Though the Denver VOICE just celebrated its 20th anniversary, we find folks in Denver still have a lot of questions about our publication and job program. Whether you’ve been here forever or you’re a new transplant, here is our myth-busting guide to the Denver VOICE.

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.

My fondest Christmas memory was in December 2004 when I spent it at the Samaritan House, a Denver shelter. I had just lost my place due to a job loss. My company had gone out of business, and I had just ended an abusive relationship, so I needed a safe place to stay. I headed down to the shelter and was lucky enough to win their lottery for a four-month stay.

You might recognize Denver resident Ken McNickle from the current season of Survivor. What you might not know is that McNickle runs Humane Kind Project, a nonprofit that builds community and breaks down barriers between the housed and unhoused people of Denver.

The Humane Kind Project throws “block parties” that take place every Saturday in Civic Center Park. The Denver VOICE caught up with McNickle to find out more about his project and his hopes for Denver.

The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE will publish a selection of the voices of Hard Times.

Hard Times meets every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00-5:00 in the book club room of DPL’s Central branch. To check out more writing by Hard Times participants, go to writedenver.org.

This month we’re celebrating the Denver VOICE’s 20th birthday. Over the past two decades, the VOICE has gone through several incarnations. The paper has meant many things to many different people. It has changed the lives of staff members, volunteers, readers, and—most importantly—vendors.

By Sarah Harvey  |  Photo by Jesse Borrell

If you’ve ever spent time on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, chances are you’ve met Jerry Rosen. And chances are Jerry has brightened your day with his gracious, gentle demeanor.

An update from Denver VOICE vendors. 

By Sarah Ford

Edward Werner had made a place for himself selling the Denver VOICE at the intersection of 15th and Market Streets. He was getting back on his feet after falling onto hard times and becoming homeless. The money wasn’t much, but it was enough to survive.

An update from Denver VOICE vendor Brian Dibley. 

By Sarah Harvey

Brian Dibley sold the Denver VOICE for eight years before he finally reunited with his family and moved back east last November. He’s currently living in Lockport, New York, with his younger brother, Pat. The two brothers are restoring a Victorian home that Pat recently bought.

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.

By Sarah Ford

On an unusually warm fall afternoon, dozens of refugees and new American citizens flock around a small stage set in a schoolyard abandoned for the weekend. They crowd into the shade, sweating under American flag hijabs and long dresses, waving small American flags in their hands for the breeze as much as a show of pride.

By Matthew Van Deventer

About five years ago Denver filmmaker and owner of Denver Film Company Gabriel Dohrn was sitting at a stop light when a homeless man came up to his window to ask him for change. Dohrn brushed him off and the homeless man said, “You just think this could never happen to you.” Today, Dohrn says, “I think I was taken aback because I think he was right.”

In November 1996 a group made up primarily of people experiencing homelessness published the first issue of the Denver VOICE. During the past two decades, many different people have contributed to the VOICE. The paper has reinvented itself several times over the past 20 years, always adapting to the changing landscape of Denver.

By Steve Anson, VOICE vendor

Well, the actual quotation was “You have a family at home, but the people you love are here.” My former bartender Geri said that. Later that night, I’m sure she said to me, “Thank you, but you gotta go. Gimme your keys.” I am truly thankful to Geri for that. I am also thankful that several years later, I finally quit drinking.

By John Alexander, VOICE vendor

I have been vending the Denver VOICE eight years. The most common remark I have heard over the years—and I still hear it—is “get a job.” Sometimes I hear a variation on this same message: “Get a real job, you bum,” or even, “Can’t you find another way to annoy people?”

The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The workshop is open to all members of the public—especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE will publish a selection of the voices of Hard Times.

Call me crazy, but I believe individual votes matter.

Wait, don’t stop reading yet. Like most Americans—me included—by now you are probably looking forward to November 8 if for no other reason than it means the end of campaigning and election coverage.