EDITOR’S NOTE TYPICALLY, WE PUBLISH our tourism issue in July, showcasing some of Denver’s hidden gems like street art, breweries, independent bookstores, and coffee shops, as well as locally-owned restaurants. Facing the reality that it may be ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR a while before local attractions, eateries, and entertainment venues fully re-open, we decided to focus on a different aspect of Denver’s hidden treasures by sharing stories of individuals, whose advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities or ability to navigate through the murky uncertainty left in the wake of COVID-19, enhance the quality of life for all Denverites. In this issue, we introduce a photographer/performer/ makeup artist, dancer, visual artist, and musician, who have found a way during the pandemic-caused shutdown to practice their different forms of art, while making money doing so. Also in this issue, Paula Bard writes about Courtney and Jules Carag, who have partnered with local businesses and nonprofits to feed those sheltering in local encampments. Terese Howard with Denver Homeless Out Loud and Tay Anderson, director-at-large for the DPS School Board, are not exactly “hidden” gems, but when it comes to taking action and spreading compassion, kindness, and hope, both Howard and Anderson are shining examples of true leadership. Denver’s best-known nickname is the Mile High City, but it is also known as the Queen City of the West. The individuals and organizations we feature in this issue are the rare gems who make this city shine. We hope you enjoy learning more about the people covered in this issue and the remarkable work they do to bring awareness to their causes and the people they serve. ■ JULY CONTRIBUTORS PAULA BARD is an award-winning fine art photographer, writer, and activist. She lives on a mountain top southwest of Denver. GILES CLASEN is a freelance photographer who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is a freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Public Works Journal, Fansided, Colorado Journal, and Medium.com. DENVERVOICE.ORG CE.ORG @OCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Seybold MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Kelly Nix GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Aaron Sullivan Laura Wing DOUG HRDLICKA is a Denver native who reports on the city’s changes. PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Paula Bard Giles Clasen WRITERS Paula Bard Giles Clasen Robert Davis Maggie Hadden Doug Hrdlicka Gregory Miller Benjamin Eric Nelson 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 metro Denver area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,000 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 Michelle Stapleton, Vice President Lori Holland, Treasurer Jeff Cuneo, Secretary Donovan Cordova Raelene Johnson Josh Kauer Craig Solomon Zephyr Wilkins EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • 303.539.7226 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 1600 Downing St., Ste. 230, Denver, CO 80218 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: For the immediate future, we will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open. New vendors must arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE July 2020 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
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