׉?ׁB!בCט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://nAZJXrwsNnDDV289B7uBjWx5fJRmJ90d9U7U8E-fv0Q%`׉ 7cassandra://4hRBQTdVRChWATdBlRffb39qYevgSh0XsY5FZEe4l2w|e`q׉ 7cassandra://zGjWBSHeCUAUJAabgJxh4OsGJ-LDChs0C5DbJODPMto*`hH/KiʑנhH/Kí <Ǵ9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׈EhH/Ki׉E$ 2 SUGGESTED DONATION @DenverVOICE WELCOME MADDIE: MADDIE EGERTON JOINS DENVER VOICE TEAM PAGE 3 DENVER EATSS RAISES MONEY FOR NATIVE STUDENTS INDIGENOUS CHEFS TEAM WITH NATHANIEL RATELIFF FOR INDIAN COLLEGE FUND PAGE 11 SPEAK UP FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS! RI PP.8. RAVI ZUPA’S ART IGNITES DENVER ARTIST DESIGNS ONE-OF-A-KIND POSTER TO SUPPORT DENVER VOICE PAGE 6 VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAGES 4, 5, 12 EVENTS / PUZZLES PAGE 13 RESOURCES PAGE 15 MAY 2025 | Vol.30 Issue 5 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: A NEWCOMER TO THE CENTRAL PARK ENCAMPMENT IN DENVER RIDES A BIKE WITH HIS NEPHEW. | PHOTO BY GILESCLASEN ׉ 7cassandra://zGjWBSHeCUAUJAabgJxh4OsGJ-LDChs0C5DbJODPMto*`hH/KihH/Ki בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://71lniDVYBLszwaMPidJfS1038zoOSHzftLowNQk60fkգ`׉ 7cassandra://u8kDkwn9BYkSxB0Mp_WcZmvZMiKNhjWI1GuBOZg7Zusb`q׉ 7cassandra://_RT7hL5NfU-3TMfvnCCRI6UbR2kWNleZi_kNqaoVbpw!v`hH/Kiט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://sJmgFdNAjxEhJy6rEaX5b-9LQYsDvZLXaAsZCXxu8RIw`׉ 7cassandra://-uE5i_urQyy9dyYvnD_VDDslP6q74ROd9eNn6FFabogr`q׉ 7cassandra://KmkC4L8H1Un5BcofiPApLotZb_ag6ea5BKOqBF-L5_U)`hH/KiϕנhH/Kiہuc̏9ׁHmailto:ads@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kiځv9ׁH$http://denvervoice.org/subscriptionsׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kiف̫9ׁHmailto:program@denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Ki؁g9ׁHhttp://denvervoice.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kiׁ C̡ 9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATEׁ ׁ Ј׉E!EDITOR’S NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: IT IS QUITE DAUNTING to think that the Denver VOICE could face repercussions for running a cover story, reminding folks that it’s important to stand up for refugees, who came to Colorado in search of a better life. It is more than terrifying to witness the criminalization of programs and policies ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR that were created to meet the most basic needs of refugees and everyone else in the United States. I remember being taught the meaning behind Emma Lazarus’ poem, “The New Colossus,” which is inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The closing lines of the poem summarize the beliefs that are the basis for many of these now-canceled programs that were created to help everyone living in our country. “Give me your tired, your poor… the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempesttossed, to me…” clearly express why immigrants fleeing persecution or violence in their home countries have spent the last two centuries believing that the U.S. was a safe haven. Today, our government encourages immigrants either to “self-deport” or face imprisonment without due process — even if they entered our country legally or have already earned U.S. citizenship. 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. The mission of the Denver VOICE is to elevate the stories of those whose voices often go unheard. We recognize that many “tempest-tossed” individuals experiencing homelessness and financial instability, or who belong to marginalized communities lack a platform to speak out or have advocates stand up for them. Our purpose is to provide a platform for those voices — regardless of their citizenship status, religion, race, or gender. This mission reflects the ideals upon which the United States was founded. I can only hope that we will not see the Statue of Liberty dismantled because someone deems its message too “woke” or believes it contradicts the current government’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @OCE MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Giles Clasen ART DIRECTOR Andrew Fraieli ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Maddie Egerton VOLUNTEER COPY EDITOR Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Giles Clasen WRITERS David Gordon Wayne Easterling Raelene Johnson Jerry Rosen Rodney Woolfolk Giles Clasen 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 2 DENVER VOICE May 2025 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US ׉ 7cassandra://_RT7hL5NfU-3TMfvnCCRI6UbR2kWNleZi_kNqaoVbpw!v`hH/Ki׉EWELCOME! WELCOME MADDIE! IN FEBRUARY, Maddie Egerton joined the Denver VOICE as our administrative assistant. In the three months she’s been here, Maddie has helped us catch up on reports and projects that fell by the wayside since we nearly shuttered our door in September. We appreciate her pragmatism, efficiency, and kindness and are thrilled to have her on our team! WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO THIS. DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE 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. May 2025 DENVER VOICE 3 PHOTO COURTESY OF MADDIE EGERTON ׉ 7cassandra://KmkC4L8H1Un5BcofiPApLotZb_ag6ea5BKOqBF-L5_U)`hH/KihH/Ki בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://QgbzHwAXYhKxGu8hhPNiefNqbl-n314HyUvc4p0nqDgQ`׉ 7cassandra://A0PTnEXtNHcpsMhbE0yHRV5W9NMfza9LfABcZEV3t1MU`q׉ 7cassandra://jqJYEvUshwnhFS54yT_sTzDMtlqc2aS6NKZVeZYWfvs`hH/Kiט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://k3orwG2I_mwqPqbcn2bVNjBfCDEo2qAlDc99G2uuMCk@`׉ 7cassandra://u3OTyGU1gK9x_dI7maMMYNMbbbzZWn1R_lIW9dyOXcgy^`q׉ 7cassandra://eUcTyV1mFuMGCPghHvjDiKcVgYt2GlMB4wdL1fhCbdY'&`hH/Ki׉E ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. Q A How does the change in seasons affect life on the streets, or for anyone who doesn’t have a regular place to sleep? DAVID GORDON The change of seasons can be challenging under normal circumstances, but living in Colorado can be even more of a challenge. Personally, I think spring can be horrifying at times. It’s the rain showers that come and go quickly. Many times, spring showers hit suddenly, soaking not only my clothes but also the copies of the Denver VOICE that I had planned to sell. WAYNE EASTERLING The seasons, I think they affect everybody in good ways and bad ways. Being homeless is hard because you have nowhere to go. It is easier in the summer because you can stay outside. In the winter, you have to find shelter, and that will affect your body, mind, and soul. RAELENE JOHNSON When I was homeless I waited for spring to get there because it’s easier to find safe places to live and hide from people if the weather is better for you. While you’re homeless, it’s harder to survive in real cold weather. RODNEY WOOLFOLK During my stay on the streets, in wintertime, I’d always pay bus fare, so I could sleep on the bus from Denver to Aurora. Then, you have the drugs and alcohol, which is not good in this situation. You MUST be strong to get through this! JERRY ROSEN A change in seasons affects people in many ways. During the winter, one has to dress appropriately so they do not get sick. You have to wear very warm clothes. During the spring, the weather changes so drastically. One day, it could be really mild — almost warm — and another day, it could be cold. You should wear layers. When it gets too warm, wear a light jacket and carry additional clothes so you have them when you need them. 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 VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! Drop-offs are accepted Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Baseball caps Chapstick, sunscreen Hand warmers SPRING WISH LIST @DenverVOICE 4 DENVER VOICE May 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://jqJYEvUshwnhFS54yT_sTzDMtlqc2aS6NKZVeZYWfvs`hH/Ki׉EICOMMUNITY PROFILE Through Facebook, he made a good friend in Italy, named Giovani, and they exchanged Bettie Page drawings. The USPS lost the drawing Bill sent to Giovani, and a year later, it was returned to Bill after having been around the world — a virtual world trip. He cringed a little at a commissioned work he got from a woman in Canada who paid in advance and sent him naked pictures of herself. She wanted him to draw her in a particular pinup with a fighter plane. Bill loved his long-time doctor at the VA and respected healthcare workers. In his last days of life, he drew caricatures of nurses who cared for him. He enjoyed blasting the Star Spangled Banner, Hendrix-style, from his electric guitar on his urban balcony every 4th of July, and Auld Lang Syne at midnight on New Year’s Eve. He cherished his beloved niece Teresa and her four kids, as they did him. Bill Policy died at Denver Health with his friend Sarah Newall by his bedside, on February 17, 2025. He was memorialized by his family at Fort Logan with full military honors on March 21, while an honor bell, cast from canteens of fallen soldiers, was rung in his honor. Editor’s Note: The Denver VOICE would not exist without Shirley Whiteside. It was Whiteside who founded the Denver VOICE organization in 1996 with two men who were unhoused at the time. While Whiteside has not been involved with the Denver VOICE since 2005, she remains a steadfast champion of the Denver VOICE and all of the people the organization has served since its inception nearly 30 years ago. BILL POLICY POSES WITH ONE OF HIS DRAWING OF BETTIE PAGE. | PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIRLEY WHITESIDE. “ ODE TO BILL POLICY STORY BY SHIRLEY WHITESIDE I FIRST MET BILL POLICY in 2000. As Bill recalled frequently, he walked into the Denver VOICE office on the 3rd floor of Colfax Avenue and Gilpin Street, right after the January 2000 issue was published, to claim his “gazillion dollar prize” for submitting the Millennial Monster cover art. At the time he was sleeping just south of an unnamed bridge near the end of the #15 bus line. The person stationed in the office at the time told bill his artwork was lost in the computer. But Bill continued to draw for the VOICE on demand and later published three books of art: Homeless Man (out of publication), Bettie Page: Queen of Pinups, and “Pinups by Policy: An Irreverent Look at the Art of the Pinup” with pinups and themes of wordplay. His “girls” kept him from being lonely during the pandemic years, which he took very seriously because of his compromised lungs. The collection grew in part because he wanted to have a gallery show and needed at least 75 drawings, but he just couldn’t stop drawing. Bill was sent to the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, interrupting his dreams and his art studies at CU Boulder and Drake University in Iowa, which he chose because an artist he admired taught there. Art was his safe place. After he returned from the war, he never returned to school. He first became homeless in 1998, and eventually, he got lucky and accessed the Housing First Colorado Coalition for the Homeless program in its early days. People come off the streets into housing for the first time in years, or for some, for the first time ever. They still have colleagues without access to a place to rest and clean up. It’s often a tough transition, and Bill blew through two apartments before the third time was the charm, along with a compassionate building manager with a sense of tough love. Once Bill was able to detox he never looked back. As a sober guy, he was impeccably honest, transparent, and caring. He religiously followed the news via multiple news sources. He feared attacks on the democracy he had committed to defending as a soldier. He liked Frank Zappa, cult shows like Mystery Science Theater and Kill Bill, and the Denver Art Museum when there were no school groups there. Meiningers (art supplies) was his favorite excursion. The apartment he lived in until his death contained at least 500 pieces of art, 400 poster-sized pinups carefully mounted on foam core board and wrapped in plastic. May 2025 DENVER VOICE 5 IT’S OFTEN A TOUGH TRANSITION, AND BILL BLEW THROUGH TWO APARTMENTS BEFORE THE THIRD TIME WAS THE CHARM, ALONG WITH A COMPASSIONATE BUILDING MANAGER WITH A SENSE OF TOUGH LOVE. ONCE BILL WAS ABLE TO DETOX HE NEVER LOOKED BACK.” ׉ 7cassandra://eUcTyV1mFuMGCPghHvjDiKcVgYt2GlMB4wdL1fhCbdY'&`hH/KihH/Ki בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://nhwrIrUwDRkMz8lS5ZOu5NMryb2zxjgs4tpzOcQR6kUg`׉ 7cassandra://e6YeSxrPPcdHa7Kq1ReS_UdAwZ3yGchge-B7Bb7_9DQZ`q׉ 7cassandra://2ThmhNrN-5d6Xi0XbeKgEYac0ztE1ikS3iEv5ReGUbw `hH/Kiט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://qmQUB52omn5RxpreydwVzcfjLx-VHmtEAbOMniisTeo`׉ 7cassandra://XKG7-tUJnFm3Aoryv9emhq4QKlj5cS1xmWNf6RiIQAgmW`q׉ 7cassandra://L-iRJox9NNkRoj8_gp8G9OLBQqdHXRQRNyCWJfO-CXY#`hH/Ki׉E COMMUNITY FEATURE “WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING LIKE A PROPAGANDA-STYLE LOGO NEXT TO A DRAWING OF A BIRD, YOUR BRAIN LIGHTS UP DIFFERENT PLACES—POLITICS, NATURE—AND THEN SOME KIND OF DIALOGUE HAPPENS,” RAVI ZUPA SAID. “THAT’S KIND OF THE INTENTION, TO LIGHT UP PARTS OF PEOPLE’S BRAINS AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.” THROUGH SYMBOLS, RAVI ZUPA’S ART IGNITES VIEWERS’ BRAINS STORY BY GILES CLASEN DENVER ARTIST RAVI ZUPA has joined forces with the Denver VOICE to create a powerful, limited-edition screenprint poster — crafted to fuel the organization’s mission of independent journalism and empowering low-barrier employment opportunities. Zupa, whose bold and thought-provoking work has been celebrated nationally for 20 years, generously donated this exclusive piece. With themes of power, labor, and cultural memory woven into every detail, this collaboration is more than just art—it’s a statement. “I think starting very early, I just always wanted anything that I do to have a sort of positive something to it,” Zupa said. “Even when I was really young, I wouldn’t draw pictures of morally ugly things — I always wanted some goodness to be part of the mix.” Zupa’s work is instantly recognizable for its stylistic homages and detailed linework. From whimsy to stoicism, Zupa’s work utilizes intricate ink cats, tattoo-inspired tigers, and revolutionary birds. His pieces speak from many voices but always sound like Zupa. “The truth is I don’t really have a style that’s my own,” he admitted. “Everything I do, I just bite off other styles. I love different stuff.” Zupa has spent hours studying and exploring art from different cultures and eras. He has used that vocabulary to evoke images that encourage hope, whimsy, lamentations, or transformation — sometimes all at once. According to Zupa, he aims to channel the same emotional intensity he feels when encountering great art into every piece he creates. “It’s like the sound of rain — something physical happens in my body. I want to pass that on,” Zupa said. Zupa draws from a rich tapestry of eras and cultures, such as 1970s comic books, Soviet propaganda, ancient Indian and Christian iconography, and traditional Japanese prints. For Zupa, these aren’t empty aesthetic choices. Each line of his work is intended to evoke thoughtful discourse. “When you see something like a propaganda-style logo next to a drawing of a bird, your brain lights up different places — politics, nature — and then some kind of dialogue happens,” he explained. “That’s kind of the intention, to light up parts of people’s brains and see what happens.” His logo echoes revolutionary and communist imagery 6 DENVER VOICE May 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://2ThmhNrN-5d6Xi0XbeKgEYac0ztE1ikS3iEv5ReGUbw `hH/Ki׉ECOMMUNITY FEATURE without being an exact reference. Zupa appreciates that his logo and art may lead one to draw conclusions, but he hopes his cultural references draw people to explore new ideas and participate in important dialogue. That semiotic play of symbols and imagery that evoke but do not define is central to Zupa’s use of visual language. “Everything, everywhere, every cultural article, every little particle of culture is piece, the result of mixing everything. That is multiculturalism, and there’s something great about it,” Zupa said. Zupa dedicated himself to art as a profession in 2006, following his older brother’s death. Before his brother’s death, Zupa had worked as a substitute teacher. It was a job that offered him security and more income than he had ever earned. But the loss changed the direction of his life. “I just started sprinting toward this,” Zupa said. “I kind of grew up in poverty and it was just really very, very uncomfortable. And I just didn’t want that anymore. I was just kind of shaking, shaking, like, snap out of it. All I could think was: do something or don’t. I felt I had to do something.” Since then, Zupa has hustled. From designing lowcost posters during the Great Recession to his massive viral success with the “Drunk Cats” series to sculpting typewriters into firearms in his “Mightier Than Series” purchased by celebrities, Zupa’s career has grown steadily — but never explosively. “Shepard Fairey definitely helped me, for sure,” Zupa said of the renowned street artist who included him in a gallery show. “But honestly, it’s all just been a very gradual slog. No one moment changed everything.” Zupa also credits an early British gallerist, Steve Lazarides — famous for launching Banksy’s career — for giving him shows in Newcastle and London that helped establish his international reputation. But again, there was no overnight success. Just steady work. Social media, particularly Instagram (where he has more than 200,000 followers), has been far more powerful than any gallery. “It’s probably been the biggest tool for getting me in front of people,” Zupa said. Zupa’s house and studio are littered with stacks of prints and posters of his work that his assistants market and ship to his customers. Most of his art is designed to be affordable and available to the widest possible audience. Still, Zupa said he’s resisted the pull to create only what sells. When a poster takes off — like his viral “Do Not Go Gently” Dylan Thomas print featuring a cat, he doesn’t necessarily try to replicate its success. “I just make shit that I like,” he said. “Sometimes something will blow up. But I’ve carved out a lot of flexibility for myself. I don’t feel obligated to stick to one style. I can try new things and just have fun.” Zupa said his schedule leaves little room for anything outside of his work. He spends most days in his studio creating art with his team. He spends his evenings doing the same but by himself. “I work all day on art, usually, and then [my team] leaves, and I go home and work on art as my recreation,” he said. “I’m describing my human experience. And for me, art is part of that description.” Despite a packed schedule and a deliberate aversion to self-promotion, Zupa was quick to agree to create a poster for the Denver VOICE fundraiser. He and his staff spent hours creating something that aligns with the VOICE mission and exhibits the burden of homelessness. Proceeds from the poster will directly benefit the Denver VOICE’s vendor program, which empowers individuals facing poverty and housing instability by offering meaningful income opportunities and amplifying their voices through award-winning street journalism. “I don’t really know how to be a living person outside of working,” he said, laughing. “But it’s fine. I just hope when people see my work, they feel something strong. That’s really all I’m after.” Watch our social media platforms limited-edition Ravi Zupa poster. for updates about the RAVI ZUPA TEARS APART A TYPEWRITER TO CREATE A GUN SHAPED FORM FOR HIS MIGHTIER THAN SERIES OF SCULPTURES. May 2025 DENVER VOICE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://L-iRJox9NNkRoj8_gp8G9OLBQqdHXRQRNyCWJfO-CXY#`hH/KihH/Ki בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://jlZkffSOBLnJ-aO2KsLoAmuEuqR5suJQkHO-8XC7xj8`׉ 7cassandra://U8MhjEk0ljCEBvOXkRqjJnA5xtt1KBHLNP51cFnV57g[4`q׉ 7cassandra://v0DRaCXuHXtKvz2kP7R_gIlarmIWpxB3hj4w2itJyhk_`hH/Kiט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://EXmgSi-lNW0uq4ggXEuW2qftBDKi4rgzrUfXHptnZlQ=`׉ 7cassandra://gmTnjIwFNcAVczgCUglQ7gdeSHUOJUPRGkOxA_IJpywiB`q׉ 7cassandra://JHK8E7bywKD5xScZfFDmkxyjlAC53YozDHrEjYFKTEw#`hH/Ki׉E*STANDING UP FOR I 8 DENVER VOICE May 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://v0DRaCXuHXtKvz2kP7R_gIlarmIWpxB3hj4w2itJyhk_`hH/Ki׉EIMMIGRANT RIGHTS Refugees Seek Recognition as Valued Community Members, Not Criminals PHOTOS AND STORY BY GILES CLASEN CHILDREN PLAY SOCCER IN THE CAMPSITE. THE CAMP WOULD EVENTUALLY DOUBLE IN SIZE, HOUSING MORE THAN 150 INDIVIDUALS. May 2025 DENVER VOICE 9 ׉ 7cassandra://JHK8E7bywKD5xScZfFDmkxyjlAC53YozDHrEjYFKTEw#`hH/KihH/Ki בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://Erd_38ydkHAKHDIc8YltyDSqZWu8cAq5u4n-MCIWdlo:`׉ 7cassandra://CzY_S3yKIxqmu1tCpUvDsbzfzZ1VMPrzwy9ddw9DMEg|`q׉ 7cassandra://Zv3fe1FCQCQ3IHJsX6ZIg9J4H-1LLl99Ewx4Dr0MscA)`hH/Kiט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://Ib5c7xuSmPGHC-61Flr4VBKZAgHbtbuIhSCcPkq9k_AA`׉ 7cassandra://gwcsuNHIsf--bKvVvbmqpizt8WofOGJVvHa7EiGRIhsv `q׉ 7cassandra://qd8cOqpqveM8Zp1xr9ONJwrZNBjbJgG4e7C0OkqrXNE'`hH/KiנhH/Kikt̊9ׁHmailto:coloradoinfo@afsc.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Ki|`̐9ׁHhttp://coloradoimmigrant.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/KikL̉9ׁHhttp://hopehasnoborders.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉ENE YEAR AGO THIS MONTH, the City of Denver swept a migrant encampment that had been home to individuals and families for two months on Union Pacific land near Central Park. For many of those families, the Central Park encampment was a last resort after losing access to housing at makeshift shelters in hotels near the airport. Most, if not all, of the newcomers who lived in the camp and flocked to Denver and other American cities in 2023 and 2024 had entered the country legally seeking asylum. One individual in the camp who asked to be identified as Miguel, rather than his real name, walked with his family from Venezuela to the United States and escaped death multiple times during the journey. In Mexico, his friend froze to death while riding on a freight train known as La Bestia, or The Beast. “We fell asleep leaning on each other, sitting on top of the train,” Miguel said. “He never woke up. I cried as we lowered his body and left him.” Miguel and his family waited for two months in Mexico City to meet with US officials and receive an appointment to present to cross legally into the United States. He said that he and his family left Venezuela because he couldn’t make enough money selling food on the streets of Caracas. According to Miguel, Venezuelan officials stole his earnings while threatening violence. He and his family were starving and without hope. They had no choice but to risk their lives on a journey that crossed through the lawless Darien Gap and half a dozen countries. Miguel managed to save $600 over several years to fund his family’s escape. He brought them to the United States so that he could find work and his children could attend a good school and have a brighter future. Miguel’s story mirrored many of those who came to Denver seeking a better life. In the year since the Central Park sweep, the political narrative has shifted to extremely harsh and often false claims demonizing all immigrants. President Donald Trump has scapegoated brave individuals like Miguel, blaming CHILDREN CRY ABOUT THE FOOD OFFERED IN THE DENVER SHELTER AFTER THEY WERE MOVED FROM THE ENCAMPMENT. IN THE ENCAMPMENT FAMILIES WERE ABLE TO COOK THEIR OWN FOOD IN KITCHENS BUILT BY VOLUNTEERS. IT WAS A DIFFICULT TRANSITION TO ADJUST TO FOOD PROVIDED BY THE CITY AND SHELTER. immigrants and other vulnerable populations for most of the nation’s problems. In the earliest days of Trump’s second term, the immigrant rights movement was winning victories. But the Trump team has changed their approach by simply ignoring constitutional rights and due process, which is why it is even more important than ever that people continue to speak up and defend immigrants and refugees who are here to build their lives and help build our communities. Tom Homan, Trump’s so-called “border czar” told CNN in February, “[Immigrants have] been educated how to defy ICE; on how to hide from ICE. They call it ‘Know Your Rights.’ I call it how to escape arrest.” Miguel never complained about living in a tent with his family. He was focused on finding a job and taking the next step to ensure he and his family could contribute to their adopted country and experience a better life. “Yes, it was a little difficult to get here, but with God’s help I managed, and with God’s help we’ll be OK,” Miguel said. To learn more about immigrant rights, or if you’re interested in volunteering, there are several organizations you can contact, including Hope Has No Borders at hopehasnoborders.org, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition at coloradoimmigrant.org, or Colorado Immigrant Rights at coloradoinfo@afsc.org. A VENEZUELAN MIGRANT GIVES A FRESH HAIRCUT TO A FRIEND IN A DENVER PARKING LOT NEAR A CITY-RUN SHELTER FOR FAMILIES. THE BARBER CARRIED HIS TOOLS ALL THE WAY FROM VENEZUELA SO HE COULD WORK IN THE US. THE VENEZUELAN FAMILIES TOOK GREAT CARE TO STAY CLEAN TO MAINTAIN A SENSE OF DIGNITY AND NORMALCY FOR THOSE REBUILDING THEIR LIVES FAR FROM HOME. A CHILD PLAYS IN A PLAYPEN NEAR HIS FAMILIES TENT. 10 DENVER VOICE May 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://Zv3fe1FCQCQ3IHJsX6ZIg9J4H-1LLl99Ewx4Dr0MscA)`hH/Ki׉ECOMMUNITY PROFILE DENVER EATSS: INDIGENOUS CHEFS AND NATHANIEL RATELIFF JOIN FORCES FOR AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND STORY BY GILES CLASEN OVER A WEEKEND IN APRIL, Denver-based singer Nathaniel Rateliff performed with the Colorado Symphony to raise funds for Indigenous students through the American Indian College Fund. Held at Boettcher Concert Hall, the performance, which was part of Denver EATSS (Epicurean Award to Support Scholars) 2025, also featured original dishes made with traditional ingredients by Indigenous chefs from across the country. In an interview with Denver VOICE, Rateliff said it was a no-brainer to partner with the American Indian College Fund. “It is our duty as artists to bring issues of economic, racial, and social justice to the forefront of conversations,” Rateliff said. “Our culture is set up to create distractions from what is actually happening to our communities. Art, therefore, must exist to bring attention to those who are overlooked and oppressed.” Ben Jacobs, co-founder of Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery, has participated in Denver EATSS for years. His restaurant is one of the few Native-owned, Native-focused food businesses in the country, and he hopes the event will help participants have a better understanding of Native food. “One challenge is that many people are just now learning about Native cuisine, and those who are familiar with it may think there’s only one way to approach it,” Jacobs said. “But Native cuisine is vast and regionally diverse. For example, I’m Osage from northeast Oklahoma, but we use ingredients from Maine, Minnesota, and Washington. We’re not tied to one tribe or region — we want all tribal identities to connect.” Denver EATSS’ goal was to extend the understanding beyond food, and Jacobs said he sees the event as a way to share stories and culture. “When we started, our goal was to share culture, community, and identity through food,” Jacobs said. “Many people recognize ingredients like buffalo, squash, corn, and beans but don’t know their history. These foods have always been here. When we serve them, we reintroduce them in a new way, helping people understand their roots.” The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships, cultural support, and student services to help Native students succeed in higher education. Its work supports not only education, but Native language programs, BEN JACOBS, CO-OWNER OF TOCABE: AN AMERICAN INDIAN EATERY, SERVING FOOD AT DENVER EATSS TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THE AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND. | PHOTO BY GILES CLASON tribal colleges, and youth development programs across the country. The Fund also offers opportunities to Native students who may not have access to other support and financial resources to attend college. Lisa Aimsback, a student ambassador for the Denver EATSS events, never expected she’d still be in college at this point in her life. But the mother, advocate, and student at Blackfeet Community College is on track to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in social work in May and plans to begin her master’s program just one month later. “It took me a long time to believe I’d have the support I needed to go back,” Aimsback said. “But once I made the leap, I had support from the American Indian College Fund, from my family, and from my community. That made all the difference.” Aimsback, who lives on the Blackfeet reservation in northern Montana, is attending a two-plus-two program with the University of Montana. The program allows her to stay in her hometown while earning a bachelor’s degree online — a crucial option for a full-time employee and parent who cannot relocate. “There’s a lot of trauma here — addiction, homelessness, suicide,” she said. “I used to think I’d leave when my grandparents passed. But after really seeing the needs of my community, I realized I want to stay and make a difference.” Aimsback serves as a student ambassador for both Denver EATSS and the American Indian College Fund. Through her work, she encourages others in her community to apply for scholarships and educational support — even when they fear rejection. Continued on next page NATHANIEL RATELIFF. | IMAGE COURTESY OF COLORADO SYMPHONY May 2025 DENVER VOICE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://qd8cOqpqveM8Zp1xr9ONJwrZNBjbJgG4e7C0OkqrXNE'`hH/KiÁhH/Ki בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://x0ZY54stGjZvMGKD-69NIYqtUdRVkdUH8FwI1tj0PN0`׉ 7cassandra://0Tb_44uo4fs5udftbWpznzQCtyuGveiVD-l6SzOza6E`q׉ 7cassandra://oBpVTm_moeBafYq_Y5U5v2xcGIwxPpISZve9OYZz4FY&`hH/Kiט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://hWvbryUkuuZ--kcSUe4ZxXmu7rKQmGQw3SW03diE14IX`׉ 7cassandra://8eAt-lKXO9dTelfIkS9NjQIr3ZkM4fNSW9RYce85yJIo`q׉ 7cassandra://KbvaUjRvO1fj8jkOC9c7U3F07yodhAXw_QEvQC7-QG8$`hH/KiנhH/Kil̆ 9ׁHhttp://troutfestcolorado.comׁ ׁ ЈנhH/KiĺI9ׁHhttp://rb.gy/cldul5ׁ ׁ ЈנhH/KilS9ׁHhttp://rb.gy/q8hkcmׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kil̓9ׁHhttp://cincodemayodenver.comׁ ׁ ЈנhH/KilށN9ׁHhttp://rb.gy/qcdkesׁ ׁ Ј׉E COMMUNITY PROFILE Continued from previous page “I was turned down the first time I applied,” she said. “But later that year, scholarships became available, and I was selected. That changed my life. I always tell people, ‘Apply, apply, apply. Even if you hear no, keep going.’” As the program manager for the 988 Tribal Response Grant, Aimsback teaches suicide prevention and mental health support strategies, including QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer. She also organizes outreach events to ensure community members know where to find help. Aimsback believes tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) like Blackfeet Community College offer more than academics — they offer connection and cultural grounding. “I told myself I was going straight to a university, but now I’m so glad I stayed close to home. The classes are smaller, the professors are approachable, and culture is a part of everything we do,” Aimsback said. “[Because I’m part of a two-plus-two program,] I was able to get my bachelor’s while staying on the reservation. That meant I didn’t have to uproot my kids or leave the support system that keeps me grounded.” Jacobs studied history and American Indian studies in college and said education, both formal and lived experiences, is key to strengthening Native communities. He and his business partner have offered scholarships for years and converted Tocabe’s Greenwood Village location into a fulfillment center to expand access to traditional Native meals. “Many tribal communities are food deserts,” Jacobs said. “We said, ‘Hey, we can fight convenience by creating convenience.’ The idea is to source from Native producers, prepare the food, and make sure it’s accessible to everyone.” The new fulfillment center allows Tocabe to distribute “harvest meals” made from traditional ingredients in an assembly-line model that keeps prices affordable. Jacobs called the approach “seed-to-soul” — a way of thinking about and tracking the food system that includes not just the farmer, but also the truck driver, warehouse worker, and cook. He said food sovereignty is about more than culture. “It’s not a hobby. Growing food, raising food, and selling food is an economy, and we need to take control of it,” Jacobs said. “Food is survival. If we lose the ability to feed ourselves, we lose freedom.” That message mirrors themes found in Rateliff’s life and music. He has spoken openly about addiction and recovery and said transparency and honesty are key to making meaningful art. “In order to accurately reflect how you view the world and its impact on your life, art requires vulnerability and truth,” Rateliff said. Rateliff’s performances for this event gave him a chance to play his soul- and blues-influenced rock with an orchestra. Rateliff, whose gravelly voice, stage presence, and gospel roots make him the perfect candidate to be the patron saint of dive bars, said performing with the Colorado Symphony presented a unique opportunity to grow as a musician. “I always feel deeply grateful to be able to work with the Colorado Symphony, for it allows me to expand my understanding of music and collaboration. Working with an orchestra brings my music to new places that are not possible with myself or my band.” Rateliff also said that working with the Colorado Symphony pushed his music into new territory, but the collaboration with Denver EATSS was most exciting because it brought people together with a focus on the Native community. Jacobs agreed and explained that food is a powerful tool for connection, and sharing meals can help challenge stereotypes and reshape Native identity. “Food is a direct connection to culture,” Jacobs said. “THERE’S A LOT OF TRAUMA HERE—ADDICTION, HOMELESSNESS, SUICIDE. I USED TO THINK I’D LEAVE WHEN MY GRANDPARENTS PASSED. BUT AFTER REALLY SEEING THE NEEDS OF MY COMMUNITY, I REALIZED I WANT TO STAY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE,” SAID LISA AIMSBACK, A STUDENT AMBASSADOR FOR THE DENVER EATSS EVENTS. | PHOTO BY GILES CLASON “Sharing a meal can open people’s eyes to who we really are.” Proceeds from Denver EATSS 2025 went to the American Indian College Fund. BELIEVE THAT YOUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE, SELF! SELF, I CAN’T BELIEVE what we’re getting ready to do. As I’m writing this, I’m preparing to leave on April 25 for a speaking engagement at a recovery center and a mental health conference in Florida. I will be a guest speaker! A little over six years ago, I woke RAELENE JOHNSON DENVER VOICE VENDOR from a dream with tears flowing down my face because, in the dream, I was on a stage sharing my story. That’s when I woke up, and the Lord said to me, “This is where I’m carrying you. All that you have learned by vending the newspaper has been in preparation for you to go and help others by sharing your stories of overcoming trials and tribulations.” So, Self, I don’t know if you remember, but when we were young, a person at church came up to me and said that if I ever got myself together, my experience would be 12 DENVER VOICE May 2025 so powerful that I needed to share them with others so they could have a better life. At the time I heard it, all I could think of was, “Yeah, right,” because back then, I really believed that I was dumb and stupid. I couldn’t read or write because of not being able to see without glasses, so I didn’t think I was worth anything. Boy have things changed in our life! Self, you didn’t expect any of this to happen. Now, you’ve realized that all of the pain that you went through is now a beacon that can shine a light for other souls that are broken and lost. I know that when we were trying to get help, the counselors, or whoever talked to me had never been in my shoes. They had not experienced being abused. (If you’ve been abused, or if you’ve been homeless, it isn’t helpful to have somebody who doesn’t understand your situation tell you how you should or should not feel.) The people who hear my story know that I’ve been there, done that. I believe this speaking engagement is going to be the beginning of my traveling and sharing my story with others who want to hear it. The person that is hosting me knew me when my daughter had her first baby. She was my daughter’s foster mother. I wasn’t able to get my first-born grandchild because of how broken I was. Today, the woman is very proud of who I’ve become. On March 1st, I celebrated my 17th year clean from a 30year addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine. I am blessed today to have the friends that I have. They see me as a valuable friend. The first time someone told me that, I was very surprised they would call me valuable in their life. That sure makes Self feel good! I am grateful that I beat cancer and that now, I can be out working and meeting new friends. My dreams have come true I have my own home, and I have great friends who are currently helping me to get another car because the transmission went in the car I got last year after my car wreck (when I was going through cancer treatment). Hopefully, by the time this is in print, I will have my new to thank my friend Karen from WeeBee vehicle. I want Farms in Boulder for caring enough about me to let me borrow her car while she’s working on getting me another car! I feel blessed and grateful for all that I have. I don’t even know what other dreams I could dream of, but we’ll see in the future. Thank you, Self, for never giving up on Self – because something deep inside made you keep going. So, for anyone reading this, keep dreaming your dreams. You never know where they will take you! ׉ 7cassandra://oBpVTm_moeBafYq_Y5U5v2xcGIwxPpISZve9OYZz4FY&`hH/Ki׉EEVENTS MOTHER’S DAY FREE PHOTOSHOOT Treat your mom to a special day filled with love and memories. Enjoy a free photoshoot to capture beautiful moments together. Browse through our market featuring unique gifts and goodies perfect for spoiling mom. WHEN: May 3, 12-4 pm COST: Free WHERE: Honeycomb & Co., 9914 West Belleview Ave., Littleton INFO: rb.gy/qcdkes DENVER CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL Don’t miss out on this iconic event that has been a cornerstone of Colorado’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations for years. WHEN: May 3 & 4, 10 am-4 pm COST: Free WHERE: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave., Denver INFO: cincodemayodenver.com DENVER GRAFFITI WALKING TOUR 2025 Join us on a two-mile walking tour showcasing the best street art in the city. The tour is approximately two hours long, with a 10-minute break midway. The tour will begin promptly at 2 pm. Attendees will start with the “Love This City” mural and proceed into the heart of the RiNo neighborhood, ending at Denver Central Market (27th and Larimer Streets). WHEN: May 10, 1:30-4:30 pm COST: $20 (Children under 6 – free) WHERE: RiNo Beer Garden, 3800 Walnut Street, Denver, CO INFO: rb.gy/q8hkcm ARTISAN MARKET–MOTHERS DAY–DENVER YOGA SOCIAL Indoor two-day event featuring 100+ artisans, makers & creatives each day, beer, food trucks, massages, baby goats, face painting & more. WHEN: May 10 & 11, 10 am-4 pm COST: Free WHERE: Great Divide Barrel Room 1812 35th St., Denver INFO: rb.gy/cldul5 8 TROUTFEST COLORADO Troutfest Colorado is a summer festival and celebration of conservation, education, and community. It’s for anglers, would be anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, or simply families looking for a fun and engaging day at the ballpark. Held in the heart of lower downtown at Denver’s most iconic and accessible venue, Coors Field, Troutfest Colorado is a convenient way to learn more about conservation and fly fishing. WHEN: May 31, 12-5 pm COST: Free WHERE: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St, Denver INFO: troutfestcolorado.com 3 3 1 PUZZLES 1 14 17 20 23 26 31 37 41 45 49 53 60 63 66 ACROSS 1. San Antonio landmark 6. Dates with a Dr., perhaps 11. “Pipe down!” 14. Island nation east of the Philippines 15. Be a bad winner 16. Get a move on 17. Clever one 19. Pique condition? 20. Title locale in a 1987 Cheech Marin movie 21. Seasoned, in a way 23. Yin’s complement 25. Large sea ducks whose feathers are used in quilts 26. Exceeding, as a boundary 31. Grasp 32. Dry (off) 33. Greek vowels 37. Circus areas 39. “___ Willikers!” 40. Cough cause 41. Pizzazz 42. To no ___ 44. Blow it 45. Beginning of Lent 49. Liftoff pressure 52. Coal stratum 53. Casino game 56. Home built in a day? 60. Last: Abbr. 61. Branch of medicine focused on very young babies 63. Giant syllable 64. Wear away 65. Miller’s product 66. “___ Whom the Bell Tolls” 67. Kind of panel 68. In the cards 61 64 67 DOWN 1. Church area 2. Tibetan monk 3. “Oh, woe!” 4. Joan of Arc, e.g. 5. Survives 6. Back then 7. Alka-Seltzer sound 8. Prod 9. Capital of Taiwan 10. Intervene 11. Hobbits’ home, with “The” 12. Personnel director 13. Obeys 18. Division of a long poem 22. Equipment in a shed 24. Bauble 26. Shrek, e.g. 27. Wedding wear 28. Sicilian volcano 29. Sore spot 30. Begs 34. Three-___ sloth 35. Distinctive atmosphere 36. Nimble 38. Knot 40. Skedaddle 43. All thumbs 46. “Hamlet” parts 47. Straight 48. ___ rat (suspect something’s up) 49. Brusque 50. The First ___ (collection that includes “Hamlet”) 51. Exterior 54. Hammer or sickle 55. “Never ___ sentence with a preposition” 57. Something of yours that you might put down or in your mouth 58. Chills and fever 59. Noted Antarctic explorer 62. Ireland’s ___ Lingus 50 51 54 55 62 65 68 46 47 52 56 57 58 59 38 27 28 32 39 42 43 48 40 44 24 29 30 33 34 35 36 18 21 25 22 2 3 4 5 6 15 7 8 COURTESY OF STREETROOTS 9 10 11 16 19 12 13 4 7 1 3 5 2 8 1 7 5 2 9 5 4 2 1 8 8 9 3 6 7 May 2025 DENVER VOICE 13 PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR PUZZLE COURTESY OF STREET ROOTS, DENVER VOICE’S SISTER PAPER IN PORTLAND, OR ׉ 7cassandra://KbvaUjRvO1fj8jkOC9c7U3F07yodhAXw_QEvQC7-QG8$`hH/KiŁhH/Kiā בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://L64hSJVuO1Ar6GNK-feDidSpua2NaRIWdwKWYWVxSAEN`׉ 7cassandra://JFBbmP8Cu_V_YaZY_22WaPp0eIQPRl-r_emr2K2L9j8b`q׉ 7cassandra://w2Zq-rCuHc8IQIujLnFGRTqAOBn1X5kFqGgGeR60kYQ `hH/Kiט  u׉׉ 7cassandra://NZIijdXUaFWOf016T025d5AlI_fAXhv2yMLdQ6-jRn0&`׉ 7cassandra://gdFzlAUY8ydKQJ8I-Q4crQzdDm06MWhXgTcsh7FuWd0r]`q׉ 7cassandra://rnJdJLtfQrzB9wlqGvoTSVnwkaMwA9nq8FFCNmorBOk `hH/Ki4נhH/Kj/Q 9ׁHhttp://urbanpeak.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj.m̪ 9ׁH#http://sunshinebehavioralhealth.comׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj-mlw 9ׁH(http://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programsׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj,0 9ׁH https://www.veteransguide.org/vaׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj+̭ 9ׁHhttps://www.veteransguide.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj*nw( 9ׁH3https://www.va.gov/findlocations/facility/vha_554A5ׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj)mQ̐ 9ׁH http://seniorsupportservices.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj( /̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.trׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj'nŞ 9ׁHhttp://lgbthotline.org/youthׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj& .,̸ 9ׁH https://www.thetrevorproject.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj%mށh 9ׁHhttp://voacolorado.org/gethelpׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj$ ̞ 9ׁHhttps://www.soallmayeat.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj#k̑ 9ׁHhttps://www.sfcdenver.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj"|̫ 9ׁHhttps://www.stׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj!DV 9ׁHhttps://www.odmdenver.org/homeׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj  ̺ 9ׁHhttps://www.holyghostchurch.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj!̲ 9ׁHhttps://www.krishnadenver.comׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj| 9ׁHhttp://www.havenofhope.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/KjZ̋ 9ׁHhttp://denverrescuemission.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj%̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.mealsforpoor.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj6̖ 9ׁHhttps://www.citysquare.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/KjɁ̭ 9ׁHhttps://www.christinthecity.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kjt 9ׁHhttp://www.christsbody.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj@̤ 9ׁHhttps://www.deׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj̧ 9ׁHhttps://www.mealsforpoor.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj 9ׁH*https://www.capitolheightspresbyterian.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/KjQ 9ׁHhttp://urbanpeak.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj$K 9ׁH)https://www.urbanpeak.org/denver/programsׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kjl̒ 9ׁHhttps://www.soxplace.comׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj̐ 9ׁH http://seniorsupportservices.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kjvi 9ׁHhttp://www.sfcdenver.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj2̜ 9ׁHhttps://www.odmdenver.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kjq 9ׁH-https://www.homelessassistance.us/li/lawrenceׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj`'9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORG/RESOURCEׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj =̮ 9ׁH$http://harmreductionactioncenter.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj ̔ 9ׁHhttps://www.tgpdenver.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj O^e 9ׁHhttps://www.thׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj CS 9ׁHhttp://denvergov.org/ׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj 2ˁe 9ׁHhttp://denverlibrary.org/ׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj̖ 9ׁHhttps://www.thehotline.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj<j 9ׁH+http://www.detoxrehabs.net/states/colorado/ׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj=D 9ׁH,https://www.coloradocoalition.org/healthcareׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj 9ׁH$https://www.saludclinic.org/commerceׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj<S 9ׁHhttp://www.rainn.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj<Á~ 9ׁHhttp://www.1800runaway.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj<o 9ׁHhttp://www.988lifeline.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj^̢ 9ׁHhttps://www.viventhealth.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kj<^W 9ׁHhttp://connection.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Ki 9ׁH(http://www.harmreductionactioncenter.orgׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Ki 9ׁH,http://www.drugrehabus.org/rehabs/treatment/ׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Kij̗ 9ׁHhttp://www.detoxlocal.comׁ ׁ ЈנhH/Ki<5^ 9ׁHhttp://denverhealth.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EDONOR LIST WE LOVE OUR DONORS! 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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 May 2025 ׉ 7cassandra://w2Zq-rCuHc8IQIujLnFGRTqAOBn1X5kFqGgGeR60kYQ `hH/Ki׉E)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 - 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. May 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 6 4 3 9 8 7 2 5 1 9 7 2 3 1 5 8 6 4 8 1 5 2 4 6 3 7 9 5 6 8 4 2 3 9 1 7 4 2 1 7 6 9 5 8 3 3 9 7 8 5 1 4 2 6 7 5 9 6 3 2 1 4 8 2 3 4 1 7 8 6 9 5 1 8 6 5 9 4 7 3 2 A L A M O A P P T S S H H P A L A U G L O A T H I E S M A R T C O O K I E E A S T L A I R E Y A N G P E P P E R E D E I D E R S O V E R S T E P P I N G G E T T O W E L A V A I L E T A S R I N G S G E E C R O U P E L A N G F O R C E R O U L E T T E E R O D E P R E F A B U L T N E O N A T O L O G Y F I E F L O U R F O R S O L A R F A T E D E R R A S H W E D N E S D A Y S E A M ׉ 7cassandra://rnJdJLtfQrzB9wlqGvoTSVnwkaMwA9nq8FFCNmorBOk `hH/KiǁhH/KiƁ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://zUl_44dEJ4lcK-LxluwZWU4f_C-Kj3p5ie8lGLmgm8s`׉ 7cassandra://4vuuXB4BUiGmpM9MBCZ7_GaZr5Tl1UfXVKf0Etk3rAUi`q׉ 7cassandra://XCrl4Ye2QxT_J_HilTVEokOPsSzNcWFvBcjgKXddfLM'`hH/KiנhH/Ki9ׁHhttp://DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATEׁ ׁ Ј׉ERWHAT DO WE DO TO HELP? Since 2007, the VOICE has provided jobs for more than 4,600 people experiencing housing or financial instability. For every dollar we take in, we put $3.00 directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN DO MORE. SCAN THIS CODE TO SET UP YOUR DONATION TODAY! DENVERVOICE.ORG/DONATE ׉ 7cassandra://XCrl4Ye2QxT_J_HilTVEokOPsSzNcWFvBcjgKXddfLM'`hH/Ki׈EhH/KiɁhH/Kiȁ ,5-2025hHhO'|