on offer too. Take a walk around Poundbury and King Charles’s beloved classical architectural style is on show alongside country cottages built to echo the local area, mixed in with Italian villa-inspired homes. The mix attracts a similarly varied populace of people. This is key to Poundbury’s success and is one of the areas where it has been able to innovate, says Ben Murphy, the Duchy of Cornwall’s estate’s director. “To look back, it’s quite shocking to think now that Poundbury was the first place that integrated affordable housing with market housing. That has influenced national planning policy,” says Murphy. “Developers would think, ‘Oh no, it will detract from the value of private homes’; perhaps there was a stigma and I think it’s been proven to be untrue and incorrect. “All the places that really work well, that have a strong social cohesion, are diverse. It brings vibrancy and vitality to a place, and I think it benefits the community at large by having a well-balanced mix of tenures and people from all walks of life. I’m very proud that we delivered 35% affordable housing but when they’re not just integrated but indistinguishable, I don’t think you can really underestimate how important that is.” Ha has lived in Poundbury for five years after making the move from Exeter. She has yet to bump into King Charles while walking around town but says “he likes to know what’s going on”. But she agrees that variety is the spice of life in Poundbury. “It’s a very cosmopolitan place, compared to other places,” says Ha. “You’ve got people from Northampton, from Scotland, you’ve got people from all around that are coming here to retire or because they just think it’s a nice place to be for families as well. I think there is a difference between perception and reality here. It’s supposed to be a place where people of all generations can live together.” King Charles has never been shy about chiming in with his thoughts on architecture. He famously raised eyebrows when he described an expansion to the National Gallery as a “monstrous carbuncle” while addressing the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1984. Four years later he wrote and presented his first documentary, A Vision of Britain, showcasing his housing ideas for the future to millions watching on the BBC. In a book of the same name that was published the following year, the future king says he was moved to share his thoughts after seeing the “wanton destruction which has taken place in the name of progress”. “The sheer, unadulterated ugliness and mediocrity of public and commercial buildings, and housing estates”
INTERNATIONAL STORY AN AERIAL VIEW OF POUNDBURY. CREDIT: DUCHY OF CORNWALL POUNDBURY, DORCHESTER, CREDIT: CG FY & SON. raised his ire. As did the “dreariness and heartlessness” of urban planning. King Charles, it is fair to say, does not care much for modernist design. Neither has he been shy to intervene in planning decisions. In 2009 the then-Prince of Wales was accused by Ruth Reed, RIBA president at the time, of “an abuse of his position” for attempts to block planning decisions, including plans to develop the former Chelsea Barracks in West London. But it’s the foundations laid out in A Vision of Britain that underpin Poundbury to this day. While much of its design ethos looks to the past, Poundbury has also been a demonstration of having amenities within a 15-minute walking distance. The idea of a ‘15-minute city’ has proven controversial in recent months with conspiracy theorists painting the idea as a war on cars or a method to control people’s movements. That’s nonsense, of course. But the issue was on the mind of notoriously green-focused King Charles 30 years ago. “It’s not about denying the existence of cars or containing people within an area, it’s more about giving people choice,” says Murphy. When you live in Poundbury we’re just saying, chances are you don’t need one because we’ve everything you need – offices, retail, restaurants, cafes, a pub, a doctor’s surgery – and it’s all accessible.” However, there is something of a catch for residents – the Duchy’s hand is never far away. If you want to live in Poundbury you are subject to certain rules designed to keep it beautiful. Want to take your rubbish out to be collected? It has to go out the back of your home, not the front. Want to paint your front door a different color? You’d best ask the Duchy for permission and, even then, you’ll only have a choice of a few approved colors. Want to swap the wooden window frames for PVC? No chance. “You have to be careful that it’s not going to be an issue for you and if you think it will be, then maybe it’s not going to be the right place for you,” says Ha. “There are people who come here because they want that uniformity. They want ARCHITECT LEON KRIER’S ORIGINAL POUNDBURY PLANS (1988) certain rules in place, and they’ve been in places where they didn’t have them and they were frustrated.” But what can other areas of the UK learn from Poundbury? Murphy says that building quality homes even if it means a wait for profit is fundamental to an area’s success. Perhaps that’s easier for an operation with the resources of the Duchy of Cornwall than it is for a major housebuilder with shareholders to answer to. But, then again, perhaps not. “It’s totally scalable. I mean, it’s really just taking the lessons of the past about what we know and love about our historic towns and cities, what makes a successful place,” says Murphy. “It’s not really been a model followed by the volume house builders in the UK because they’re just not set up as businesses to deliver a mix of uses and they’re looking at a much shorter return on investments on an annual or even quarterly basis. “Whether it be a local authority or a developer, if they are more patient about their capital return, they will reap greater dividends. We are a land and property business, it’s not a charitable endeavor, but I think His Majesty absolutely understood that if you build quality and deliver local needs it will create value and commercial success. You’ve just got to have the stomach for it. You’ve got to be a bit more patient about those returns.” The Duchy of Cornwall is trying to demonstrate Poundbury’s scalability firsthand with another planned community in Nansledan on the outskirts of Newquay in Cornwall. Dubbed “Poundbury’s big brother” by Murphy, 630 homes have currently been built in the development over the past five years and it is projected to be completed in around 2045, offering 4,000 homes and 4,000 jobs. Murphy says it is an attempt to deal with Cornwall’s welldocumented shortage of affordable housing. “We’re very much bolstering the town of Newquay and making sure that we remain part of the solution when it comes to the housing crisis,” he adds. For Ha, it’s clear what other places could learn: “For me, it’s building beautifully. I think there are too many places that aren’t built with beauty in mind. They’re built with profit in mind. “I think Poundbury has a lot of thought that has gone into the architecture, how it looks, and how it feels for people. If people are happy in a place, they’re going to want to do more to support their community.” In this sense, King Charles’s vision for Britain has already had a big impact on housing policy. Housing Secretary Michael Gove said last year that “people do not want ugliness imposed on them” and vowed to step in to block ugly housing developments. Last month he did just that, blocking a plan for 164 homes in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Crane Valley, near Tunbridge Wells, citing the “generic” look of the designs. Perhaps the dream of building beautiful homes is the clearest sign of all that King Charles’s vision for Britain and strong views on housing are alive and well outside Poundbury. It might not solve the housing crisis, but it will make a street party more pleasant at least. ■ Courtesy of the International Network of Street Papers / The Big Issue UK bigissue.com @BigIssue June 2023 DENVER VOICE 7
INSP INSIGHTS of the common stereotypes of homeless people you refer to?”, replying: “A homeless person can be described as someone who lacks a permanent place to live, they may be staying in a shelter, transitional housing, sleeping on the street or in a makeshift shelter like a tent or a car. They could have lost their job, be facing mental health or addiction issues, or have experienced other events such as a natural disaster, domestic violence, or a medical emergency, that have left them without a stable home. They may be trying to access services such as job training, mental health counseling, or substance abuse treatment, to improve their situation. It’s worth noting that homelessness can happen to anyone, regardless of their background and it’s a complex issue that requires multiple solutions.” That spurs a conversation about how hereditary privilege PHOTO BY JONATHAN KEMPER ON UNSPLASH WHAT CAN AI TELL US ABOUT PERCEPTIONS OF HOMELESSNESS? BY TONY INGLIS IMBUING AN AI CHATBOT with human characteristics doesn’t seem so ridiculous at a time when such technology is showing uncanny steps forward in its ability to learn and adapt, with some reports of their sentience verging on the most pessimistic predictions of sci-fi. If you’re aware of their existence, the progression shown by generative language models like ChatGPT seems to have come on leaps and bounds, as the Microsoft-backed OpenAI has released a version of its creation into the public domain and has been all the rage. AI like this, in the most basic terms, consumes information it’s been fed – mainly from the internet – and, via a complex algorithm, regurgitates an answer in response to a prompt. The AI uses the information at its disposal to essentially guess the most appropriate next word in a sequence. That process is why it is emerging as such a powerful tool, one that is even being integrated into online search systems that its creators hope may rival a behemoth like Google. But this is also a sign of the limits of this technology. “Much evidence exists of the strong role that perception can play in shaping reality,” writes the Centre for Homelessness impact at the top of a report outlining its findings around public perceptions of homelessness earlier this year. The report goes on to highlight statistics that show public awareness of homelessness as an issue that needs to be addressed is high. However, later it reads: “Of greatest concern are the continuing misconceptions highlighted by our surveys. Asked about the characteristics of people experiencing homelessness, the average answer was that 53% are living with a drug or alcohol dependency. The actual figures are between 5% and 7%. Another mean answer was that 34% are immigrants to this country, which is more than twice the figure (14%) of people from outside the UK who apply for homeless assistance from a local authority.” With this in mind, could AI divulge a more accurate perception of homelessness, with all of the power and tools at its disposal? Across numerous conversations with ChatGPT, it was clear that some of society’s most entrenched prejudices persist within AI too. *** With the prompt “draw a picture of a street paper vendor”, ChatGPT is quick to put you in your place – it is an AI language model and therefore does not create images. But its description of a picture it would draw gets to the heart of the matter: “The street paper vendor is a homeless man or woman, standing on a busy street corner. They have a stack of newspapers in their hand and a worn expression on their face. They are wearing ragged clothes and a look of determination in their eyes.” A “worn expression.” “Ragged clothes.” “A look of determination in their eyes.” It’s a picture of struggle, devoid of nuance. Asked “What does a homeless person look like?”, the AI promisingly replies that “there is no one specific ‘look’ of a homeless person”, but then goes on again to describe them as maybe being “dressed in dirty of worn clothes”, carrying “all their belongings in a backpack or shopping cart”, and might be “sitting on a sidewalk with a cardboard sign asking for money.” As the conversation continues, many of the chatbots initial observations are pushed back on. In response to the prompt “If not all homeless people beg or panhandle, why was it one of the first descriptors you used for a scene involving a homeless person?”, it replies: “I apologize if my previous response suggested that all homeless people panhandle. That is not accurate, and I apologize for any confusion. Panhandling is one way that some homeless individuals try to acquire resources to meet their basic needs, but it is not the only way, and not all homeless people panhandle.” After some back and forth, it responds to the prompt “Could you describe a homeless person without using some and the makeup of society is weighted against certain people and communities. By constantly drilling down, the AI is learning to delve further into its system to provide a more relevant response. It is not capable of opinion and provides little pushback when it generates responses that play into common stereotypes. Eventually, it is prompted with: “Having now had this discussion, how would you answer the question ‘what does a homeless person look like’?” It replies: “It is important to remember that homelessness affects people from all walks of life and can happen to anyone. There is no one specific “look” of a homeless person. People experiencing homelessness may come from diverse backgrounds and may have a wide range of appearances. They may be young or old, male or female, and may have a variety of physical and mental health conditions. They may be dressed in a range of clothing styles. It is not appropriate to make assumptions about a person’s situation based on their appearance. “It is important to focus on the underlying issues that lead to homelessness and not to stereotype or stigmatize people who are experiencing homelessness. Rather than asking what a homeless person looks like, it is more important to focus on understanding and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and lack of access to healthcare and mental health services.” Later it replies: “As an AI, I do not have personal experiences or emotions, and my knowledge is based on the text data that I have been trained on. My responses are generated based on patterns in this data, and while I can provide information and answer questions, I don’t have the same level of understanding and empathy as a person who has directly interacted with or experienced homelessness.” *** Conversations with AI chatbots may be au courant at the moment, and many of its uses seem frivolous. However, its potential practical uses in homeless outreach and activism – predictive modeling, automation, as learning and reporting tools, language processing, and data analysis – may have an impact on public perceptions of homeless people and their communities that will ultimately feed back into AI language models and make their outputs more informed and accurate. But, with its current capabilities, AI can give us little insight into how people experiencing homelessness are perceived beyond parroting back known and ingrained stigmas that we as human beings have of them. In fact, it is disheartening to read the frenzied reporting around AI that seems quick to humanize these machines – perhaps more willingly than many are to see humanity in people on the streets. ■ Courtesy of the International Network of Street Papers 8 DENVER VOICE June 2023
NATIONAL STORY CAN PUBLICLY OWNED INTERNET CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN US CITIES? BY CAREY L. BIRON SOFTWARE ENGINEER DAN SHUHLER spent 15 years frustrated with patchy internet service while living in apartments in Arlington, Virginia – and having no recourse. Each of those complexes contracted with just a single internet provider, leaving residents with no option for other services – a common situation, he said. “I’d probably rather have the water go out than the internet – I can get bottled water, but trying to find another place to work isn’t doable,” said Shuhler, 40. Shuhler has since bought a house, but he supports an effort to push Arlington to copy a strategy backers say has proven successful elsewhere: publicly owned, locally controlled internet service. “Especially now with everything online, it’s basically a requirement to function in society,” Shuhler added. Supporters say a public option could create more local competition, prompt increased investment, drive down prices – and reach those without internet connections. Such debates are happening across the country, bolstered by the COVID-19 pandemic moving key services such as healthcare, grocery shopping, and government processes online, and now by preparations for a massive federal program to close the digital divide. About a fifth of the country lacks internet access, particularly in poor, rural, and Native American communities, according to public records. “Treat it like a public utility – then everyone is getting proper access to it and hopefully improving service,” said Tim Dempsey, a member of the ArlFiber Collective, a volunteer group that has been pushing the issue in Arlington. The county is conducting a study on addressing the digital divide that will include a community broadband option, with recommendations due this year. “Robust broadband connectivity has become a driver of progress in ... economic development, affordable healthcare, public security, transportation, education, and much more,” said Jim Baller of the Coalition for Local Internet Choice, an umbrella group of public and private entities. Not making such investments “isn’t just a matter of a dropped Zoom call,” he said. “You’re retarded in your ability to stay current in all of those areas.” Yet some worry the new federal funding efforts place too much emphasis on public initiatives – and say their worth is unproven. “At the very least, this should be a level playing field, with those forming the best proposals receiving the grant money,” said Johnny Kampis, director of telecom policy for the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, a watchdog group. The alliance in April released a report citing “unprecedented interest” in publicly owned networks but warning that such projects have often proved wasteful, redundant, and inefficient in closing the digital divide. YEAR OF THE ‘PUBLIC OPTION’? Community broadband networks now serve more than 20 million homes, according to the recently formed American Association for Public Broadband, a nonprofit founded by state and local officials. “The time for public broadband has come,” Gigi Sohn, the association’s first executive director, said in an interview following her appointment this month. “This is the right thing at the right time, with money flowing and people sick of not having affordable choices,” said Sohn, a former nominee for commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission. About 600 communities are served by some form of municipal network, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s community broadband networks initiative. Dozens more such projects are in the pipeline, said Sean Gonsalves, communications lead for the initiative, pointing to Knoxville, Tennessee; Pharr, Texas; Waterloo, Iowa, and elsewhere. “For decades the market has been broken. Most Americans get internet service through a monopoly cable provider, and here all these years later ... we still have this digital divide,” said Gonsalves. Some cities are creating their own internet provider, while others are simply putting in high-speed infrastructure and allowing providers to use it. Municipal systems have tended to result in more affordable rates and some of the fastest options available, Gonsalves said, citing efforts in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Wilson, North Carolina; Fairlawn, Ohio, and elsewhere. Yet these systems have been contentious, and 16 states have restricted such a “public option”, according to research group BroadbandNow, after Colorado this month rolled back its barriers. Nonetheless, 2023 “could be the year that things begin to change”, it said in an April report, fueled by the massive new federal funding available. The government last year created a $65 billion “Internet for All” initiative aiming to build out high-speed internet infrastructure and bring down costs, with money expected to start flowing in the coming months. Regulators have been explicit that local governments should be eligible. “We want to get the best possible networks built,” said a spokesperson with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in emailed comments. “To do that, we’ve asked states to create a level playing field on which municipalities; cooperatives; and small, medium, and large companies can all compete for these funds.” Still, draft guidance requires financial letters of credit from applicants, which could be an obstacle for local governments, said Jake Varn, a principal associate with Pew’s Broadband Access Initiative. It is “an outstanding question” as to whether a waiver or other process could be put in place, he said, given that municipal governments “don’t necessarily operate on that same financial plane as a for-profit provider”. INVISIBLE PROBLEM Los Angeles County is using pandemic relief money to build what could become one of the largest municipal broadband projects in the country. The effort was motivated by residents’ problems during the pandemic accessing telehealth, applying for jobs, and engaging in financial transactions, said Selwyn Hollins, director of the county’s internal services department. About 400,000 county households lack home internet – a figure so large as to have a generational impact, Hollins said, but one that is relatively invisible. The new program will allow selected companies to use publicly owned roofs, towers, and other infrastructure to bring free broadband to low-income households, with thousands likely connected by the end of the year. “In parts of the county, there’s only one provider, so there’s no other option for people,” Hollins said. “This is a very expensive place to live, so the choice has become difficult for a lot of families.” While still new, the effort fits in with any county’s responsibility to support the most vulnerable, Hollins said. “This is what we do.” Elsewhere, nonprofits are working to fill this role. Price is also the main obstacle in Baltimore, Maryland, where 40% of homes do not have a broadband subscription, said Samantha Musgrave, director of Project Waves. The nonprofit works to bring free broadband to tenants in apartment complexes, currently serving around 1,000 low-income households – and with a long list of interested properties. “The internet is a utility, the same as water or electricity,” Musgrave said. “And we need to be really serious about the way that we’re providing access to this utility.” ■ This article first appeared on Context, powered by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Courtesy of the International Network of Street Papers. PHOTO BY JOHN SCHNOBRICH ON UNSPLASH June 2023 DENVER VOICE 9
NATIONAL FEATURE HOLISTIC DOULA CIARA CLARK, 34, RECEIVES A KISS FROM HER MOTHER ELLE T PARKER, 53, WHILE SHE LABORS IN HER BIRTHING POOL AT HER HOME BIRTH IN TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY, U.S., SEPTEMBER 11, 2022. REUTERS/JOY MALONE BLACK MOTHERS IN THE U.S. SPEAK OF CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE BY JOY MALONE AND CORINNE PERKINS CIARA CLARK, A BLACK DOULA, labored for more than nine hours at home before making a last-minute switch to go to the hospital to give birth. With her own Black doula and mother by her side, Clark had hoped to have her baby at home with no medical assistance at all. She wanted to have a “wild” pregnancy - one that is medically unassisted. “I wanted to go through this birth without having any medical intervention,” said Clark, age 34. After four cesarean sections with her previous pregnancies, Clark said she feared that her birth plan would not be supported by the medical staff. But after a long labor, Clark said she became anxious and decided to go to the hospital, where she gave birth to a healthy son. Clark is not alone in her distrust of medical intervention in the birthing process. Nine Black pregnant women and new mothers voiced similar comments. All of the women spoke of feeling unseen and unheard at times through their pregnancy and postpartum period. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) April data shows that Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white HOLISTIC DOULA CIARA CLARK, 34, LOOKS LOVINGLY AT EVAN, HER SLEEPING NEWBORN, IN TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY, U.S., SEPTEMBER 18, 2022. REUTERS/JOY MALONE 10 DENVER VOICE June 2023
NATIONAL FEATURE PAGE TITLE women. The CDC said this was a result of multiple factors, including variations in the quality of healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. For Chelsea Ward, 32, a nursing student from Fords, New Jersey, who recently gave birth to twins, the state of Black maternal health in the United States is “inadequate.” “It’s challenging when you’re fighting and advocating for your maternal health rights, and having to educate your peers as well,” Ward said. Obtaining knowledge and self-advocating is key to making informed decisions, Ward added. RESILIENCE AND JOY Despite their challenges, the women described their resilience as they navigate maternal healthcare and motherhood. Soyal Smalls, 37, from Poughkeepsie, New York, who was pregnant when photographed in August 2022, believes increasing the number of Black healthcare providers would help Black mothers, along with having more hospitals with birthing units to support the mother and allow for more vaginal births. Ashlee Muhammad, 37, agreed, saying her doctors had assumed she would have a cesarean and she had to advocate for herself to have a vaginal birth for her twins. Many of the women also emphasized the importance of postpartum care. “If we are not whole as mothers, I don’t know how anyone expects us to care for these children,” Clark said. Ward said she thought more education for the Black community on innovations in birthing, postpartum care, and parenting would be beneficial. “I truly believe that if we know better, we would do better,” she said. Shariah Bottex, a 30-year-old program manager in Flushing, New York, pumped milk while her fiance fed their newborn son when photographed her in March. She said her biggest hope for her children is that they will feel comfortable in their skin and that they get to enjoy their childhood. “My greatest joy as a mother is seeing my baby smile so big and knowing that I’m the cause of that smile and his happiness,” Bottex said. ■ Courtesy of Reuters / International Network of Street Papers Need to get rid of your car, truck, or motorcycle? Consider donating it to Denver VOICE. Call (855) 500-7433, or go to: careasy.org/nonprofi t/denver-voice. Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are looking for volunteers to support our program coordination by helping with paper distribution and basic offi ce administration at the Denver VOICE offi ce (989 Santa Fe Dr.) from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at: program@denvervoice.org HOLISTIC DOULA CIARA CLARK, 34, RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM HER HUSBAND ANTHONY CLARK, A 38-YEAR-OLD VIP ASSOCIATE FOR A SPORTS BETTING COMPANY, WHILE SHE LABORS IN HER BED AT HER HOME BIRTH IN TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY, U.S., SEPTEMBER 11, 2022. REUTERS/JOY MALONE June 2023 DENVER VOICE 11 DONATE YOUR CAR!
IN YOUR OWN WORDS STOP SAYING I CAN’T, SELF BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR SELF, STOP SAYING, “I CAN’T!” When you do that, it gives you permission to not do anything. Every time you say you can’t, what you’re really doing is giving up on Self. You, and no one else, can do anything for Self. You have the power over Self to fail or succeed – even when others keep telling you, “You can’t do this,” or “You know you can’t do that because it will not come out right,” or “You will mess it up, you know you will fail,” or other statements like that. It is up to you to change how you react when people tell you such things. You either believe them when they tell you that you can’t, or you tell Self, “I don’t care if they tell me I can’t. I believe in Self, and Self doesn’t care what they say. If it is not something good, I don’t have to listen to them. The only person who can help me make it in life is SELF!” RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA Be your own voice for Self. No one but Self can think, feel, or speak for Self. Don’t ever tell Self you can’t. Love your Self enough so you don’t believe those negative words because they are not true. You don’t want to fail Self. You can do anything you put your mind to. Believe in Self because no one can believe in Self but YOU. No one can live your life, but Self. So, LOVE SELF and ONLY TAKE IN GOOD THINGS! Let go of hateful words from others. Always tell Self, “I CAN DO ANYTHING I WANT TO DO!” You can do it, Self. I believe in you. Always say, “I CAN,” to SELF! ■ DENVER VOICE CONTRIBUTORS, CLASEN, DAVIS, RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR WORK BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN, MANAGING EDITOR DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 2023, longtime Denver VOICE contributors Giles Clasen and Robert Davis each received awards for their stellar journalistic efforts. In April, Davis, who received his Master of Science in journalism this past December from New York University, picked up two Top of the Rockies awards from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). In addition to winning third place in the Climate Reporting category for an article he wrote for Yellow Scene magazine, Davis also placed first in the Enterprise Reporting category for his work on the Chasing Progress series, which was a project coordinated by the Colorado News Colaborative (COLab). Additionally, Davis won first place from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing for his work on an Insider’s Warehouse Nation package. Giles Clasen has received several awards for one of the photos he took for “RV Living on the Road to Housing,” which was the cover story for the Denver VOICE’s October 2022 issue. This includes first place in the SPJ’s Top of the Rockies awards in the Feature Photography/Videography category. The photo will also be included in the Colorado GILES CLASEN’S COVER PHOTO FOR THE OCTOBER 2022 ISSUE OF THE VOICE HAS RECEVED SEVERAL AWARDS. IMAGE COURTESY OF AI-AP 39. 12 DENVER VOICE June 2023 Photographic Arts Center Annual Juried Members’ Show later this summer. Perhaps the most prestigious coverage Clasen’s recent work received is the inclusion of his photographs in the American Photography 39 annual award book. Of more than 7000 entries, the jury — which is composed of distinguished photographers, artistic directors, and creative directors from outlets like ProPublica, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times — selected 443 images representing the best pictures from 2022. Two of the 443 were taken by Clasen. According to Clasen, he is thrilled with the recognition that his work has earned, but what means even more is that the people in the photographs are just as excited about the attention and hope the coverage will instill a better understanding of those experiencing homelessness. The Denver VOICE may be among the smallest papers in the International Network of Street Papers, but our exceptional team of award-winning contributors continues to position us as one of the very best. ■
EVENTS COURTESY OF DEBORAH LASTOWKA PUZZLES 2ND ANNUAL SUMMER BOOK SWAP Grab a drink and search for your next great read at the 2nd annual summer book swap. WHEN: June 3, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. COST: Event is free - just bring a book! WHERE: Western Sky Bar & Taproom, 4361 S. Broadway INFO: westernskybar.com CITY PARK JAZZ Jazz in the park is back! Enjoy live music, sunsets, food trucks, adorable dogs, and a sense of community at this beloved city event. WHEN: June 4, 11, 18, and 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. COST: Free but donations accepted. WHERE: City Park Pavilion, 2001 Steele St. INFO: cityparkjazz.org COURTESY OF STREETROOTS ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 15 REGIRAMA SUMMER MOVIE SERIES: VIVO Come on out for a free outdoor screening of Vivo. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, and picnics. A couple of food trucks will also be on-site. WHEN: June 9, doors open at 6:30 p.m., movie begins at dusk COST: Free entry. WHERE: Regis University – Boettcher Commons, 3333 Regis Blvd. INFO: regis.edu REACH 4 PEACE PICNIC The Struggle of Love Foundation is hosting their 16th annual Reach 4 Peace Picnic, which is a free family event celebrating outstanding fathers in the community. Free food will be provided along with free activities for the whole family, including face painting, pony rides, a car show, live entertainment, haircuts, and health screenings. WHEN: June 18, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Silverman Park, 12875 Andrews Dr. INFO: struggleoflovefoundation.org ACROSS DOWN 1. Cousin of “ahem” 5. Locker room supply 9. Savory flavor 14. Duo before do 15. Time piece 16. Like oak leaves... or brains 17. Inoffensive 20. Plumber of note 21. Mexican turnover 22. Accounts ___ 25. Musical aptitude 26. Lite 28. Word spelled out in a Nat King Cole classic 32. “It looks like it’s all over for me” 36. Recipe phrase 37. Rebuttal 40. Spanish others 41. Hawk trainer 42. Shipshape 43. Seder staple 45. Address book abbr. 46. Come (from) 51. Pressing needs? 56. Started eating 57. Realm of fantasy 60. “The Little Engine That ___” 61. Parade spoiler 62. Stead 63. Hold in reserve 64. Sea bird 65. Like some decisions 1. Well-rounded? 2. Yemen’s capital 3. Narrative 4. Leg part 5. Not just any 6. Green New Deal proponent, initially 7. Pear-shaped instrument 8. Black Sea region 9. Of an arm bone 10. Bellyache 11. “Dancing Queen” quartet 12. Pinochle combo 13. It comes to mind 18. Merchandise odds and ends 19. Milky gem 23. Word before star or ranger 24. Decorative pitcher 27. Skill 28. Airport pickup 29. The yoke’s on them 30. Tarzan’s transport 31. ___’acte (intermission) 32. Clickable image 33. Bit of dust 34. Ambience 35. Itsy-bitsy biter 36. Shakespeare title starter 38. Bulldoze 39. Grab (onto) 43. Sporty Spice, by another name 44. Magnetism 45. ___ bear 47. Cancels 48. From the top 49. Athlete’s foot 50. Eventually become 51. Secretly loops in: Abbr. 52. Natural balm 53. Defeat decisively 54. Onion, for one 55. Slash mark? 58. Relations 59. Four quarters DENVER PRIDE Denver Pride 2023 is back with two full days of entertainment and fun! Attendees can enjoy the Pride Parade, Pride Fest, 5K, live entertainment, local vendors, and a number of other pride-related activities! WHEN: Jun 24 and Jun 25, times vary. COST: Free + open to the public. WHERE: Civic Center Park, 101 W 14th Ave. INFO: denverpride.org June 2023 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR
DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $25,000+ The NextFifty Initiative $10,000+ The Christian Foundation Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. $5,000 - $9,999 Bank of America Charitable Foundation Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Francis Trainer and Trainer Family Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation $1,000-$4,999 Katherine Standiford Walker Family Foundation Alexander Seavall Jill Haug Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Whole Foods Foundation Alex Salva Russell Peterson Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Chris and Susan Pappas Michael Dino Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Frederic K Conover Trust Megan Arellano Keyrenter Property Management Denver SEI Giving Fund The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Warren and Betty Kuehner Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Gaspar Terrana Maggie Holben Michael J. Fehn and Jan Monnier Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Lisa Wagner Joshua Kauer Elsbeth Williams Mathew Rezek $500-$999 Margaret Ramp John Gibson James and Cyndi Lesslie Fire on the Mountain Christopher Boulanger Sheryl Parker Laura Saunders Robert E and Anne T Sneed Family Foundation Barbara and Robert Ells Carol and Louis Irwin Donald Weaver Edwina Salazar James Stegman Jennifer Stedron Jeremy Anderson Stephen Saul WalMart Peter Iannuzzi Nikki Lawson CEDS Finance Graham Davis Impact Assets Courage and Community Foundation Louis Irwin Mary Livernois Mr B’s Liquor Wines For Humanity • 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 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 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 14 DENVER VOICE June 2023
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, COUNSELING, EDUCATION, SHELTERS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE, AND MORE. EMAIL EDITOR@DENVERVOICE.ORG WITH CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS. MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY L.I.F.T. CareVan at Open Door Ministries, 1567 Marion St., Tues. 9am-12:30pm DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER 303-436-6000, 777 Bannock St. denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL A resource that features abundant 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: 866-716-0142. Organizations that take Medicaid: drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/medicaid/united-states/colorado/denver HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800; 112 E. 8th Ave.; Mon.-Fri., 9am-12pm. HIV/Hep C/ Gonorrhea/ Chlamydia testing available. Our services are restricted to active IV Drug Users. Offers clean syringes to active users, as well as safety training on how to properly dispose of dirty syringes. harmreductionactioncenter.org LIVE ANOTHER DAY Live Another Day believes in equal access to life-saving mental health and substance use resources. This website provides extensive information on the best resources available: 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, info@hepc-connection.org, liverhealthconnection.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER 303-296-1767, 3800 York St. Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Tues. 9am-5pm; Sat. 8am-2pm. Emergency walk-ins. SALUD CLINIC 6075 Parkway Drive, Ste. 160, Commerce City; Dental 303-286-6755. Medical 303-286-8900. Medical Hours: Mon.-Wed. 8am-9pm, Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. (Urgent Care only) 8am-5pm; Dental Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 1-5pm; After Office Hours: 1-800-283-3221 saludclinic.org/commerce-city SOUTHEAST ADDICTION CENTER Top 50 resources for Black men who are struggling with substance use and/or their mental health. southeastaddictiontn.com/50-addiction-mental-health-resources-for-black-men SOUTHEAST DETOX Updated in 2023, this guide features over 50 fully-vetted resources for Black women. southeastdetoxga.com/black-women-addiction-mental-health-support STOUT STREET CLINIC 303-293-2220, 2130 Stout St. Clinic hours for new and established patients: 7am-4pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. The clinic is open Wed. 11am-7pm. coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES) Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. 833-931-2484 sunshinebehavioralhealth.com VA MEDICAL CENTER 303-399-8020, 1700 N Wheeling St., Aurora va.gov/find-locations/facility/vha_554A5 WORKNOW 720-389-0999; job recruitment, skills training, and job placement work-now.org DROP-IN & DAYTIME CENTERS CITYSQUARE DENVER 303-783-3777; 2575 S. Broadway; Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm, Denver Works helps with employment, IDs, birth certs; mail services and lockers citysquare.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 303-607-0855; 1101 W. 7th Ave.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Six private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch & more thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE 303-321-4198; 1535 High St.; Mon., Wed.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Tues. 8:30am-1:30pm. 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, and more. tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER 303-572-7800, 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am-12pm. Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes. harmreductionactioncenter.org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1900 California St., help with lost IDs and birth certificates holyghostchurch.org HOPE PROGRAM 303-832-3354, 1555 Race St.; Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm. For men and women with HIV. 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.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center: bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI odmdenver.org ST. FRANCIS CENTER 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hours- Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 60+. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. seniorsupportservices.org SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES) 2017 Larimer St. Daytime drop-in shelter for youth 12-30 years old. Meals, socks, clothing bank, personal hygiene supplies, internet access, intentional mentoring and guidance, crisis intervention, referrals to other services. Tues.-Fri. 12-4pm & Sat. 11-2pm. soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) 2100 Stout St. 303-291-0442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. If you are a youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, please contact 303-974-2928 urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-in-center TGTHR (FKA ATTENTION HOMES) Shelter: 303-447-1207, 3080 Broadway, Boulder. Open every day, 12:30-5pm, for anyone ages 12-24. Office: 303-447-1206. Offers safe shelter, supportive programming, and other services to youth up to age 24 tgthr.org URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES) Youth 14-24 in Denver and Colorado Springs. Overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers, case workers, job skills and training, ID and birth certificate assistance, GED assistance, counseling and housing. 730 21st St. 303-974-2900 urbanpeak.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 Go to mealsforpoor.org for meal locations CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 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 303-783-3777, 2575 S. Broadway; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm citysquare.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES Hot meals served at 1820 Broadway (in front of Trinity United Methodist Church), Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11:45-12:15 mealsforpoor.org DENVER INNER CITY PARISH 303-322-5733, 1212 Mariposa St., VOA Dining Center for Seniors, free 60 yrs and older, Wed.-Sat. 9am-12pm. Food Bank, Wed.-Fri., tickets at 9am, food bank open 10am-12pm. dicp.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION 1130 Park Avenue West, 3 meals 7 days/week: 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm 303-294-0157 denverrescuemission.org FATHER WOODY’S HAVEN OF HOPE 1101 W. 7th Ave. 303-607-0855. Mon.-Fri. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends. Breakfast is at 8am, and lunch is served at 11am frwoodyshavenofhope.org FEEDING DENVER’S HUNGRY Food service on the second and fourth Thurs. of each month; locations found at feedingdenvershungry.org/events.html FOOD NOT BOMBS Wed. 4pm/Civic Center Park facebook.com/ThePeoplesPicnic HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm krishnadenver.com HIS LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 910 Kalamath, 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, Mon.-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., Sat. morning breakfast: 8am, Sun. dinner (required church attendance at 4:30pm) meal served at 6pm. 303-830-2201 odmdenver.org/home ST. CLARE’S MINISTRY AT ST. PETER AND ST. MARY 126 W. 2nd Ave., dinner at 4pm on Tues. Also offer a change of clothes, toiletries and sleeping bags when available. 303-722-8781 stpeterandmary.org ST. ELIZABETH’S Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; 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. 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, 720-530-6853 soallmayeat.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES 846 E. 18th Ave. 3 meals, Mon.a-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. 55+ seniorsupportservices.org/programs 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-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission CAREER SERVICES COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER Level 4, Denver Central Library, 14th Ave. & Broadway. 720-865-1706. Hours: Mon. & Tues. 10am-8pm; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 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 Department of Human Services, 1200 Federal Blvd., Mon.Fri., 7:30am-4:30pm; Services include: employment counseling, assisted job search, résumé preparation, job/applicant matching, phone bank for calling employers, access to computers, copiers, fax, etc. careercenteroffices.com/center/231/denver-westside-workforce-center June 2023 DENVER VOICE 15 DON’T LOOK NOW! PUZZLES ARE ON PAGE 13
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