When the new affordable housing facility The Meadows at Dunkirk opened in January, building managers and officials at the Aurora housing complex weren’t prepared for the rush of eager potential renters it would bring. Hopeful applicants waited out an entire night in a line that, by morning, spanned hundreds of people long. But in the end, many were turned away. 

 

Though Denver’s rent market may be showing early signs of a cool down, average rent in the Mile High City remains unaffordable for many. 

I would like to dedicate this to Ms. Wilma Fisher at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. She epitomizes the essence of mercy, not only through her profession, but also through her gestures and words. She inspires hope in all of those she serves.

When you see someone hurting, do you look away? Hope someone else will help the person as you walk around them, because you don’t want to have to get involved? Do you play it safe?

By Linette Hidalgo

A new year often brings change, as it is a time for reflections, resolutions, and a refreshed sense of possibility. For former Denver VOICE vendor Brian Dibley, 2016 is certainly proving to be a year of positive change. Brian recently moved from Denver to Amherst, New York, to be close to family and focus on his goals of finding work and staying sober.

The “Ask a Vendor” column allows us to share the thoughts and wisdom of the diverse group of people who make up the Denver VOICE vendor pool. Do you have a question for  VOICE vendors? 

What item do you keep with you that you would really struggle without?

By Andrew Kenney

After a local soup kitchen closed, Colorado College students launched a publication to nourish the area’s homeless community.

Three Colorado College students have put the words and art of homeless people in print—and in the hands of the 36,000 readers of the Colorado Springs Independent.

By Danielle Krolewicz

A new program helps Fort Lyon residents tell their stories.

On a campus three hours southeast of Denver in the middle of nowhere,  men and women walk across the quad. 

Before 2010, the campus was a prison. In 2014, Fort Lyon Correctional Facility was refitted as Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community, run by Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

Write Denver is a collaborative writing project hosted by Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It is an ongoing exploration of place that weaves together walking tours and writing prompts.

In October 2015, Write Denver partnered with the Denver VOICE for a walk exploring the theme of “Then and Now.” VOICE vendors joined other community members on a two and half mile walk that took us from Colfax Ave. to Cheesman Park to a community garden.