Writing Through Hard Times

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.

Editor's Note

Last month, the city of Denver held a candlelight vigil for 171 homeless or formerly homeless people. Seventy-nine of those people passed away on the streets of Denver in 2016. The short candlelight ceremony hosted by Colorado Coalition for the Homeless included a reading of the list of the decedents’ names. After each name is read, the memorial attendees chant, “We will remember.” It is the only memorial service many of these individuals will receive.

Denver VOICEJanuary 1, 2017

Vendor Profile - Cynthia Ellington

By Benjamin Tomkins | Photo by Sarah Harvey

Cynthia Ellington woke up in a shelter the morning of this interview. She waited in line for an hour to take a shower. Then she had to wait in line for a towel, a washcloth, a curling iron, and makeup. “You have to wait in line for everything. They gave me two conditioners today, but I wasn’t going to wait in line again for another shampoo.” After the shower, she had a twenty-five-minute walk to the Denver VOICE office.

DV StaffJanuary 1, 2017

Remembering Todd Burton

By Claire Martin

Todd Burton, who died June 20, 2016, was a familiar sight at the corner of California and 20th streets, seated on his bag and flying a sign that said “SMILE!” Sometimes he played a guitar.

Denver VOICEJanuary 1, 2017Denver VOICE, Denver, homeless, homelessness, Todd Burton, Claire Martin

A Day in the Lives of Denver Public Library’s Community Resource Specialists

Denver Public Library’s community resource specialists are trained social workers who can help people with everything from applying for food stamps to dealing with trauma.

By Matthew Van Deventer | Photos by Stanley Sigalov

DV StaffJanuary 1, 2017Denver, Denver VOICE, Denver Public Library, DPL, Elissa Hardy, social worker, library, homeless

News Briefs

Pueblo Shelter Passes Out Camping Gear

By Danielle Krolewicz

A nonprofit in Pueblo began collecting camping gear last September for people experiencing homelessness.

DV StaffJanuary 1, 2017

Ask a Vendor

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.

DV StaffJanuary 1, 2017

To Trust or Not to Trust

By Meg Stearns, VOICE vendor

Most—if not all—of us have made both good and bad decisions in our lives. When a homeless person makes a bad decision, it can mean life or death, especially for a homeless woman. Normally, I consider myself a strong woman with good judgment, but that hasn’t always been the case.

DV StaffJanuary 1, 2017

Writing Through Hard Times

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.

DV StaffJanuary 1, 2017

Editor's Note

If you think the Denver VOICE looks different this month, you’re right. To make our holiday issue extra special this year, we’ve included a pullout wrapping paper section in the center of the paper. But don’t worry, you’ll still find our regular content nestled among the snowmen and flowers.

Denver VOICEDecember 1, 2016