By Linette Hidalgo  |  Photo by Sarah Harvey

JJ Jones is a bright spot along the stretch of Broadway where he regularly sells the Denver VOICE. With his yellow baseball cap and wide smile, he exudes a childlike happiness and enthusiasm. Though primarily wheelchair-bound, JJ has a positive attitude and undeniable work ethic. 

By Danielle Krolewicz

Last year, Colorado state legislature passed HB 14-1061, a law banning debtor’s prison practices by mandating due process protections to prevent courts from jailing individuals who cannot pay court fines and fees.

Research and Questions by Sonia Christensen

Much of what we think we know about homelessness is based on misinformation and stereotypes. Can you separate fact from fiction?

By Jamie Swinnerton | Photos by Giles Clasen

Families with children are the largest group of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver metro area. They are often considered to be the “hidden” homeless.

There is a misconception today that homelessness in non-urban areas does not exist because it cannot be easily spotted. Homelessness in many suburban and rural areas exists—but it is often hidden.

By Danielle Krolewicz | Photos by Giles Clasen

In a five-story former military barracks on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Comitis Crisis Center (CCC) has 139 beds for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. It is the only place in Aurora to offer 24/7 emergency shelter.

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.