$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE HAOLEWEIRD STUDIOS MIXES CULINARY ARTISTRY WITH NOSTALGIA, STREET CULTURE, AND ABSTRACTION PP.8. DIFFERENCES OF DEFINITION PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS ARE WITHOUT A HOME, BUT NOT EVERYONE WITHOUT A HOME IS HOMELESS. PAGE 4 PEOPLE WHO CARE AS CHARITABLE GIVING DECLINES, DENVER PHILANTHROPIST LAUNCHES GIVING CIRCLE PAGE 5 LIFE ON THE EDGE OF HOMELESSNESS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT CHALLENGES STEREOTYPES PAGE 6 WHY WE DREAM VOICE VENDORS ON THE PURPOSE OF DREAMS PAGE 11 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 6, 11 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 OCTOBER 2025 | Vol.30 Issue 10 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: “MY UPBRINGING WAS A MIX OF SURF AND SKATE, BEACH AND MOUNTAIN CULTURES. I GREW UP ON CARTOONS, HIP-HOP, SKATEBOARDING, AND SNOWBOARDING, WHICH HAVE INFORMED MY SUBJECT MATTER AND STYLE AS AN ARTIST,” SAID ANDREW MORAN. | PHOTO BY JULI YANAI
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR ON THE UP AND UP NOW WE CAN CALL IT A COMEBACK! On September 20, 2024, my coworkers and I learned that the Denver VOICE did not have enough money to remain open. Through social media posts, emails, and phone calls, we informed our community of our predicament. Now, it is a little over a year later, ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR and we are still publishing a street paper, which means our vendors have continued to earn an income from vending the Denver VOICE without interruption. Both Robert Davis, our board president, and I have written about what our vendors, board members, and staff have done to get our finances and organization back on track. While we still have work to do to “right this ship,” I believe we have reason to celebrate our “comeback” as an organization. On September 12 and 13, the Denver VOICE hosted the 2025 International Network of Street Papers North America Summit. Initially, I was concerned that, given everything going on, hosting the Summit would not be wise, but Robert Davis and the rest of the planning team made sure the event was a success. That we could pull off a gathering of North American street papers was no small feat — especially given where our organization was a year ago— but it showed the resolve of everyone on the Denver VOICE team and members of the participating street papers. There is no way we would have managed the event without Robert. It was he who coordinated with fellow street papers within INSP to develop an agenda, identify speakers, and find welcoming and centrally-located venues to hold our meetings. He also assembled a team of exceptional journalists working for nonprofit media outlets for an insightful panel discussion on the state of nonprofit journalism. The past year has challenged everyone involved with the Denver VOICE; however, our vendors, board members, and those on our staff have poured their hearts into making sure the Denver VOICE continues to operate. We have been able to publish the paper monthly, and our vendor numbers have increased by 5%. Robert has done an outstanding job of recruiting new board members, and now, we can add hosting the INSP North America gathering to our list of accomplishments over the past year. We are grateful to all of those who have supported us emotionally or financially. Thank you to my colleagues, Giles Clasen, Maddie Egerton, Andrew Fraieli and Robert Davis. Thank you to Denver VOICE Cofounder Rick Barnes. And thank you, board members, Eduardo Platon, Bella Colletti, Jennifer Forker, Don Burnes, Ande Sailer, and Edwin Rapp. I am hopeful that not only will we navigate through this next chapter as a nonprofit, but we will thrive. DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Giles Clasen ART DIRECTOR Andrew Fraieli ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Maddie Egerton VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Jennifer Forker Aaron Sullivan @OCE ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Brown Public Yvens Alex Saintil Juli Yanai WRITERS Rea Brown 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. independent contractors who receive no base pay. 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 Pfsiol Jlits code of ethics. Michael Burkley Giles Clasen David Gordon Wesley Hubbs Sondra Jeffries Jamie Miller Jerry Rosen Juli Yanai BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Michael Burkley Eduardo Platon Edwin Rapp Donald Burnes Jennifer Forker Ande Sailer 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 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. 2 DENVER VOICE October 2025 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
SAFE SCHOOLS 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. 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. JULI YANAI is a Japanese-American photojournalist and freelance photographer based in Denver and Beyond. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Yanai moved to Colorado in 2017 and received her bachelor’s degree from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in the fall of 2024. THE DENVER VOICE HOSTED THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF STREET NEWSPAPER NORTH AMERICA CONFERENCE IN SEPTEMBER. GROUNDCOVER NEWS, STREETWISE, THE CONTRIBUTOR AND CURBSIDE CHRONICLES WERE IN ATTENDANCE. PHOTO BY YVENS ALEX SAINTIL MATTER. Vote in the Denver Board of Education election. DENVER4STUDENTS.COM 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. October 2025 DENVER VOICE 3
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE SOFA OR PAVEMENT? DIFFERENCES OF DEFINITION STORY BY JANITA-MARJA JUVONEN SHOULD WE FAVOR the term “without a home” as it already describes a serious situation? Or should the focus remain on the word “homeless”, as is often the case at present? It is not uncommon for society to mistakenly regard “without a home” as less serious than “homeless”. “Homeless” triggers more emotions in people, causes actions and reactions – similar to the keyword “Christmas” – than the words “without a home” do. In fact, the two terms are to be considered differently and define different situations. In Germany, “without a home” means that someone does not have their own flat, house, or tenancy. People without a home live – possibly temporarily – with friends or relatives, but also in emergency accommodation, where places are very limited and often full. However, people without a home do not (yet) sleep on the street or under bridges, so they are not homeless in that sense. “Homeless”, on the other hand, describes a situation in which people have no fixed place to live or stay. Homeless people usually live on the street, in doorways, under bridges, or in other outdoor places. That means that all people who are homeless are without a home, but not all people without a home are homeless. Nevertheless, the word “homelessness” appears much more often in the media or in conversations than without a home. Yet the number of people without a home in Germany is higher than ever and continues to rise. It should also be borne in mind that not all people without a home appear in the statistics, as there are many people without a home – especially women – who do not appear in the welfare system as long as they can stay with someone “unseen”. But such dependent relationships pose great dangers for the person in need. I know homeless people who do not see themselves as “without a home” because they have a permanent place to sleep under a bridge and therefore have shelter from their point of view. “My” bridge was also a home for me. Even today, when I see this place, I feel similar to someone returning to their first home or their old childhood bedroom. There are no places like my childhood bedroom for me to go back to. I only got to enjoy the feeling of having my own home when I was 32. Although I don’t want to go back to living under the bridge, my memories of that time are not entirely negative. It’s difficult to put the feeling into words, but this bridge and the group I lived with there for years were actually something positive in my situation. They gave me protection and a sense of belonging, sometimes even a feeling of security. When I went under the bridge, I came into my “home”, into my bedroom. I came to my safe space, which offered me a certain degree of security – until the arson attack on me. For a long time, I drew a distinction by thinking that, as a homeless person, my situation was more serious than that of people who are “only” without a home. Today, with a little distance and after talking to other people who are homeless, I see things differently. In emergency shelters, people are also exposed to violence and discrimination, and in my opinion, they are also deprived of a large part of their independence. In addition, they are less visible to society. Politicians are more concerned with displacing homeless people than with taking sensible measures to get these people out of often desolate emergency accommodation and into their own homes quickly. I have gained the impression that there is a real distinction in the perception of those I have been in conversation with. This often gives the impression to those who have homes that people without a home can still live quite well in their situation. The situation is not yet bad enough. I am very moved by the reports from emergency and night shelters, and they show me why this was never an option for me. I don’t think that sleeping in a night shelter, where the person can go in at night and has to leave in the morning, is a good enough reason to stop labelling people as homeless. Because they still are. Three stays in a night shelter were enough for me. Nevertheless, I was never “voluntarily homeless” afterwards. This term is used in politics so that the general public is under the illusion that the responsibility for the situation lies solely with the people who live on the streets. However, the inadequate facilities at and poor condition of emergency and night shelters play a decisive role, as do structural problems and the lack of social housing and social support. The housing shortage is a far-reaching problem, but instead, it is suggested that people have chosen this situation of their own free will, which conveys a false impression. Homeless people are often exposed to psychological, physical, and sexual violence. They are at the mercy of their hosts’ whims, as they want to do everything in their power to avoid losing their shelter. Insecure “living conditions” cause extreme stress every day: “Will it still be safe for me to stay here tomorrow?” – just as a homeless person doesn’t know whether their sleeping place will still be accessible or available tomorrow. I think that it is important to point out that there are differences when people talk about being without a home and homelessness. Sleeping in emergency shelters and sleeping on the street or in night shelters are different realities of life that open up different perspectives. If I keep saying, “I am/was homeless,” it could be that the listener does not understand the reality of homelessness. As a result, my perspective could be misunderstood or not fully grasped. The term “without a home” needs to be used more and actively brought into the discussion in order to make the often invisible people behind the doors of emergency accommodation visible. So many people without a home go unnoticed because they have not reached “rock bottom”. But nobody should end up there! It is essential that we work together to prevent people from getting into this situation in the first place. Translated from German via Translators Without Borders Courtesy of Trott-war / INSP.ngo SLEEPING IN A TENT ONLY FEELS ROMANTIC – AS LONG AS THE PERSON SLEEPING THERE KNOWS THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO RETURN HOME AT ANY TIME. | PHOTO COURTESY OF INSP 4 DENVER VOICE October 2025
COMMUNITY FEATURE AMID STEEP DROP IN CHARITABLE GIVING, DENVER PHILANTHROPIST LAUNCHES GIVING CIRCLE Denver’s new giving circle, People Who Care, wants to make a difference - and onboard new members STORY BY JAMIE MILLER A STALWART OF DENVER’S PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY is launching a giving circle to generate funding for equity and social welfare causes—demonstrating the power of collective giving over individual donations. “Most people say, ‘Well, what can I give personally? Can I give enough to really make a difference?’ That is not an issue here,” said Donald Burnes, founder of People Who Care Giving Circle. Burnes is a board member of Denver VOICE and has been an avid member of Denver’s philanthropic community for over 20 years. After learning about the concept of giving circles, he decided to start one. The central idea of a giving circle is that modest contributions, when pooled together, can generate a major impact. Giving circles can be formal or informal, but all are made up of like-minded individuals spanning across generations, identities, and locations. The common thread is that all members are looking to amplify their philanthropic impact. This concept is gaining popularity. Philanthropy Together estimates that in 1995, there were 50 circles, while today there are 4,000 groups globally. There are 78 giving circles within 50 miles of Denver alone. Membership ranges from 10 individuals to 10,000, and donation limits range from a few dollars to thousands. “When people become members, they become part of the decision on who gets granted the money. Members can nominate a potential recipient, and then we vote on who to grant the funds to,” said Burnes. People Who Care plans to give quarterly, with long-term goals of hitting 250 members and raising $100k yearly. They plan to give their first grant by the end of this year. TRENDS IN PHILANTHROPIC GIVING The overall trends for individual donors have been declining for years, likely due to inflation and generational differences. There is potential for further decline following the introduction of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which limits itemized deductions and cuts tax benefits for wealthy donors by 2%. Underneath the top-line figures, collective giving efforts like giving circles are growing. Between 2017 and 2023, close to 4,000 groups mobilized approximately 370,000 philanthropists, collectively contributing over $3.1 billion towards various causes— doubling its impact and membership since 2016, according to Nonprofitpro.com. There is a variety of reasons for this growth, including people’s desire to amplify their impacts, join a community, and the approachable nature of giving circles, Burnes explained. “Folks who don’t necessarily have a lot of money to contribute. They can contribute a manageable amount, maybe $100 a quarter to start. When you become a member, you get to know other contributors and non-profits. It gets you more familiar with the philanthropic arena in a way that you probably would not otherwise,” said Burnes. PURPOSE-DRIVEN INVOLVEMENT Every circle has its own purpose. People Who Care focuses on social equity and social welfare charities operating in the MetroDenver area. Some have more specific missions, like impacting marginalized women and adolescent girls or addressing economic and health inequities. Identity-based groups are also common, like Latinas LEAD, to strengthen which was launched in 2016 the leadership development of Latinas to drive social change. Other circles are geared towards specific fields such as women in business, artists, or technology. “It is a whole new way of thinking about fundraising. You give a small amount, and with enough people, we have enough money to make grants that really make a difference,” said Burnes. People interested in joining People Who Care may contact PHOTO COURTESY OF DON BURNES Donald Burnes via email at donwburnes@gmail.com. To locate other giving circles near you, explore the Global Giving Circle Directory at philanthropytogether.org/directory. October 2025 DENVER VOICE 5
COMMUNITY PROFILE ONE OF THE ARTISTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT IS A DENVER VOICE VENDOR WHO ASKED TO BE IDENTIFIED AS BROWN PUBLIC. LIFE ON THE EDGE OF HOMELESSNESS Elevated Denver Exhibit Uses Photography to Challenge Stereotypes STORY BY GILES CLASEN PHOTOS BY BROWN PUBLIC ELEVATED DENVER has invited the public to see homelessness through a new lens. Its latest project, “Life on the Edge of Homelessness: A Storytelling Experience,” showcases photographs taken by people living on the brink of losing housing or already without stable shelter. The September exhibit, which opened at Cameron Church on Sept. 18, featured photographs, personal narratives, and mirrored prompts for visitors, all designed to push audiences to reflect on their own experiences and assumptions. “The intention of the project was to honor our roots at Elevated Denver in storytelling, and to sort of cultivate compassion among all of our community. We wanted to allow people to step into the space where they can see “ THEY ARE PUSHED DOWN, MARGINALIZED, STOMPED ON BY THE SYSTEMS. AND YET, SO MANY OF THESE PICTURES PEOPLE TOOK WERE OF REALLY BEAUTIFUL THINGS...” what life is like for people who have shared and different experiences and to really understand that there’s a lot more that binds us than separates us,” said Johnna Flood, cofounder of Elevated Denver. Over two weeks, artists used the camera in their phones to document daily challenges and moments of meaning. Flood and her team then worked with each participant to pair images with narratives written in the artists’ own words. One of the artists who participated in the project is a Denver VOICE vendor who asked to be identified as Brown Public. Public saw this as an opportunity to show viewers what often remains unseen. “They asked me to try to capture the atmosphere of homelessness or being unhoused. I tried to take some 6 DENVER VOICE October 2025
COMMUNITY PROFILE pictures that kind of highlighted some of the problems and the pains of what unhoused people go through.” Public said. One of Public’s images, titled “Locked Out,” shows a sign on a bathroom door that says, “Restrooms are for paying customers only.” Restroom access is a recurring theme throughout the exhibit. “Originally, I was trying to show just all of the hang-ups that come with having to go to public restrooms or trying to make money, and have people steal your things. Trying to show how life is for the unhoused people. Just things on average that the average homeless person or unhoused person has to deal with that others may take for granted,” he said. Public said signs that prevent the unhoused community from accessing a restroom or other facilities demonstrate how little value and respect are given to them. Flood said she was struck by the resilience and beauty revealed in the images. “What hit me was honestly the beauty that people are still able to see in the world,” she said. “They are pushed down, marginalized, stomped on by the systems. And yet, so many of these pictures people took were of really beautiful things that make them feel safe, happy, and hopeful.” THE IMPORTANCE OF ANONYMITY According to Flood, participants were given the option to use pseudonyms, and everyone chose to remain anonymous. Anonymity was important for many of the artists because they didn’t want to be defined by their experiences living on the street. “When we’re housed, we get to tell our stories about parts of our life and our experience in the way that we want. We really wanted the artists to be able to express however they were feeling, whatever they were thinking in the way that they wanted without having to think about how their participation may follow or define them down the road,” Flood said. Flood said she felt that anonymity allowed individuals to share their stories without having labels and narratives unfairly forced upon them. “We wanted them to be free to share however they were feeling and for that to be it, for it not to be associated with how anyone else knew them or had an experience with them. We wanted it to just truly be the perspective and story they wanted to share,” she said. BUILDING EMPATHY Mirrors placed throughout the gallery invite visitors to consider prompts such as What resonates with you? and What did you learn here? “The hope, my hope, is for people who attend the exhibit to really take in the visual story and the written story that accompanies it in the narrative and to be able to step into a moment where they truly see through the eyes or lens of the artist,” Flood said. For Public, the exhibit was about reaching people who may not understand the challenges of being unhoused. “My hope was to just draw them in, even if a little bit closer, to something that may not be their reality. And that’s the gist of basically what I was trying to do with my photography and all of my art,” he said. Flood said the project underscores the need for more spaces where people can share their own stories. “The only hope we have of solving our most pressing challenges is to really heal the separateness that is pervasive in society right now. And my belief is the pathway to that is through stories,” she said. PUBLIC SAID SIGNS THAT PREVENT THE UNHOUSED COMMUNITY FROM ACCESSING A RESTROOM OR OTHER FACILITIES DEMONSTRATE HOW LITTLE VALUE AND RESPECT ARE GIVEN TO THEM. October 2025 DENVER VOICE 7
HAOLEWEIRD STUDIOS: A colorful mixture of nostalgia, street culture, and abstraction Story and photos by Juli Yanai 8 DENVER VOICE October 2025
ANDREW MORAN OF HAOLEWEIRD STUDIOS SELLING HIS ART OUT OF HIS CAR ON THE FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK ON SANTA FE. October 2025 DENVER VOICE 9
MORAN POSING WITH HIS ARTWOKR OF SID AND HIS “FRIEND” PLANK FROM THE CARTOON NETWORK SHOW ED, EDD, N EDDY. NDREW ECKERLE MORAN, known by his pseudonym, Haoleweird Studios, is a Colorado-based artist and muralist who’s deeply involved in the local scene. Not initially a painter, Moran worked in and out of restaurants as a chef before making a pivot to pursue art. His name, Haoleweird Studios, is a playful blend of taking ownership of self-descriptors and poking fun at Hollywood. Describing how the name came about, Moran said, “I was born in Hawaii and raised between Oahu and Aurora, Colo. My upbringing was a mix of surf and skate, beach and mountain cultures. I grew up on cartoons, hip-hop, skateboarding, and snowboarding, which have informed my subject matter and style as an artist. Speaking more about his artist name, Moran clarified, “Haole is a negative term for white people in Hawaii. I added studios as a play on Hollywood studios.” Moran has an ease about him as he welcomes people into his artistic universe. “Haoleweird is a blend of nostalgia, street styles, and abstraction,” he said. “The subjects of my art can range from seemingly mundane cartoon references to life, current events, nature, space, and much more.” His work is colorful and rich with cultural references from comics and cartoons — influences that have stuck with him since he was a child. “I’ve been interested in art one way or another for as long as I can remember,” Moran said. “I started drawing at a very young age with guidance from my grandmother. When I was a kid, I used basic utensils such as Crayola crayons, markers, colored pencils, and the classic No. 2 pencils in notebooks. Though I was exposed to many different mediums through my grandmother and art classes in school, nowadays I mostly use acrylic and aerosol paints.” Despite his dedication, Moran wasn’t always actively dedicated to his art or painting. In fact, his art career only came about after the restaurant he previously worked at began hanging his art on the walls. “Painting wasn’t my original plan for a career path, though I’ve always wanted to pursue creative endeavors,” he said. “I have been cooking professionally for over a decade, and nowadays, I still do private chef work here and there.” Having that exposure gave Moran a new drive to embrace his passion, ultimately changing his trajectory and leading to a second career as an artist. “Since I started pursuing art in a professional manner, I’ve gone from hanging small canvases in the restaurants I’ve “ HAOLE IS A NEGATIVE TERM FOR WHITE PEOPLE IN HAWAII. I ADDED STUDIOS AS A PLAY ON HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS. worked in and painting at live concerts, to hanging [my art] in galleries, helping to run and create events, and painting murals,” he said. Since shifting his focus to art, Moran has found a welcoming community in Denver, where people are receptive to the work he continues to produce. “My fellow artist, hip-hop, and skate communities are stoked and supportive of my art, although the mountain community I live in [up in] Summit County, Colo., isn’t as interested in my ‘weird’ art style,” he said. Moran can be found at a variety of events, ranging from selling artwork out of the back of his car at First Friday art walks to doing live paintings at Alphabeat Soup at the Blackbox Theater every second Thursday of the month. His artwork has also been on display in several spaces, including the Spectra Art Space located off South Broadway in Denver. For Moran, his artwork is a way to articulate his thoughts and feelings, as well as elevate others’ voices. “My artwork and creative outlets are a way to express myself, my thoughts, and ideas,” he said. “I am happy to use my creativity as a voice for myself and others, [which I’ve done by] creating murals for Pride month and the LGBTQIA+ community [among other things].” “I want my artwork, especially my nostalgic artwork, to remind the viewer of a time in [their lives] without worries,” Moran said. “To find a fond memory and enjoy the fun of creativity.” And for the upcoming year, Moran hopes that he’s able to legitimize his business and expand into more wearable art pieces and apparel, as well as dive into more mural and community-focused work. “I’m always looking for fun mural projects and projects I can involve the community in,” he said. 10 DENVER VOICE October 2025
ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM FELLOW VENDORS, OUR READERS, AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S SUGGESTED QUESTION CAME FROM VOICE VENDOR REA BROWN Q Why do we dream? What do you think is the purpose of our dreams? A REA BROWN I’m sure there’s much to be said, or could or should be said Studies have been done, research has been led about the magical place people go or is it all in our head? I don’t know, sometimes yes, sometimes no so let’s start fresh with “yes” and best and stress the highs and low pests we get to the end with the “NO” all of its mystical glow. According to the bible, Dreams are a result of the business or in other words Dreams are reflections of this world; it’s like the other side of the black hole. Most if not all of our world is influenced by dreams both good and bad. A great number of literature and entertainment has been created based off what they saw in a dream. It’s like our minds sometimes create a world to show us the other side of the life we’re living or not living. As we examine the hunted forest that always door us like choruses, cliff hangers of doom and bliss S’more with chocolate that actually care so much we awake abrupt in blood, sweat, piss, semen, tears, or a gift. The end of Part 1. WESLEY HUBBS I believe we dream because we are fearful of some situations. By dreaming about said situation, we can cope with it more easily. For instance, I had to do a 4.5 piece in the Arizona Department of Corrections. It was very daunting, to say the least. I must admit, I was a little bit fearful. The second night [I was there on a yard], I dreamt about my dad, who had passed away a few years prior. My dream was of him (his face only) saying, “Don’t worry. You’re gonna be fine. God will protect you.” Sure enough, he was right. I came out unscathed and healthier than when I went in there. I wrote my mom and told her about the dream. She said she thought it was a dream visitation. I believe there are other reasons we dream, but I just don’t have time to write about them. p.s. I’m a God-fearing, Jesus-believing, Holy Spirit-inspired Christian. This is my truth, and I believe it. Amen, and God bless. MICHAEL BURKLEY Dreams are a way that our bodies gauge what’s going on inside and could be connected to a lot of different things in our lives. It’s amazing how our dreams connect to our emotions, our memory function, and everything related to our life, its past and its future. DAVID GORDON I don’t know why we dream. Especially while asleep, when most of the time we won’t even remember. I believe the purpose of dreaming is to remind us that there are no limits. Anything is possible. Each of us has a unique idea of what could be, and when we apply our emotions to our ideas, there is no limit to what we can do. SONDRA JEFFRIES Dreams are our subconscious putting together pieces or fragments of our consciousness. When we are awake, our minds dream as well! We see someone walking down the street, and we look at their stride, maybe their clothing style. They could be homeless and holding a sign asking for our help. In all this, we view them and imagine their stature in life. Possibly, we play out who they are and why. We might think about the type of life they have lived, the things they think, and where they are going next. Our imagination runs wild. However, every now and then, our dreams are a warning or message from God, and when we awake, that dream stays vivid. We want to tell someone about it. We mull over it throughout the day. It’s as if our creator is calling us to be wise and pay attention. JERRY ROSEN We dream to escape reality when things are difficult. The purpose of dreams is to get direction in life. Dreams can direct an individual in many ways. AUTUMN WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: VENMO YOUR VENDOR: Toiletries (individual or travel-size) - Lip balm, sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hand sanitizer Baseball caps Hand warmers Socks 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 If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! @DenverVOICE October 2025 DENVER VOICE 11
INTERNATIONAL PROFILE STREET PAPERS AS INSPIRATION FOR MODERN TEXTILE ART STORY BY ANJA MIHIC LICEULICE VENDORS RECENTLY had the opportunity to try their hand at embroidery by applying a traditional technique to create a completely atypical artistic product – the Liceulice textile magazine. It is a part of the participatory project Textile Newspapers with artist Milica Dukic, who designed and ran the workshops, as well as with some of the vendors who made a textile version of Liceulice. Textile Newspapers was created with the idea of comparing the quantity and quality of visual information that we receive when browsing printed media, from serious papers to tabloids. The main feature of the project is its inclusivity, since each of the workshops held so far has involved people from marginalized groups. The workshops are an opportunity for participants to try out more experimental, non-traditional embroidery techniques, while their main purpose is to create a space and atmosphere of support, open conversation, exchange of experiences, and new acquaintances. “Until now, we worked on the theme of daily newspapers, which are a fast and consumable medium that we translated into textile art in an extremely slow way,” says Milica Dukić, who has collaborated many times with people from marginalized groups and organized various types of occupational therapy workshops throughout her career. “Through the embroidery technique, we approach newspaper content differently, and at the same time, during the embroidery workshop, we talk about the topics that newspapers cover. “The Liceulice magazine is something truly special. Both its content and the topics it deals with are quite different from what we usually find in the press. This was also a nice opportunity to point out to visitors the existence of the magazine, but also the importance of supporting it by buying it.” For several months, contemporary artists and Liceulice vendors met once per week at the contemporary embroidery workshops. “I already knew how to embroider, but I really like it here. It is calming. I would love for us to be able to do this longer. The company suits me, the peace suits me,” says vendor Gordana Milenković. Her colleague Nikola Repec adds that “embroidery is not boring at all,” contrary to what he had thought before trying it. “We learned some things for beginners. We will continue to learn and work. We spend time together here. It is nice.” Vendor Vesna Avramović says that she is pleased to be in the workshop. “I met new people and exchanged PHOTOS BY ANJA MIHIC contacts with them. We joke and do something creative and relaxing. That good energy encourages us to really give our maximum.” Korana Štrbac from the association Kalina, which once organised similar embroidery workshops, also came to the workshops. “We worked with war victims, since our organisation deals with women who have gone through some war experiences. I came here to share knowledge and embroider together.” As Dukić explains, these workshops point to broader social problems, such as the non-inclusivity of daily newspapers and mass culture in general, but also to the contribution of contemporary art in developing the creativity of people from marginalized groups. The textile newspapers created in this way are inclusive not only because different people participate in their creation, but also because they are tactile and can be freely touched and browsed, and are therefore adapted for blind and visually impaired people. The workshops were organized within the framework of the October Salon, the international biennial exhibition of contemporary art in Belgrade. Translated from Serbian Courtesy of Liceulice / INSP.ngo 12 DENVER VOICE October 2025
EVENTS PUZZLES GHOULS & GLAM – A DENVER VOICE FUNDRAISER AT THE CLOCKTOWER CABARET Enjoy a Halloween-themed evening of captivating performances to benefit Denver VOICE. WHEN: Oct. 22, 7 pm COST: $40 WHERE: The Clocktower Cabaret, 1601 Arapahoe St D&F Tower, Denver INFO: clocktowercabaret.com MONTHLY BIRDWATCHING AT BLUFF LAKE Join birding experts on a walk around Bluff Lake! Bird walks take place on the first Saturday of each month. WHEN: Oct 4, 8-10:30 am COST: Free (RSVP required) WHERE: Meet at 11255 E MLK Jr Blvd. Denver INFO: blufflake.org/birdwatching DENVER WRITES CREATIVE WRITING CLUB AT DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY SMILEY BRANCH Creative Writing Club is a space for writers ages 10-16 to work on writing projects, collaborate with other writers, share and receive feedback from other participants, and join in on mini writing games and workshops. WHEN: Oct 8, 4:30 pm COST: Free WHERE: Denver Public Library Smiley Branch, 4501 W 46th Ave. Denver INFO: denverwrites.org ACROSS 1. Smells 6. Go “doo-be-shoo-be-doo” 10. Frank ___, the offi cial personal injury lawyer of Colorado 14. Indestructible phone company 15. Honolulu’s island 16. Pixar clownfi sh 17. Denver area serviced by Bus Route 15 19. Orange tubers YMCA COMMUNITY CRAFT FAIR The YMCA Community Craft Fair a day of creativity, connection, and community! This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone. WHEN: Oct 11, 10 am-2 pm COST: Free WHERE: Southwest Family YMCA, 5181 West Kenyon Ave. Denver INFO: bit.ly/4nBkcXm TENNYSON FALL FEST This free, community celebration brings together more than 100 local businesses, breweries, artisans, and food purveyors. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy activities such as live music, group yoga, a pet parade and other family-friendly fun. WHEN: Oct 18, 10 am-6 pm COST: Free WHERE: Tennyson St from West 41st to W 43rd Ave. Denver INFO: bit.ly/3K82Nqx 20. Bert’s buddy on “Sesame Street” 21. “Lizzie” actor Sevigny 22. Tote, maybe 25. Flight stat 26. “Go away!” 28. ___ Hugginkiss (one of Bart Simpson’s aliases when pranking Moe) 30. Immersive visual installation with 5 locations around the country 34. Repetitive 35. Oath 37. One born in early August 38. Th ings found in a 33-Down 40. Consumed 41. Palindromic sensor 43. Small battery size 44. Copier cartridges 47. Middle child of the Belcher family 48. Colloquial name for the demonic horse sculpture outside of Denver International Airport 50. Family emblems 52. Painting, sculpture, etc. 53. To and ___ 54. Wee one 55. Puts a stop to 58. “___, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya...” 60. Tons 61. Restaurant acquired by Trey Parker and Matt Stone in 2021 66. Object of adoration 67. TV port 68. 1-800-588-2300 Empire ___ 69. Scooter brand that might come at you as you turn a corner 70. Count 71. Sound asleep? DOWN 1. Unifi ed 2. Cannot be resuscitated: Abbr. 3. Gives the nod to 4. Ceremony 5. Divine 6. One of the forms of matter 7. Place to spill tea? 8. “I’ve got it!” 9. Magician’s outfi t, for short 10. “Regardless...” 11. Fervor 12. Like someone’s embarrassing secrets, to a roast comic 13. Member of Blackpink 18. Like some beer 21. Crouch in fright 22. Bill for beers 23. Having no ethics 24. Fancy French cake 26. Passover meal 27. High on the ___ 29. Word before one’s maiden name 30. Concern for poets and cabdrivers 31. Like Alvin, compared to the other two chipmunks 32. Makeshift abode 33. Collection of 38-Across 36. Designation at a bowling alley 39. Starts to wake up 42. What Alvin has more of, compared to the other two chipmunks 45. Frequently, to a poet 46. Noob or loser 49. Cows 51. “Love Death + ___” (TV show) 53. Weak 55. Goodness gracious, great balls of.... ice! 56. Supermarket chain that also owns Trader Joe’s 57. Fruit of the ___ 58. Video genre that might give you “the tingles” 59. Auth. unknown 61. Revolutionary Guevara 62. Mathematician Lovelace 63. Th ing said at the altar 64. Road goop 65. Yes, to a pirate October 2025 DENVER VOICE 13 CROSSWORD MADE FOR THE DENVER VOICE BY SARA CANTOR
DONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE DENVER VOICE, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF HOMELESS AND IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WORKING TO REALIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EARNING A DIGNIFIED INCOME. YOUR GIFT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. HERE, WE LIST THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN $500 AND MORE IN THE LAST YEAR. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE $10,000+ Meek-Cuneo Family Fund Anonymous Individual Donor Matt and Nikki Seashore Acorn Hill Foundation Inc. Pivotal Energy Partners USA, Inc. Cisco Francis Trainer and Trainer Family J. Albrecht Designs Master Goldsmith Mary Walker & Walker Family Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Alexander Seavall Anschutz Family Foundation Laurie Duncan and Duncan-Mcwethy Foundation Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Joshua Kauer Frederic K Conover Trust The Christian Foundation Bank of America Charitable Foundation Sustainable Housing and Development Foundation Joshua Kauer $1,000-$4,999 Christopher Boulanger Michael Dino Katherine Standiford Jill Haug Whole Foods Foundation Alex Salva Signs By Tomorrow Rose Community Foundation Russell Peterson Kneedler Fauchere Donald Weaver Chris and Susan Pappas Julia and David Watson Gaspar Terrana Alexander Seavall SEI Giving Fund Sidney B and Caleb F Gates Fund Megan Arellano Warren and Betty Kuehner Jeremy Anderson and Thomas Stalker Russell Peterson Maggie Holben Keyrenter Property Management Denver Mathew Rezek The Credit Union of Colorado Foundation Elsbeth Williams Jana and Jim Cuneo Kroger Paul Manoogian Lori Holland Michael J. Fehn and Jan Monnier Jim Ashe Courage and Community Foundation George Lichter Family Foundation Lisa Wagner KO Law Firm Graham Davis Peter Iannuzzi $500-$999 Margaret Ramp Megan Sullivan John Gibson Sheryl Parker Ruth Henderson James and Cyndi Lesslie Kathleen McBride John Phillips Strawberry Mountain Craig Solomon Watermark Properties Seth Beltzley Jennifer Thornton-Kolbe Raymond and Brenda French Laura Saunders Jeff & Peg Davis Michael Brewer Drew Conneen Jerry Conover Robert E and Anne T Sneed Family Foundation Barbara and Robert Ells Carol and Louis Irwin Edwina Salazar James Stegman Jennifer Stedron Stephen Saul WalMart Nikki Lawson CEDS Finance Impact Assets Courage and Community Foundation Louis Irwin Mary Livernois KL&A Engineers and Builders Paula Cushing 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! 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 GALLEY: $2,500 • One complimentary half page ad in the newspaper ($600 value) • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Galley Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper HONOR BOX: $1,000 • Table of 10 and Sponsor recognition at annual Rise and Thrive Breakfast (200 attendees) • Sponsorship recognition at our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event (200 attendees) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Honor Box Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper FLY SHEET: $500 • Two complimentary tickets to our annual Pints Fighting Poverty event ($50 value) • Business logo highlighted on website homepage, and in the Fly Sheet Sponsorship list • Logo highlighted in our annual report, along with logo in quarterly support feature of the paper 14 DENVER VOICE October 2025
RESOURCE LIST MEDICAL / MENTAL HEALTH / DENTAL SERVICES ACS COMMUNITY LIFT: 5045 W. 1st Ave., Denver; https:// rentassistance.org DENVER HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER: 777 Bannock St.; https://www. denverhealth.org DETOX LOCAL: Features information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community; http://www.detoxlocal.com DRUG REHAB USA: Addiction hotline - 888-479-0446; Organizations that take Medicaid: http://www.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: http://www.harmreductionactioncenter.org INNER CITY HEALTH CENTER: 3800 York St.; Emergency walk-ins - 303296-1767; Dental – 303-296-4873; M-F - 8am-2pm 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@hepcconnection.org; https://www.viventhealth.org NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE: 800-342-AIDS/800-344-7432 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Text or call 988; https:// www.988lifeline.org NATIONAL RUNAWAY SAFELINE: 800-RUNAWAY/800-786-2929; https:// www.1800runaway.org RAPE ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK: 800-656-HOPE; https:// www.rainn.org SALUD CLINIC: 6255 Quebec Pkwy, Commerce City; 303-697-2583, 970-484-0999; https://www.saludclinic.org/commerce-city STOUT STREET CLINIC: 2130 Stout St.; 303-293-2220; Clinic hours for new and established patients - M, T, Th, F - 7am-4pm, W - 9am6pm; https://www.coloradocoalition.org/healthcare SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB GUIDE: HELPLINE – 888-493-4670; https:// www.detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ U.S. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233 (English and Spanish); 800-243-7889 (TDD); https://www.thehotline.org EMERGENCY SHELTER INDIVIDUALS IN NEED OF SHELTER ARE ENCOURAGED TO GO TO “FRONT DOOR” SHELTER ACCESS POINTS: • For individual men – Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center, 2222 Lawrence St. • For individual women – Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St. • For youth ages 15-20 – Urban Peak, 1630 S. Acoma St. • Families in need of shelter should call the Connection Center at 303-295-3366. ADDITIONALLY, DENVER PARKS AND RECREATION WILL OPEN ALL CURRENTLY OPERATING RECREATION CENTERS AS DAYTIME WARMING CENTERS DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ON FRIDAY, NOV. 8 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 9, FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED A PLACE TO WARM UP. Denver Public Library locations are also available during regular business hours. Double-check library hours: denverlibrary.org/ locations. For more information about shelter access, visit denvergov.org/ findshelter or text INDOORS to 67283 for updates. DROP-IN DAYTIME CENTERS HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; Mon.-Fri. 7am1pm. Private showers & bathrooms, laundry, lunch, etc; https:// www.thoh.org THE GATHERING PLACE: 1535 High St.; 303-321-4198; 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, etc; https://www.tgpdenver.org HARM REDUCTION ACTION CENTER: 231 East Colfax; Mon.-Fri. 9am12pm; 303-572-7800; Provides clean syringes, syringe disposal, harm-reduction counseling, safe materials, Hep C/HIV education, and health education classes; https://www. harmreductionactioncenter.org LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-2940157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST https://www.homelessassistance.us/li/lawrence-street-communitycenter OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES: 1567 Marion St.; Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm. Drop-in center; bathrooms, coffee/tea, snacks, resources, WIFI https://www.odmdenver.org T. FRANCIS CENTER: 303-297-1576; 2323 Curtis St. 6am-6pm daily. Storage for one bag (when space is available). Satellite Clinic hoursMon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. 7:30am-3:30pm; Wed. 12:30-4:30pm https://www.sfcdenver.org SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES: 846 E. 18th Ave. For those 60+. TV room, bus tokens, mental/physical health outreach, and more. https:// www.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. https://www.soxplace.com THE SPOT AT URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 2100 Stout St. 303-2910442. Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am. YOUTH AGED 15-20 IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE OVERNIGHT SHELTER SERVICES: 303-974-2928 https://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-andservices/drop-in-center 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 https://www. urbanpeak.org FREE MEALS CAPITOL HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1100 Fillmore St., Sat. lunch at 11:30am; https://www.capitolheightspresbyterian.org CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY SERVICES: https://www.mealsforpoor.org CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: 1530 Logan St.; sandwiches & coffee Mon.-Fri. 8:30am; https://www. 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; https:// www.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); https://www.christinthecity.org CITYSQUARE DENVER: 2575 S. Broadway; 303-783-3777; Food pantry Tues. 10am-6pm; https://www.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; https://www.mealsforpoor.org DENVER RESCUE MISSION: 1130 Park Avenue West; 303-294-0157; 3 meals 7 days/week, 5:30am, 12pm, 6pm; https://www. denverrescuemission.org HAVEN OF HOPE: 1101 W. 7th Ave.; 303-607-0855; M-F. 7am-1pm. Not open weekends; Breakfast is at 8am, lunch is served at 11am; https://www.havenofhope.org HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE: 1400 Cherry St., free vegetarian feast on Sun., 6:45-7:30pm; https://www.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; https://www.hislovefellowship. org HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH: 1900 California St.; Sandwiches, M-Sat., 10-10:30am; https://www.holyghostchurch.org 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; https://www.odmdenver.org/home ST. ELIZABETH’S: Speer Blvd. & Arapahoe St. on Auraria Campus, 7 days/week, 11:00am; Food, coffee; https://www.stelizabethdenver. org ST. FRANCIS CENTER: 2323 Curtis St., Wed. & Fri. 3-4:30pm (except third Wed. of each month); https://www.sfcdenver.org 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; https://www.soallmayeat.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.; https://www. voacolorado.org/gethelp-denvermetro-foodnutrition-themission LGBTQ+ SUPPORT THE TREVOR PROJECT: 866-488-7386: https://www.thetrevorproject. org LGBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 800-246-7743: https://www. lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline PRIDE INSTITUTE: 800-547-7433 TRUE COLORS UNITED: 212-461-4401, https://www.truecolorsunited. org VETERANS & SENIORS DENVER INNER CITY PARISH: 1212 Mariposa St.; 303-322-5733; VOA Dining Center for Seniors, aged 60 and older, W-Sat. 9am-12pm; Food Bank, W-F; 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; https://www. seniorsupportservices.org VA MEDICAL CENTER: 1700 N Wheeling St.; Aurora 303-399-8020: https://www.va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5 VETERANS GUIDE: https://www.veteransguide.org; Veterans Disability Calculator https://www.veteransguide.org/va-disabilitycalculator YOUTH SERVICES SOX PLACE (YOUTH SERVICES): 2017 Larimer St.; 303-296-3412Daytime 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 (YOUTH SERVICES): 2100 Stout St. 303-2910442; Youth aged 15-20 in need of immediate overnight shelter services, 303-974-2928; Drop-in hours Mon.-Fri. 8-11am https:// www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programs-and-services/drop-incenter SUNSHINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (YOUTH SERVICES): 833-931-2484; Services for youth facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions; https://www. sunshinebehavioralhealth.com URBAN PEAK (YOUTH SERVICES): 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; https://www. urbanpeak.org October 2025 DENVER VOICE 15
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