׉?ׁB!בCט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://OVaKSOwabxhGU2TpbwgS8i0gzvFq1P5G0UY7IgXgkMA`׉ 7cassandra://CTcYUgv1wBQQ6tDTKyHYulPub5uKqE4dQFEILSlbDno;`q׉ 7cassandra://Si0HQkfkX-hG0a7nOgfrt1JvIXDXaIRZKMBnzMAIDqY8`gQ[[#נgQ[[: <Ǵ9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׈EgQQ[[׉E$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE VENDOR PROFILE: JEROME COTTON CELE CELEBRA N B BR LLOOOVVEVE VE VE OURO R COM UN TY ARE STO IERI ES ME OUR C MM NITY SHARE STORIES MEM UR COMM NITY SHAREARE STORIE M OUR COMMUNITYMMUNIT SH RE STOR ES S OOF LO LF LLOVOVOVEVE MMEEEM HAHA HA E STO IES EMBERS O ARR MBERSBERS STOORIESSTORIE OMM NIITMU ITY EMBERS OF MBERS OERS OF S OFFOF O ELEBRATI G BRATINRATIING NG REMEMBERING JEROME COTTON PAGE 4 LOVE ON THE RUN FACING AN UNSAFE FUTURE IN VENEZUELA, FAMILY EMBARKS ON TREACHEROUS JOURNEY TO THE U.S. PAGE 6 LOVE TRANSCENDS PUTTING HIS OWN HOUSING NEEDS ON HOLD, NEPHEW FOCUSES ON AUNT’S END-OF-LIFE PAGE 10 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 11, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 FEBRUARY 2025 | Vol.30 Issue 2 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: DESIGN BY REA BROWN ׉ 7cassandra://Si0HQkfkX-hG0a7nOgfrt1JvIXDXaIRZKMBnzMAIDqY8`gQQ[[gQQ[[ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://eNxpc0rhJGhprtsCl9kc5CZgE_5Up9J7HE_iinaYEKo `׉ 7cassandra://ehVDyJIDvnxne-0TrEhQKdTWX3ZbH1GQPMJibj1bxq0d`q׉ 7cassandra://2gLYwOIDjc8Ui98AtJsUaGjp5h9-nYAsJfu3nua-DrU"`gQ[[&ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://Oi8lzo8ZG0fdvZeZuKDdUHwTGoTzXi44bD03obPcr3Ig`׉ 7cassandra://Dbe3WrX8xgf5DvcP2UULP7WQHuCNewyGRxuYt7lvhMEgv`q׉ 7cassandra://5CAoMR7ojY2Og0JxMZAXASwitpWhwKbLfNu6lp4RLOo$`gQ[['נgQ[[1uc̏9ׁHmailto:ads@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ ЈנgQ[[0v9ׁH$http://denvervoice.org/subscriptionsׁ ׁ ЈנgQ[[/̫9ׁHmailto:program@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ ЈנgQ[[.g9ׁHhttp://denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EQEDITOR’S NOTE CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY and the many ways we express love, this issue features stories about love among those experiencing housing or financial instability. Among ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR them is the story by our newest contributor, Isabel Guzman, who writes about how Mark Gaskin is caring for his Aunt MaryLou in the final stages of her life. Titled “Love of Family Transcends Homelessness,” Guzman’s story shows Gaskin’s tenderness for his aunt and why he is doing everything he can to make her last days memorable. Giles Clasen’s article, “Love on the Run,” tells the story of “Juan” and “Maria,” who recently fled to the U.S. with their three small children. Juan and Maria’s journey from their home in Venezuela to Denver has been treacherous and unpredictable, but as Juan explained about his and Maria’s love for each other and their children, “For us, love means sacrifice and teamwork. We’ve faced every hardship together, and we’ll keep fighting for our family’s future.” In this issue, Denver VOICE vendor Raelene Johnson reflects on how her sense of self allowed her to endure a physically and emotionally draining 2024. Johnson has written several inspirational “self talks” over the past several years, but this month’s piece reflects how much trust she has gained in herself by tuning into her inner power and faith in God. Each of these exemplifies how love – whether romantic, spiritual, or expressions of kindness towards and tenderness for others, is the ultimate power to fight intolerance and hate. By sharing stories of individuals who face challenges like poverty, homelessness, or government persecution, we hope we can raise awareness of their plight and foster empathy, compassion, and love for them. THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS ISABEL GUZMAN is a freelance journalist and recent graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver. She served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Metropolitan. Guzman has been published in Denverite, MSU Denver’s RED, Colorado Community Media, and The Emerald Magazine. DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @OCE MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Giles Clasen ART DIRECTOR Andrew Fraieli 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. ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Rea Brown Giles Clasen Isabel Guzman Yvens Alex Saintil WRITERS Steve Anson Giles Clasen Isabel Guzman Raelene Johnson Charles Spring WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Davis, President Isabella Colletti, Secretary Michael Burkley Mackenzie Langley Ashni Pabley Eduardo Platon Edwin Rapp Charity Von Guinness Cabal Yarne 2 DENVER VOICE February 2025 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US ׉ 7cassandra://2gLYwOIDjc8Ui98AtJsUaGjp5h9-nYAsJfu3nua-DrU"`gQQ[[׉EWINTER WISH LIST Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: • Socks • Toiletries (individual or travel-size) • Toothpaste, deodorant • Chapstick, sunscreen • Hand warmers 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! VENMO YOUR VENDOR: @DenverVOICE 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 $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. February 2025 DENVER VOICE 3 ׉ 7cassandra://5CAoMR7ojY2Og0JxMZAXASwitpWhwKbLfNu6lp4RLOo$`gQQ[[gQQ[[ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://niD-IlfqmqNHq5nZ0eDNTGsfb42n1RJv6BlmKl6hxl8l`׉ 7cassandra://4_rB6DrNLqjKepyjxRq1lh5W3_CV_FMoPydtMqSl8pY^<`q׉ 7cassandra://pL-1BhSnZALaQeuRXYH4NXsFlTuQxzYIDR5D0xchoYQ"`gQ[[2ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://wb5XcAD-hUkUZPzEQkXda65YZCA7lm_lU7CNO1uyG5w`׉ 7cassandra://TWhD4cfpdoiLgkbuixU_0ubfN_a_doHqxhgh5qJCpsEk`q׉ 7cassandra://3sJV596kuxKyVee5Vt7SHq8IQVpeuyAQ8q6AXZoz2A8#`gQ[[3׉EeVENDOR PROFILE REST IN POWER, JEROME COTTON BY ELISABETH MONAGHAN IN DECEMBER, the Denver VOICE community lost one of its longtime vendors, Jerome Cotton. For the February 2020 issue of the Denver VOICE, I wrote about Jerome, his older brother, John Alexander, and their younger brother Alvin (AKA “Mustafa) in a profile titled “A Tale of Three Brothers.” As I explained in the article, Jerome was the first of the brothers to sign on as a Denver VOICE vendor. After seeing how well Jerome did, John signed up shortly thereafter. Alvin became a vendor several years later. Jerome regarded the Denver VOICE as a blessing for him and his brothers. Reflecting on his earlier years, he told me, “I was a bad actor. I wasn’t reliable and spent my time shooting, snorting, and smoking drugs. I was out there, and God just pulled me back in and said, ‘Hey, take this Denver VOICE and run with it.’” Talking about his friend and brother, Jerome, John Alexander said, “That’s the hardest part about a friend dying. They go first. They leave you behind, and you just feel their absence. It’s all about feeling and love for the people in your life.” On behalf of the Denver VOICE and those who were so blessed to know Jerome, we extend our heartfelt condolences to John Alexander, Zakkayah Brooks, Belinda Bowie, and the entire Cotton and Alexander families. PHOTO BY YVENS ALEX SAINTIL IT HAS TAKEN A FEW MONTHS, BUT THE DENVER VOICE GREETING CARD PROJECT IS UP AND RUNNING! Building on the Summer of Color program, which we launched in 2023, Denver VOICE greeting cards are designed by vendor artists, who in turn, get paid for their work. Our cover for this issue is among the Valentine’s Day designs by VOICE Vendor Rea Brown. Keep your eye out for our offi cial announcement, where we’ll let you know how you can purchase the greeting cards. 4 DENVER VOICE February 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://pL-1BhSnZALaQeuRXYH4NXsFlTuQxzYIDR5D0xchoYQ"`gQQ[[׉EFEATURE WHILE MARYLOU BOILED THE POTATOES AND SEASONED THE MEAT, GASKIN REFLECTED ON HIS COMMITMENT TO CARING FOR HIS AUNT. LOVE OF FAMILY TRANSCENDS HOMELESSNESS STORY AND PHOTOS BY ISABEL GUZMAN “SHE’S EARNED THE RIGHT to rest and have someone else wait on her,” Mark Gaskin said about his Aunt MaryLou. Gaskin, who is 61 years old, resides in a tent trailer down the street from his 82-year-old aunt’s apartment and cares for her daily. MaryLou’s health has been severely declining over the past few years, with only a couple of months left to live, according to her prognosis. “Whatever she wants to do, that’s what we’re going to do,” Gaskin said. “It’s more of, I’m here to make sure that she’s comfortable.” Gaskin does his best to ensure MaryLou is safe and able to live her life as she pleases. “Trust me, it’s not easy from my side,” MaryLou said with a smile. Every once in a while, the aunt and nephew pair bicker — because according to Gaskin, MaryLou has had to be a strong and independent woman her whole life and isn’t used to someone helping her. In her apartment, MaryLou walks around on her own and cooks meatloaf for dinner in the oven, with her nephew nearby in the living room to monitor. While MaryLou boiled the potatoes and seasoned the meat, Gaskin reflected on his commitment to caring for his aunt. “She asked me once when I take her and my mom shopping, if it bothers me that they move slower and want to look at everything,” Gaskin said. He recalled his response: “No, that’s what I’m here for. As far as I’m concerned, you two have earned the right to do whatever you choose. My job is just to make sure you’re safe in doing it.” Gaskin’s mother — MaryLou’s sister — currently lives in Arizona. She is turning 85 this year and is dealing with health problems, as well. Two of Gaskin’s sisters and three of his brothers take care of his mother while he takes care of his aunt. Reflecting on his childhood, Gaskin said family values were instilled in him from a young age, particularly the importance of caring for elder relatives. “That’s what family does,” he said. Growing up, Gaskin would spend his summers at his Aunt MaryLou’s and play with his cousin, riding bikes outside in the heat. He said his family has always been tight-knit and that he still keeps in touch with each of his eight siblings. After Gaskin lost his job in 2022 due to a work-related injury, he lost his home and started living out of his SUV. Then he found the Denver Basic Income Project, an initiative that provides income for people who are experiencing homelessness, and he earned $1,000 a month through the program. “In July of this past year, we found out that [MaryLou’s] account had been hacked, and she didn’t have the money to pay her rent. Well, because of the Denver Basic Income Project, I had the money in my account,” Gaskin said. “I have no problem sleeping in my tent. I have no problem sleeping in my car. I will not have her homeless.” Gaskin received his last check from the project in September, before funding ran out. Denver Basic Income Project pays his phone bill, but receiving that payment is also expected to end soon. He tried to earn pay through MaryLou’s insurance for caretaking, but the insurance company would only pay him if she was institutionalized. He decided to keep taking care of his aunt in-house so she could still have her independence, “because it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “I do what I can now [to make money].” When he isn’t caring for his aunt, Gaskin makes money by donating plasma, selling items, and leaning on the connections he’s made since joining the income program. “Denver Basic Income Project was my final straw,” Gaskin said. If this didn’t help, if there was no way they were going to put me into their program, then I had already decided….” Gaskin paused. “I grew up here in Colorado. I know what these roads are like in the wintertime.” Gaskin had planned to take his life if the project could not help him. He said he had lost all hope, a common narrative he said many other people who are homeless share. When he joined the project and met other people experiencing homelessness, Gaskin found that hearing others’ stories gave him more faith in humanity, and himself. “From one homeless person to another, the gloves come off, because they’re going to be real with you; because you can identify, you can share their hurt, their experience, and you’re going to be real with your emotions, as well as they’re going to be. They’re going to be who they are,” Gaskin said. As uncertainty about MaryLou’s health looms in the coming months, Gaskin remains resolute in his commitment to care for her. “Whatever the future holds…if she lives for another 10 years, or not, I’m not going to stop doing what I truly believe in my heart I should be doing,” he said. February 2025 DENVER VOICE 5 ׉ 7cassandra://3sJV596kuxKyVee5Vt7SHq8IQVpeuyAQ8q6AXZoz2A8#`gQQ[[gQQ[[ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://jF8Hbc6YqgEc10vwdJi_qW28TyKh-R86EejQldlswQ4`׉ 7cassandra://lZmsTcLZdSDA493ItkpmigOLXAq_Ar425u3iX9qQv8ga|`q׉ 7cassandra://3yrYtd4Wz8y40xAdVWOUAdcdCY5dYojjO1z-eK8yZjg"`gQ[[6ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://6o2s-Z-sknY1Cldgza_xQFnld0ebuF-xCADprIu2a7U|`׉ 7cassandra://TkwFs7XupIYA4QBqt2cyZYXlAYZTa0LNAmE9ubJBJ5EuU`q׉ 7cassandra://s63HZ7rhLVrwGhjoaM4wwew4CecPWu4G3VVy5KLkLH4' `gQ[[7׉E FEATURE THOUGH THEIR FUTURE REMAINS UNCERTAIN, MARIA AND JUAN’S LOVE AND COMMITMENT TO ONE ANOTHER REMAIN UNSHAKEN. | PHOTO BY GILES CLASEN LOVE ON THE RUN STORY BY GILES CLASEN MARIA AND JUAN’S life together began in a shrimp processing facility in Venezuela, where they worked long hours to support themselves. “We peeled and sorted shrimp until the early hours of the morning,” Maria said. “It wasn’t much, it was stinky, but we made it work because we had each other.” Their bond, forged in the face of poverty, political turmoil, and violence, carried them through unimaginable challenges that brought them to the United States. Juan and Maria asked that their real names be withheld for safety reasons under the current political climate. Juan joined the Venezuelan special forces at a young age because the military was the best opportunity for poor Venezuelans with little education. He retired from the military because he was being ordered to violently subdue those in opposition to President Nicolás Maduro. “When I joined the army, it was to defend my country,” Juan said. “But after the death of President Hugo Chávez, the military was turned against its own people. I couldn’t reconcile my oath with what I was being asked to do — repress unarmed civilians. I left the armed forces because my conscience wouldn’t allow me to stay.” Juan eventually joined the protests because he felt there was nothing to lose. He saw his Indigenous Wayuu community under attack by government forces and felt he had to act. During a peaceful 2016 demonstration, Juan was captured by colectivos, armed groups loyal to the Maduro regime that kidnap, torture, and kill opposition. “They beat me, and one of them grabbed me and hit my back with a baseball bat, causing a fracture and compression in the spinal cord. I was left for dead, lying on the street,” Juan said. Doctors Without Borders saved Juan, but he will use a wheelchair for the rest of his life and is unable to move his left foot. Colectivos pursued Juan and threatened to kill any friends or family caught supporting him. “Leaving Venezuela wasn’t planned. [Maria] was threatened with death, she was pregnant, and the few things we had, we had to leave them,” Juan said. “We left for Colombia because it was the only country that was giving us security.” Eventually, political tides changed in Columbia making it unsafe for Juan, Maria, and their three children. They made the hard decision to travel to the United States. “We did not want to leave Columbia. We were happy there,” Maria said. “But it wasn’t safe. We had no choice.” The two saved money for six months to prepare for the trip. They were afraid they would die during the journey. It seemed impossible for a disabled man in a wheelchair, his wife, and their three young children to cross the dangerous Darién Gap. They explored every other option but felt that their only 6 DENVER VOICE February 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://3yrYtd4Wz8y40xAdVWOUAdcdCY5dYojjO1z-eK8yZjg"`gQQ[[׉E FEATURE path forward was the arduous journey. Juan enlisted the help of a sergeant, who served with him in the military. The sergeant carried Juan for miles across the wildest jungle terrain. Maria shepherded the children. “At one point, I almost drowned with our youngest daughter while crossing a river,” Maria said. “But Juan’s sergeant saved us. We wouldn’t have made it without him.” Every leg of the journey included paying gangs to pass often lawless terrain. After months of danger, hunger, and exhaustion, the couple reached the U.S., determined to build a safer, more stable life for their children. Though their future remains uncertain as they await work permits, their love and commitment to one another remain unshaken. “For us, love means sacrifice and teamwork,” Juan said. “We’ve faced every hardship together, and we’ll keep fighting for our family’s future.” When the family reached Denver, the city offered them a one-month stay at a hotel near the airport. They feared they would end up homeless once the voucher ended, and Maria immediately tried to find any income she could. They saved just enough to afford a small one-bedroom apartment but have been near eviction multiple times. They are now navigating the challenges of starting over, seeking asylum, and adapting to a new culture. WE WANT OUR DAUGHTERS TO HAVE OPPORTUNITIES WE NEVER HAD. THAT’S WHY WE’VE ENDURED SO MUCH BECAUSE WE LOVE EACH OTHER AND BELIEVE IN A BETTER TOMORROW.” “ “We want our daughters to have opportunities we never had. That’s why we’ve endured so much because we love each other and believe in a better tomorrow,” Maria said. Juan said his love for Maria has never wavered, and the two have been committed to each other and their daughters through it all. “I wouldn’t want my daughters to go through the same thing because I went through a lot of need and hunger when I was a child,” Juan said. “That’s why I try to make my relationship work, and when I feel like something is failing, we talk about it together as a couple.” But the two see the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States and fear once again for their future and safety. Juan said he believes that the immigrant community shares many values with Americans and should be a welcome addition to this country’s melting pot. He and Maria are driven by their faith, family, and hard work. The couple also urged Americans to consider the struggles of migrants. “We are not here to harm anyone,” Juan said. “We want to work hard, contribute, and build a better future — not just for our children, but for this country, as well.” No matter what their future holds, Juan and Maria are certain they will go through everything together. IT SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE FOR A DISABLED MAN IN A WHEELCHAIR, HIS WIFE, AND THEIR THREE YOUNG CHILDREN TO CROSS THE DANGEROUS DARIAN GAP… BUT THEY FELT THAT THEIR ONLY PATH FORWARD WAS THE ARDUOUS JOURNEY. | PHOTO COURTESY OF JUAN AND MARIA “FOR US, LOVE MEANS SACRIFICE AND TEAMWORK. WE’VE FACED EVERY HARDSHIP TOGETHER, AND WE’LL KEEP FIGHTING FOR OUR FAMILY’S FUTURE.” | PHOTO BY GILES CLASEN February 2025 DENVER VOICE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://s63HZ7rhLVrwGhjoaM4wwew4CecPWu4G3VVy5KLkLH4' `gQQ[[gQQ[[ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://-JaCRoqRK9ZJ6mnrZzkUa21s3hoFua1OXDMpFzjpJ0s`׉ 7cassandra://IpCZfVv2QPRFxPWuAOhDFjnWQ0kHr8LJYGEqj4BrdsIkL`q׉ 7cassandra://ESSGsexaGl8GNqBh2A08a_nOq-SCKSjgdHJYmA5xsAE(p`gQ[[9ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://_eQhFpmnUvvMvDYUPbtscCrFPGZQfPWCO7p8R5hJbls`׉ 7cassandra://PHjIPBgiPL6xCbm0V5RujnAeZEQTRlsv5CH_nQ9Xmz4`q׉ 7cassandra://_yA2m4v1nl9FNs-CAr9UUvWIdgqyrMfB-KqnLK-UwsU*[`gQ[[;נgQ[[>a̯9ׁH!http://arvadarising.com/homeless.ׁ ׁ Ј׉ECOMMUNITY PROFILE “IT WOULD BE A STRUGGLE TO BE DRY OUTSIDE. THIS KEEPS ME ALIVE ON A COLD NIGHT,” SAID PERRY, WHO STAYED AT MISSION ARVADA IN DECEMBER. MISSION ARVADA PROVIDING LIFE-SAVING SHELTER STORY AND PHOTOS BY GILES CLASEN MISSION ARVADA is working to address winter shelter needs for unhoused individuals after the Severe Weather Shelter Network shut down permanently during the summer of 2024. The SWSN coordinated shelter in churches during extreme weather in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties but closed due to insufficient funding and declining church involvement. “Being open during severe weather is a lot to take on, but it’s working,” said Karen Cowling, director of Mission Arvada. “It’s always down to the wire when [cold] weather comes, but we’ve managed and will find a way.” Mission Arvada is one of the few non-profits providing case management and day program services to the unhoused community in Arvada. The organization had been an overflow emergency shelter in previous years but did not have the staff or other resources needed to provide regular cold-weather shelter. “When we started, we estimated the [severe weather] shelter would cost around $25,000 to $30,000. But with the infrastructure needs of the building and other expenses, we’re now closer to $100,000, and it may go up from there if we have too many cold nights this winter.” Most of the funds to cover the additional costs have come from individual donors and churches. The City of Arvada is not providing funds for the cold weather shelter services. “ A FEW YEARS AGO, A VETERAN FROZE TO DEATH ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE CHURCH, AND WE VOWED NOT TO LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN.” 8 DENVER VOICE February 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://ESSGsexaGl8GNqBh2A08a_nOq-SCKSjgdHJYmA5xsAE(p`gQQ[[׉ECOMMUNITY PROFILE “The City of Arvada partners closely with Jefferson County Heading Home to connect community members who are unhoused with sheltering options such as emergency overnight shelters and hotel vouchers,” Rachel Kuroiwa, director of communications and engagement for the city said in an email to the Denver VOICE. She added that the city did give Mission Arvada a recent grant to provide homeless services but has not provided funding for the severe weather shelter. Cowling and her team are exhausting every option to provide the life-saving service in Arvada. “A few years ago, a veteran froze to death across the street from the church, and we vowed not to let that happen again,” Cowling said. “We are here to save lives, to help those struggling, and to bring some love and care to those who are suffering.” Christine Thurston, a team lead and case manager, has been organizing Mission Arvada’s response to severe weather. She said one of the hardest parts about running the overnight shelter is getting volunteers. “Some volunteers haven’t returned, and some churches have hesitated to host again due to concerns about the growing homeless population,” said Thurston. Thurston has been cold-calling churches to find financial support and volunteers. Thurston was homeless herself before moving to Denver. It took time to find a job after graduating from college in Minnesota, and she lost her housing before she could find a steady income. “I stayed in churches during those cold Minnesota winters, and that experience shaped my faith and my understanding of grace. It taught me what it meant to rely on others and, eventually, to give back,” Thurston said. She said the kindness she received from volunteers gave her hope when her future looked grim Thurston eventually found housing through a halfway house and began rebuilding her life. “The primary element that led to my homelessness was not having a support system when I needed it most. I needed time and stability, but I didn’t have either until I found help,” Thurston said. One individual, Perry, who stayed at the shelter in December, said that he believes he would get frostbite or worse if he had to sleep outside. “I would be sopping wet tonight,” Perry said. “The best way to fight cold is to stay dry. It would be a struggle to be dry outside. This keeps me alive on a cold night. They give you everything here—shelter, warmth, and food.” Thurston said she is hopeful that one night at the shelter can help individuals find a path out of homelessness. She believes experiencing kindness can encourage individuals to ask for help, connect with case management and other services, and move forward. “Providing a warm, safe space isn’t just about shelter— it’s the first step in helping someone rebuild their life,” Thurston said. “Once they feel safe, they can start thinking about what’s next, whether it’s finding work, reconnecting with family, or addressing health issues.” Mission Arvada opens for overnight shelter when the temperature falls below 20 degrees, or the metro area is expected to receive six or more inches of snow. To take on that responsibility, Mission Arvada has faced the same difficulties that shuttered the SWSN—high costs and a dwindling volunteer base. To let the community know when the shelter is open, Mission Arvada posts updates on its website and social media pages. For more information, or to donate to Mission Arvada, visit their website: arvadarising.com/homeless. “PROVIDING A WARM, SAFE SPACE ISN’T JUST ABOUT SHELTER—IT’S THE FIRST STEP IN HELPING SOMEONE REBUILD THEIR LIFE,” CHRISTINE THURSTON SAID. February 2025 DENVER VOICE 9 ׉ 7cassandra://_yA2m4v1nl9FNs-CAr9UUvWIdgqyrMfB-KqnLK-UwsU*[`gQQ[[gQQ[[ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://rxH9NB9IJB7cqW83clcS6ICZv-w-BbD_6sDZN9gqx6E#`׉ 7cassandra://-yLMung2onS2qb9W85ctK5ePAs_zpMHDY6hTG_jYP74|y`q׉ 7cassandra://xUGCGQlo7Z5QN2c5BRICgsfix80eE9ThBQNc9aK3n4o(x`gQ[[?ט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://wcwketRMDr0AWgmZ0h4qT7J97_MzeBEbNdKHX_5gEYU[`׉ 7cassandra://A1krg51-ulRCuhVqLAqvvXwX7iCvZ5P-1C0CHBpK86AQn`q׉ 7cassandra://zdjTYkE8vTs8YVzZS3DHmKPYQKboxL2i6RYEMGlwZ0U `gQ[[@נgQ[[C09ׁH#http://careasy.org/nonprofit/denverׁ ׁ ЈנgQ[[B 89ׁHhttp://INSP.ngׁ ׁ Ј׉ENATIONAL STORY WHEREVER THE WIND BLOWS, HIS INK PENS FOLLOW: ART ON THE STREETS BY TIERRA CUNNINGHAM JEFF’S INK PEN ARTWORK OF A LIGHTHOUSE | PHOTO BY MADI KOESLER JEFF HOLDING HIS TWO DOGS PUPPET AND LUNA | PHOTO BY MADI KOESLER STANDING ON THE STEPS of Grace Episcopal Church in Northwest DC, US, Jeff watches his dogs hunt for rats. The sunny, cloudless day matches the feeling of contentment that Jeff exudes — there have been many ups and downs, left and right turns in his life, but his faith and art remain constant. Jeff, who introduces himself by only his first name, has lived in DC off and on throughout his adult life, experiencing homelessness throughout his time in the city. He talks about his family, his personal struggles, and most importantly, the art he has created and carried with him throughout his life. While he’s battling his third bout with cancer, art continues to console him – it’s been his way of escaping and surviving from as early as he can remember. Jeff grew up in Baltimore with his stepfather, an abusive alcoholic who would sometimes beat Jeff. “My stepfather, when I was growing up, he would [say], ‘You’ll never amount to anything,’” says Jeff. “I grew up my whole life trying to prove him wrong.” When Jeff was in sixth grade, he had an unforgettable art teacher, Mr. Trattner, who believed in his abilities and encouraged him to continue drawing. Mr. Trattner’s advice pushed Jeff to start using ink pens, which initially confused him, because he could not erase his work if he made mistakes. But his teacher encouraged him to lean into his mistakes and not shy away from them — a lesson more applicable to life than any sixth grader could understand. “You have an awesome imagination. If you mess up, incorporate your mess up, and with your shade, fix it,” Trattner said to Jeff. Ever since, Jeff has used only ink pens and colored pencils. While Jeff dropped out of school in the ninth grade, he got his GED just six months later. He didn’t drop out because he was “stupid,” he says, but because the lessons could not hold his attention. Although traditional schooling couldn’t keep him within its four walls, art captured his focus. Jeff applied to and was accepted at the Maryland Institute College of Art. But his dreams of studying his passion formally would take a backseat after Jeff learned he would have a whole new set of responsibilities. “Three months before school started, my girlfriend told me she was pregnant,” Jeff says. “My heavenly father gave me a Bachelor’s degree; I didn’t need to go to art school.” So, with colored pencils in hand, he focused on his natural gifts. And, when something didn’t work, he tried a different approach; it’s pretty much how he lives his life. As an adult, Jeff moved from Baltimore to DC to live with his older brother, who was receiving disability benefits. He stayed with him for about a year, until he decided to leave due to some tension. He considered moving to California and even bought a one-way ticket to San Diego, but missed his flight. Jeff saw this as a sign from God that San Diego was not the right place for him. “I’m on a spiritual walk. I’m not on a religious walk,” Jeff says, “so I’m trying to walk with Jesus. I figured Washington, DC is the belly of the beast.” He is currently experiencing homelessness and says that he does not like his current encampment because there is too much traffic and too many people around. He’s hoping that he won’t be there much longer as he is trying to move to somewhere quieter. Jeff’s three adult children are currently in Maryland and West Virginia. He says that he does not keep in contact with them but remembers helping them to draw a little when they were younger. Jeff has chosen a quiet life with his dogs, Luna and Puppet. He calls them his only two loyal companions. Despite drawing every day, Jeff has not been able to make a living off his artwork. He relies on social security to get by, but still says that he is more fortunate than others. Jeff’s art and faith sustain him. He’s an avid reader of the Bible, reading two to three times a day, and draws after he reads. It’s a form of meditation, he says. The passages inspire much of his artwork, like pieces with Jesus as a lion, lighthouses, blind justice, and Jeff walking alone down his spiritual path. But he also loves to draw portraits of celebrities, such as Jennifer Aniston and Lauren Bacall, and close friends. Despite his self-doubt, Jeff chose to show his work to an employee at a gallery near where he spends his days. She said that she had never seen art like his done with only ink. The gallery, Cabada Contemporary Art Gallery in Georgetown, displayed four pieces of his animal artwork with price tags between $200 and $250 per drawing. Jeff says that the showcase almost didn’t come to fruition because self-doubt hindered him, but in a split-second 10 DENVER VOICE February 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://xUGCGQlo7Z5QN2c5BRICgsfix80eE9ThBQNc9aK3n4o(x`gQQ[[׉EIN YOUR OWN WORDS MY SWEET VALENTINE I crust from a distance Waiting to be seen I see you clearly Will you see me BY CHARLES SPRING DENVER VOICE VENDOR Every time I see you I have a small heart attack You make my body temperature rise I’m scared to talk to you Afraid of rejection When I have a bad day You make everything right But my love for you is always in secret I love looking at you Your eyes Your smile And Your butt I just don’t know what to say to you How to talk to you I want to hold you To kiss you Red, white and blue fade to grays covering cold ice. Winds of change follow. Harsh truths uncovered in the warmth of the real. Arising growth takes. SEASONS CHANGE, AGAIN Right here and right now. Verdant, a living, growing populace, forward yet fragile, shaking BY STEVE ANSON DENVER VOICE VENDOR like leaves turning with time. From green, yellows, browns, death approaches, white. Like sheets on old men covering shame and harmful intent. Theft and fraud. decision, he decided to show his artwork. Now that two of his art pieces have sold, he says that he wants to give some of the proceeds to Miriam’s Kitchen, a local organization that provides outreach to Jeff’s encampment, in recognition of how much they have helped him and his dogs. Jeff says that having his work recognized has always been DONATE YOUR CAR! a dream, because it would make him a successful artist by his metric. Now, someone has taken the time to recognize it. One by one, Jeff rattles off the stories behind his drawings as we sift through his stack of art, marveling at his work. “That’s Jennifer Aniston.” “That’s supposed to be on my walk. My spiritual walk.” “I love drawing lighthouses.” Lighthouses have a special meaning for Jeff. They symbolize hope, he says, because they keep people from crashing onto the rocks. As rocky as his life has been, art is the beacon guiding him to shore. Courtesy of Street Sense Media / INSP.ngo Your donation helps Denver VOICE succeed in its mission to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty the chance towards a more stable life. 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/nonprofit/denver-voice. February 2025 DENVER VOICE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://zdjTYkE8vTs8YVzZS3DHmKPYQKboxL2i6RYEMGlwZ0U `gQQ[[gQQ[[ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://qtRUM28Y7W6ZapkJ-LRI3N2noV3fIK1QH5PvplSMpfMK`׉ 7cassandra://KumNMht1RMoy0F0JMRc9jCxQ88Px55sSksbSi2Sr06Iza`q׉ 7cassandra://vomh9e85RzXsFZU3yQgTtMDapc7G97_EQq7cG2cjADg)s`gQ[[Dט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://vfMwqZNfi07fqSjGeRGfPIzvbiNN1doxrj1LqJojFgY`׉ 7cassandra://gXKCweJMoLltQXIaOHnO67vYBEQWcMru0I4m87jiu4Mt`q׉ 7cassandra://-xKivYq9ktUTW_djV6u4fy2tLg6_-su3-IzLFoJK96M&`gQ[[EנgQ[[Nl9ׁH%http://makementalhealthmatter.org/rywׁ ׁ ЈנgQ[[Mlʁ9ׁHhttp://eventbrite.com/e/forׁ ׁ ЈנgQ[[Lļ9ׁHhttp://museo.org/museoׁ ׁ ЈנgQ[[Kl9ׁH(http://petalsandpagesofdenver.com/eventsׁ ׁ ЈנgQ[[Jlρe9ׁHhttp://FamilyFests.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EVIN YOUR OWN WORDS THANK YOU FOR SO BEING STRONG! BY RAELENE JOHNSON SO, IT’S BEEN A YEAR now since the car wreck last February, and looking back over the past year-and-a-half, I have to thank you, Self, for being strong for me. You helped me to keep a smile on my face. Even when we were going through our hardest days, you found a way to make me smile, and that helped get me through everything. The one thing you have to do when you are struggling with medical issues or whatever it may be is stay positive. So, we discovered that when you’re going through hardship, if you laugh and make jokes, it’s easier to get through the difficult times - at least it was for us, Self. Self, now that we’ve learned how to love ourselves and after all the work we’ve done to accomplish that goal, I know I can get through anything because Self helped me get there. Every time I thought it was too hard going through my cancer treatments, the inner self would say, “We got it. Come on, you can do it!” and I’m grateful for that! If you ever doubt yourself that’s when all the problems start because usually something inside of us will tell us something’s not right, and when we don’t listen, that’s when problems arise. The one thing I learned about love for myself is that I have to trust my inner voice to speak up when things are not right. I can’t just push it out of my mind and say, “I don’t know what I’m saying,” or “My feelings can’t be that important to pay attention to,” because my intuition will come up and usually that happens right when I need to listen to my intuition to keep me safe, keep my mind safe – that’s the worst thing people do is let go of their mind. Don’t give Self up for no one or nothing because once you do, you have lost the love of yourself and find yourself in difficult situations you never dreamed of. Everyone must realize you have to love yourself first before you can love anyone else! If you don’t love yourself, you don’t have love to share with others. You can’t give it or receive it if you don’t know what loving yourself is! People want to be loved, but when Self is broken, you can’t get love. If you can’t feel love for yourself, you can’t receive it, or understand how you can get it. You have to love yourself first. My prayer for the month of February is that everyone reading my words will say to themselves, “I love you so, and I will continue to trust you so don’t let the enemy come in and steal your love away from yourself” Say this every morning, every afternoon, and every night, and if you don’t believe it, keep saying it – over and over again – and one, day you will believe it! May you find love within yourself or with someone else during the month of love. Written with love. RAELENE JOHNSON, DENVER VOICE VENDOR. | PHOTO BY KAREN BEEMAN WINTER DONATIONS MADE EASY During the winter, Denver VOICE vendors experience increased heating and housing costs. Meanwhile, their income decreases because cold temperatures means less foot traffic and fewer paper sales. If you would like to help out your 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! WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO THIS. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE @DenverVOICE CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS We are looking for volunteers to help us at community events, or to assist with paper distribution and basic office administration at our office (989 Santa Fe. Dr.). If you are interested and would like to know more, contact us at program@denvervoice.org. 12 DENVER VOICE February 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://vomh9e85RzXsFZU3yQgTtMDapc7G97_EQq7cG2cjADg)s`gQQ[[׉EEVENTS FAMILYFEST FamilyFest is Colorado’s annual indoor family festival. Enjoy free activities and register for awesome vendor prizes. At FamilyFest, families can learn, explore, have fun, and find family resources. WHEN: Feb. 8, 12 – 5 p.m. COST: Adults - $12 (Day of Event: $16) Kids, 12 & under - Free WHERE: Arapaho County Fairgrounds Event Center, 25690 East Quincy Avenue Aurora, CO INFO: FamilyFests.com PETALS & PAGES GALENTINE’S DAY Grab your galentines and come celebrate all things love! We’ll have flash tattoos, a charm bar, love letter writing, drinks and treats, and special deals on books. WHEN: Feb 13, 5 – 8 p.m. COST: $25 WHERE: Petals & Pages of Denver, 956 Santa Fe. Drive, Denver INFO: petalsandpagesofdenver.com/events AFROMEXICAN JOURNEY: YANGA, SLAVERY, AND FREEDOM GRAND OPENING Join us at the Museo de las Americas and explore the rich history of Afro-Mexican culture and celebrate the legacy of Yanga, a symbol of resilience and freedom. WHEN: Feb. 20, 6 – 9 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Drive, Denver INFO: museo.org/museo-calendar FOR THE LOVE OF FIVE POINTS BY OSIMV Wish Of a Lifetime from AARP is granting a lifelong wish to Mariko LuQman, who goes by the artist named OSIMV, to perform her songs for her family and community. Experience an evening filled with live performances, heartwarming stories, and a spark of inspiration. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the song creations, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the unique atmosphere of dreams fulfilled in Five Points, Denver. WHEN: Feb 22, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Mercury Café, 2199 California Street Denver INFO: eventbrite.com/e/for-the-love-of-five-points-by-osimv-tickets-1107334550449 ROCK YOUR WELLNESS Rock Your Wellness aims to promote well-being within our community, fostering physical, mental, and emotional health giving wellness resources combined with fun to an event that will make you want to come back every year. This event will showcase 75+ vendors including crafts, silent disco, live music, food trucks, mini-workshops, dance movement classes, trauma-informed yoga, Fit for Mom classes, family fun, and much more. WHEN: Feb. 22, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: The Village Work, Wellness, & Event Center, 7173 South Havana Street #600 Centennial, CO INFO: makementalhealthmatter.org/ryw PUZZLES 1 14 17 20 23 27 31 36 40 46 49 54 58 63 66 ACROSS 1. HS exams many colleges no longer require for admission 5. Achy 9. Declares 14. Actress Polo 15. Playing an extra NBA quarter 16. First blank space on a form 17. “Dies ___” (Judgment Day hymn) 18. Heart of the matter 19. Unoriginal, in modern slang 20. Cuts off at the pass 23. Carefully followed, as a plan 24. Entertain 27. Farm division 29. Paperless boarding pass 31. Big month for the IRS 34. 50 years 36. Salacious look 38. Adverb suffi x? 39. Lingerie item 40. Necessity for a spy or fugitive 45. “Malcolm X” director 46. Immobile sculpture 47. It’s hailed by city dwellers 49. Garbage 50. Pie chart part 54. Separate (from) 58. Hasbro game that says its own name 61. Like Jack Sprat’s diet 62. Are, in Argentina 63. Boredom 64. Carnival 65. Suffi x with gang 66. Doctrine 67. Comrade in arms 68. School session 59 60 55 61 64 67 DOWN 1. Skunk defense 2. Cliff side dwelling spelled very similarly to 26-Down 3. “Th e Sound of Music” family name 4. Sonora snooze 5. Madame, in Italian 6. “Don’t bet ___!” 7. ___ Hashanah 8. Kitchen extension? 9. Egg white protein 10. Railroad bridges 11. Lt.’s inferior, in the Navy 12. Outdoor gear retailer 13. Amniotic ___ 21. Allergic reaction 22. Diminish 25. Feature of the Jolly Roger 26. Bone-chilling 28. Say “y’all,” say 29. Big splash 30. Ilk 31. “Bummer!”, more quaintly 32. Annoyances 33. Cut again 35. Devotee 37. Certain element in the alkali metal group 41. Second Amendment word 42. Building additions 43. Bricklayer’s craft 44. Board member, for short 48. Least welcoming 51. Spoonful, say 52. Aquatic mammal 53. Violate a peace treaty, maybe 55. Italian car, briefl y 56. Close, as an envelope 57. It’s rigged 58. It’s found in a garden or river 59. Musical Yoko 60. 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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 Fire on the Mountain 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 Mr B’s Liquor Wines For Humanity 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 February 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://twZa60-mlMDvYKbxMTavaeO0LDhWFH0_1j3NxeLy2X0 +`gQQ[[׉E*1RESOURCE 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 - 9am-6pm; 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. 7am-1pm. 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 FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN DENVER DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCE-LIST LAWRENCE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER: 2222 Lawrence St.; 303-2940157; day facility, laundry, showers, restrooms, access to services 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 - 11:4512:15; 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. February 2025 DENVER VOICE 15 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-disability-calculator 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-in-center 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 F M S M A T T E R I N G E S S R L O W H I S P E R N M F M S A D A R I N K L I N G F L I C C P E S S G R A I N I O E D R T I F T H E F U Q H Z D Q G A I N S H A J L R W K A P G E P O C C D R I T T T H O I L N E N H I A D N L A S R X F O T S V S N S I P R S D K I G I T H T Z T H I E U T C R U M B L A G B I T V S Y E T A O O T J V J A L I O U P S U T C T H G I O T L E L S F R A G M E N T N T S A S K O S H Z T R A C E G D A B D S U G G E S T I O N V S A T S T E R I S O R E I N O T I R A E G I S T A C R E A V E R S L I N E A B A S I C N I P S I N T H E B U D K E P T T O I A L A M U S E E T I C K E T A P R H A L F C E N T U R Y L E E R A S S U M E D N A M E S T A B I L E S W I L L B O P I T E N N U I D O G M A S L I P L E E T A X I S E C T O R D I S A S S O C I A T E L E A N E S T A F A I R S T E R A L L Y T E R M ׉ 7cassandra://51Lb3RozDuDYngVHSTHm4BNsvaoCCxFoyWfgA9v5QAM `gQQ[[ gQQ[[ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://nOAOkWWm8BvCxYue23-JgEYre6hppO1Nk6KcUXlV6JU||`׉ 7cassandra://vlPAJgPshKbgmzMskutNV31h-qumUdoTWCzM_kZuv9II`q׉ 7cassandra://-hDyGIopxHILgSSXM_9at1N0u4EkIUyPxLe5aKtSf5U,`gQ[[`׉E׉ 7cassandra://-hDyGIopxHILgSSXM_9at1N0u4EkIUyPxLe5aKtSf5U,`gQQ[[!׈EgQQ[["gQQ[[! ,2-2025g=ˁDiK1