By Jamie Swinnerton

The Denver VOICE takes a closer look at some of the partnerships between organizations serving homeless veterans.

For many homeless veterans, the journey to find resources starts at The Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC), run by the Department of Veterans Affairs at 3030 Downing St. The CRRC was set up to be an easy and accessible drop-in center for all homeless veterans in the area. Its initial goal was to reach out to those who had yet to engage with the VA and its services by reaching them where they are. An outreach worker in the area works to identify veterans and bring them to the CRRC, or give them an assessment in the field that informs them of the services they are eligible for.

Research by Ilse Reardon  | Source: Trulia.com
Graphics by Hannah Bragg

According to data from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, the average price of a home in metro Denver increased to $390,067 in February, up from $326,958 in February 2014.

By Matthew Van Deventer

“Pedestrian friendly” is not a phrase typically used to describe West Colfax Avenue. However, the West Colfax Business Improvement District (BID) is tackling that challenge and making changes to their stretch of Colfax that will improve the lives of walkers and cyclists and benefit business. 

Dan Shah is the executive director of the West Colfax BID and the guiding force of Re-Imagining West Colfax, the BID’s project to transform the corridor with new development, art, bus shelters, and pedestrian accessibility.

“Historically, transportation engineers have been reluctant to do anything besides accommodate the automobile,” explains Shah. “There has been a shift in the way [Denver] thinks, and it’s an evolution, but you can definitely see evidence of it around town.” 

Story and Photo by Chris Cuddihy

“Look. This pepper is eight centimeters tall,” announces Jovial Garden’s horticulturist Seth Moon while holding a small ruler against a seedling. Inside the recently revamped greenhouse at Edgewater Elementary, second and third graders inch forward for a closer look. 

Jovial Gardens is part of Jovial Concepts, a nonprofit inspiring the public to take part in activities that will improve the safety and the beauty of their communities. In 2013 Jovial Concepts initiated its gardening project in Edgewater. Overseeing 40 young children nurture vegetable seeds into seedlings that will later be transplanted onto nearly 10,000 square feet of gardening area—all donated by Edgewater and vicinity residents—is just one component of Jovial’s multi-tiered agenda. 

16th Street Mall Tour

By Sarah Ford
Photos by Chase Doelling

Thousands of people pour through the 16th Street Mall each day.  The mix of working Denverites and visitors means the Mall is full of chain stores, restaurants, and tacky souvenir shops. But dotted along the street are hidden gems of the city’s culture and history, and the hidden lives of some of the city’s poorest citizens.

RiNo/Five Points Tour

By Tessa Cheek
Photos by Sarah Harvey

An industrial neighborhood wedged between the South Platte River and the historic neighborhoods of Five Points and Curtis Park, RiNo (River North) is Denver’s newest arts district. Curtis Park and Five Points are some of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Denver, and many of the service agencies serving those experiencing homelessness are located here.

South Broadway Tour

By Sarah Harvey
Photos by Giles Clasen

A century ago this little stretch of Broadway was called the Miracle Mile; more recently it’s been renamed SoBo. South Broadway is home to dive bars, trendy new restaurants, and some of Denver’s most eclectic local shopping (you can find everything from vintage ball gowns to bondage gear here).