New Denver Residence Will House At-Risk or Homeless College Students This story was originally published in September by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters DURING HER FIRST SEMESTER at Chicago’s Malcolm X College, Nikya Harrell had had enough. It was winter, and she was cold. She was bouncing to and from family members’ houses and sometimes could only afford one meal a week. Harrell came to school overwhelmed and crying. A concerned friend suggested she see the school’s therapist, who connected her with the Dax Program, which offers students at risk of or experiencing homelessness a place to live for up to two years. Harrell came to Denver for Depaul USA’s Dax Program’s By Jason Gonzales, Chalkbeat Colorado Thursday opening of the city’s first student residence near the Capitol building. Harrell had a message for other students who face challenges finding a place to live that she’s often repeated to herself: “You’re never alone.” Nikya Harrell, 24, used Dax Program housing in Chicago before she moved into her own apartment. Harrell stands outside the newest Dax residence on Sept. 24, 2026 in Denver. Photo by Jason Gonzales / Chalkbeat. 10 FEATURE
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