Photo and Text by Linette Hidalgo

Ann Bitela does not typically draw much attention to herself. She has a noticeably gentle and unassuming nature, yet a brilliant flicker of strength and determination is evident in her character upon meeting her. Her bright eyes and kind smile reveal compassion and sincerity. Ann’s sense of gratitude and perseverance make her stand out among Denver VOICE vendors. 

By Brian Dibley, VOICE vendor

As winds blew all around,

The sounds of the city—

By Nancy Layne 

It’s a sunny day in downtown Denver as Fatima Kiass rides her bicycle from her apartment to Metropolitan State University where she is getting a Bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in human services. For the past two years, she has also been a client at Urban Peak. 

By Sarah Harvey  |  Art By Book Williams, Jr.  |  Photos by Giles Clasen

This month the Denver Public Library will put on a free early morning concert for the folks in line waiting for the library to open. The idea is to brighten the day of anyone who happens to be waiting outside the library’s Central branch on Sept. 8—including people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

By Danielle Krolewicz

Renaissance at Northern Colorado Station by Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH)

Set to open this fall is a new affordable housing apartment complex located on 1.63 acres near the RTD FasTracks station at 40th Ave. and Colorado Blvd.

By Robert Lee Payne, VOICE vendor

Invisible walls created by people.

Labels verbally spoken to pull you down.

Attitudes to discourage you or upset you.

Selling a street paper can be a lonely job. Some vendors find that having a four (and in one case, three) legged friend can be a vital source of companionship and mutual support. Big Issue North vendors in the U.K. introduce their canine friends and explain what an important part their pets play in their lives.

By Christian Lisseman 
Courtesy of INSP News Service www.INSP.ngo / Big Issue North
Edited by Denver VOICE

I visited Seattle’s Tent City 3 in June with a group of editors from other street papers.

Before I saw Tent City 3, I thought of tent cities as necessary evils, not viable shelter options. For me, they were a grim reminder of income inequality and a symbol of the lack of affordable housing. I was picturing a refuge camp—and because some tent encampments look that way, I took it for granted that Tent City 3 would be a chaotic, depressing place.

By Linette Hidalgo  |  Photo by Sarah Harvey

Derek Stokely is a more recent initiate into the Denver VOICE vendor program, having transplanted from Virginia just last October. His approachable, friendly nature and native Virginian accent make him a pleasant presence in the office. Derek often pulls double duty as both a VOICE vendor and part-time cook; his work ethic and positive attitude make him a standout vendor.