Music In Bathrooms Keeps Homeless Out
By Sarah Ford
In Grand Junction, city officials are implementing a unique new tactic to keep the homeless from staying in public bathrooms: blasting children’s tunes inside the restrooms.
Rob Schoeber, Director of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation, told local NBC affiliate KKCO 11 that the city is seeking to keep the homeless and transitory from spending too long in public restrooms as a way to escape inclement weather or unfavorable conditions.
Vendor David Gordon spends a lot of time on South Broadway, and knows the area and surrounding businesses well.
He likes the neighborhood because he thinks he is treated better there than in other parts of Denver. “A lot of those businesses know that they’re not going to get rich off of the few dollars that I can spend, but my business is valued. That’s why I like Broadway so much.”
By Justin Lee, VOICE vendor
I feel like happiness doesn’t know where to find me
Gotta move forward, I’m leaving my past behind me
By Sarah Harvey
Lando Allen describes himself as a man of God, a nice guy, and a little bit of a loner. And though he has a soft voice and gentle demeanor, it’s not uncommon for Lando to break into song at the Denver VOICE office.
A California native, Lando moved to Milwaukee when he was 12. As the middle child of five, he was often the odd man out, even though he had a big family.
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? See below for more information on how to submit it.
Do you or have you ever kept a notebook for recording your thoughts and experiences? Why (or why not)?
By Justin Lee, VOICE vendor
Wandering hopelessly, knowing there’s no hope for me
My broken dreams are bottled up inside me like a coke machine
By Sarah Harvey | Photos by Giles Clasen and Sarah Harvey
Hard Times Writing Workshop is the newest addition to the lineup of services at Denver Public Library, proving once again that DPL strives to serve all people who call this city home.
“People have needs beyond just food stamps and housing,” says Simone Groene-Nieto, librarian in the Denver Public Library’s community technology center.
By Sonia Christensen
Denver’s social impact bond program will help finance new housing for people experiencing homelessness—and may end up saving the city some money too.
In February 2016, a new housing development opened its doors.
Denver's Social Impact Bond Program
By Sarah Harvey
Joe Osckel has been vending the Denver VOICE with style since 2007. A sharp dresser, Joe takes pride in his appearance.
“There’s no sense in being all dirty,” said Joe, who is especially good at finding bargains at Goodwill and Ross.
Joe is part of a population that is increasingly difficult to find in the Mile High City: he’s a Colorado native, born in Denver in 1958. Joe’s family lived in the Curtis Park neighborhood; his grandmother owned a house near 30th Ave. and Downing St.
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? See below for more information on how to submit it.
Have you ever chosen to sleep outside instead of staying in an emergency shelter? Why (or why not)?
By Vicki Tenney, VOICE vendor
I can feel the mountain air blowing.
I can smell the fresh flowers blooming.
It is such a pleasant feeling!
Can you feel the mountain air?
By Brian Dibley, former VOICE vendor
Nightfall, ever more pronounced
A sky full of wonder
What might we find there?
Research and infographics by Morgan Kinney