Two Denver Organizations Support Homeless Population

Homelessness is not a single problem. Rather, it is the manifestation of a series of problems, the result of individual, familial and communal resources all being overwhelmed by need. At any of these levels it is possible to prevent individuals from ending up on the streets. Certainly, sadly, homelessness happens in spite of these safeguards. Even so when such redundancies fail, hope is not lost. It has been my good fortunate to volunteer recently at two private facilities in downtown Denver that provide valuable services to the homeless with the ultimate aim of helping them to secure jobs and long term housing.

The Denver Rescue Mission is a large, very well established organization with four locations that meet a broad range of needs. My volunteer efforts took me to Lawrence Street, the main facility. Here, 21 meals per week, overnight shelter, free medical care including dental and optical services, food box and clothing distribution are made available for men. There are 110 beds and 90 overflow cots. Thanks to recent improvements, there are state-of-the-art sanitation and security facilities for clients who stay overnight. Some of the staff here have been hired on from the client population as they went through the rehabilitation program. Regular non-denominational christian sermons are also offered for clients who wish to attend. The Lawrence Street location can be found at 1130 Park Ave. West in Denver, 80205. It is easily recognizable by the large "Jesus Saves" sign on the front corner of the building. For women and their children, the Denver Rescue Mission runs the Champa House Residential facility offering long-term help toward self-sufficiency. Some of the food distributed to clients is produced at the Harvest Farm facility, a part of the rehabilitation program that allows clients to learn farming and ranching operations and also hosts a youth camp. The Crossing is a transitional housing for rehabilitation program graduates and homeless families. Housing for interns and visitors is also provided here. The Denver Rescue Mission can make referrals to other agencies, including city programs and other local non-profits, for services they are unable to provide.

The New Genesis Transitional Community for the Homeless is a smaller facility, intended for adult male clients with Department of Corrections files which might prevent them from finding services elsewhere. The facility is located in the basement of the Central Presbyterian Church at 1687 Sherman St. in Denver, 80203. Although it can only support 50 overnight stays, it provides 21 meals a week and work/rehabilitation opportunities in much the same way that the Denver Rescue Mission does. Clients help with meal preparations and clean the space regularly. Outside work is made available and transitional housing at other facilities can be arranged.

Both of these organizations depend heavily on private monetary and in-kind donations. Volunteer opportunities are also available regularly, but plan ahead because there are only so many people to supervise volunteer activities at any one time and the organizations would much rather have a steady supply of volunteers than having too many one week and too few the next. To set up a time, call 303 831 4910 to reach New Genesis or 303 297 1815 for long term volunteering at the Denver Rescue Mission and 303 297 1815 for short term volunteering. Both facilities can be reached from light rail stations if you do not mind a walk through downtown. You can also take advantage of the free Mall Ride buses that run along 16th St. from Union Station to reach just a few block south of New Genesis. Volunteering at either facility can be a very rewarding and informative experience.