Community Mediation Concepts is working with the Mayor’s Office, City Council and Office of Economic Development to help keep families in their homes. Too often tenants have a financial “event”, a sick child, a broken car, or something similar and they miss all or part of their rent payment. They are not comfortable or sure how to talk with their landlord, so they get further and further behind, until the day an eviction notice is filed. Then it is too late and many bad things can happen.
Community Mediation Concepts is here to facilitate the conversation between tenants and landlords. They'’ll help them talk to each other, figure the situation out and come up with a solution. They ran a pilot for the past six months and were able to keep families in their home and/or avoid an eviction in over 55% of the cases we worked with.
Here is how it works:
If you’re not sure, just give them a call and they’ll explore the opportunity with you and answer any questions you have. If you believe mediation or a facilitated conversation will be helpful – you decide. Our main number – 303-651-6534 Email us at CMC@FindSolutions.org Visit our website at www.FindSolutions/LT Denver’s Road Home is issuing a call for more than 1,000 volunteers for the annual Project Homeless Connect event on November 15 at the Colorado Convention Center. This free, one-day event is open to people of all ages who are experiencing homelessness or who are experiencing housing instability. During Project Homeless Connect, volunteers are paired with individuals and families to help ensure each participant is able to access all of the resources available, such as:
Those interested in signing up to volunteer for the event can do so online at bit.ly/DenverPHC2018. The event is open to guests from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but volunteer shifts are available from as early as 7:30 a.m. to as late as 6 p.m. “From jobs to housing to medical care, Project Homeless Connect gives participants the chance to access services all in one place. For volunteers, it’s a chance to connect to someone on a meaningful level and give back to the community,” said Mayor Michael B. Hancock. Since 2006, Project Homeless Connect has provided much-needed services to more than 15,000 people experiencing homelessness. This year’s event will include more than 100 service providers within the Denver Metro Area. Space is still available for providers interested in participating in this year’s event. Those interested should contactelizabeth.murray@denvergov.org with their information and availability. “By pairing volunteers with participants, we can foster social connections for the community,” said Chris Conner, director of Denver’s Road Home. “Guests and volunteers get to learn from each other and connect to resources together.” Project Homeless Connect is coordinated by Denver’s Road Home, Mile High United Way and the City and County of Denver with support from Regis University. We’re making it rain…hygiene items, that is, during Denver Human Services fourth annual Spring Showers Hygiene Drive! Now through May 25, DHS is collecting hygiene items, like shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and deodorant, to stock their GIVE Center AND supply their monthly hygiene program for the rest of the year! Find all of the information you need to make the drive succeed (including donation sites and most needed items) at bit.ly/SpringShowers2018
The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) is requesting qualifications from partners interested in contracting with the city to preserve existing income-restricted and unsubsidized affordable properties. OED has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in order to establish a pool of potential partners for future collaboration on preserving properties that are affordable to low- and moderate-income households.
There are currently more than 20,000 income-restricted housing units throughout Denver that were created through public investments. Over the next five years, more than 1,750 of these units are at risk of losing their affordability due to expiring income restrictions through a contract or covenant that is set to terminate. In addition, OED is interested in preserving unsubsidized affordable units throughout Denver that do not currently have an income restriction in place but remain affordable to low- and moderate-income households. The RFQ seeks to establish a pool of partners for future consideration on preserving affordability of these types of housing. OED funding may be available for acquisition and rehabilitation of existing income-restricted and unsubsidized housing through low interest, subordinate debt. Specific structure and terms of the financial commitment shall be negotiated and underwritten as appropriate given the preservation opportunity. Additional information and an online application is available at denvergov.org/oed. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 23, 2018, at 4 p.m. MDT. Pilot evaluation recommends more diversity, greater access, implementation of work transition program
The Denver Day Works program helped 110 people who were experiencing an episode of homelessness and, in most cases, living on the streets obtain permanent work during its pilot year. Building on these first year success, the city today announced expansion plans for the program in 2018 and released the first-year achievements of the pilot and results of a recent evaluation by the University of Colorado Denver. “Denver Day Works started with the simple idea of providing those experiencing homelessness, regardless of their background, the opportunity to work, earn some income and connect into a network of resources designed to help them improve their well-being,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “In its first year, Denver Day works connected 110 people to permanent jobs and more than a dozen to housing. They‘ve worked hard and given back to our community, and as we expand the program in 2018, we can’t wait to provide this opportunity to more and more people so more lives can get back on track.” In its first year of operation (November 1, 2016 – October 31, 2017), Denver Day Works successfully provided more than 10,000 hours of work experience to 284 people experiencing homelessness.
Project Homeless Connect 2017 to Help Hundreds in Denver Access Vital Services and Resources9/18/2017
Free event connects people experiencing homelessness to much-needed health, legal, employment,
and wellness resources For those who are living without a home in Denver, accessing simple necessities can be a monumental task requiring time, transportation, and resources they just don’t have. On Tuesday, September 19, the City and County of Denver, in partnership with Mile High United Way, aims to close the access gap by bringing more than 100 service providers together at the Colorado Convention Center for Project Homeless Connect 2017 (PHC 2017). These service providers will provide free resources and resource navigation to more than one thousand people experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. Nearly 20 percent of Denver respondents to the annual Point in Time study report job loss or inability to find work as a contributing factor to homelessness. PHC 2017 provides homeless families and individuals access to crucial employment resources and many other basic services in one place, removing the barriers of time and transportation and connecting people to more resources in a shorter period of time. “Project Homeless Connect is a one-stop-shop that connects our most vulnerable residents with the crucial services and resources they need to get back on their feet,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “It’s a perfect example of what can be achieved when city agencies, community organizations and Denver residents come together with a common goal.” PHC 2017 will be held on Tuesday, September 19 at the Colorado Convention Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. PHC 2017 will be staffed by hundreds of volunteers and will include representatives from more than 100 community organizations and roughly 30 local employers or recruiters. The free one-day event is open to people of all ages who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. During the event, individuals and families are paired, one-on-one, with volunteers who help them access dozens of vital resources and services, including basic medical exams, employment advice and services, food assistance, official identification, public benefits, hygiene items, haircuts, and other community-provided services. Who: Speaking at the Welcome Ceremony will be: Chris Conner, Interim Director of Denver’s Road Home What: Project Homeless Connect 17 When: Tuesday, September 19 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Welcome Ceremony begins at 9:45 a.m. Where: Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced several changes to continue improving services for people experiencing homelessness and to better connect law enforcement with Denver’s diverse communities.
Bennie Milliner, who has served as director of Denver’s Road Home since 2012, is joining the Denver Sheriff Department as Director of Community Engagement. He will be responsible for improving communication, transparency, outreach and anti-recidivism efforts. An Air Force veteran, Milliner previously served in community liaison roles for U.S. Senators Ken Salazar and Michael Bennet. He also served on the Denver Public Schools Board of Education from 1996 to 2001. Chris Conner, who joined Denver’s Road Home in 2011 as program administrator, will become interim director to lead homeless shelter and services coordination. As a former youth outreach worker, Conner has years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness and understanding the importance of providing individualized services through coordinated system integration. Along with these changes, planning is underway to transition the work of Denver's Road Home to an office within the Department of Human Services. This office will focus on the most effective, strategic delivery of services and continue to coordinate the work of shelter and service providers for those experiencing homelessness, including working closely with the Office of Behavioral Health Strategies. Project Homeless Connect is a free resource fair for homeless and at-risk individuals and families. During this one day event, on Tuesday, September 19, clients are able to access an array of services ranging from ID services, housing services, resume workshops, clothing banks, vision check and healthcare to veterans services, childcare, petcare and much more. They are expecting to see 1,000 clients at this year’s event and need nearly as many volunteers to make the day a success.
At the link below you can sign up for one of the shifts available throughout the day. https://volunteer.unitedwaydenver.org/event/50408-Project-Homeless-Connect-2017 If you have never volunteered before, they recommend you take one of their trainings, however it is not mandatory. Trainings are listed in the link above. Two pilot projects add 210 storage units for those connecting to jobs and health services
The City and County of Denver, through Denver’s Road Home and the Office of Housing & Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE), is adding 210 new storage units for people experiencing homelessness through two pilot projects announced today: a sidewalk storage pilot and expansion of day shelter storage. “A person living without a home currently has few options to safely store their personal belongings,” said Office of HOPE Executive Director Erik Soliván. “Those experiencing homelessness have told us that not having a place where they can safely store their belongings can be barrier to them obtaining a good job, shelter at night, and good health. We listened, and we’re bringing that barrier down. These two pilot projects will increase safe, secure storage for a short time while people engage in work, health services and shelter.” Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Erik Soliván, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing & Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE), today launched a new strategy aimed at helping Denver residents experiencing homelessness or struggling to make ends meet.
The city’s strategy will go beyond a housing-first approach, and focus efforts on connecting individuals and families to affordable housing, healthy living and good paying jobs. The new approach for Denver will integrate all three factors to empower people to lead vibrant lives no matter their station in life. “We want our residents to have the opportunity to turn a house into a home, and truly thrive in our city,” Mayor Hancocksaid. “To give people the chance to build a home, build their lives and build their futures, we must go beyond putting a roof over someone’s head. This is a new approach to leveraging our resources and coordinating department work to connect our people with good jobs, good health and a good home. When these three needs are met, people are empowered to succeed.” Mayor Hancock and Soliván detailed the strategy and supporting action plan at the city’s third annual Housing Summit.The Office of HOPE will lead the work of leveraging public and private partner programs and resources to provide:
Denver is experiencing a historic low for inventory and high cost of homeownership with median sale prices exceeding $350,000. And according to the Denver Housing Authority, a minimum of 21,000 affordable units are needed to meet the current housing demand. This need impacts everyone from those in our shelters to workers on construction sites, teachers, firefighters, police officers and the service industry. The population of those who are homeless has also changed in recent years:
Under the three priority areas of affordable housing, healthy living and good paying jobs, the Office of HOPE, working across agencies, compiled a list of 30 short-term actions to improve and expand city and partner services throughout the end of the year. Short-term actions include: Housing
Health and Supportive Services
Workforce
For the full list of short-term action items go to: www.DenverGov.org/HOPE. “The strategy and actions reflect the feedback of our partners, communities and city agencies,” Soliván said. “We are grateful for their hard work and ongoing support, and know that by working together, we can do more to build a safer, healthier and stronger Denver.” This new strategy will also work with the Mayor’s mobility efforts to ensure the city is providing more and better transportation options for families and individuals where limited options may be impacting their ability to find affordable housing and good jobs. Today, the City and County of Denver invests more in affordable housing and homelessness than ever before. The new strategy builds and expands on the considerable work by the city and partners in the areas of affordable housing, job training and health services over the last six years. For a list of that work go to www.DenverGov.org/HOPE. GIVE Denver invites community to donate hygiene items for people in need. Denver Human Services’ (DHS) GIVE Denver program helped thousands of people obtain basic hygiene items in 2016, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors. DHS’ Give Denver is kicking off the third annual Spring Showers Hygiene Drive today with a goal of bringing in donations to support even more people in the coming year.
“For people living without a home, simple things like taking a bath, brushing your teeth or caring for your personal needs can be very difficult and can be a barrier to making progress with their lives,” said DHS Executive Director Don Mares. “We feel strongly that all people should have access to basic human needs and appreciate our community for supporting our work to provide basic hygiene items for those in need in Denver.” Thanks to donors, GIVE Denver provides the items for free to families and individuals served by DHS. In 2016, hundreds of Denver residents donated nearly 1800 gallons of hygiene items, including essentials like diapers, socks, and bathroom tissue during the Spring Showers Hygiene Drive. The third annual Spring Showers Hygiene Drive runs through May 12. People may donate items at a number of locations or they may make a monetary donation to GIVE Denver which will be used to purchase hygiene supplies needed throughout the year. GIVE Denver is in need of the following items: hand sanitizer; Kleenex; toilet paper; tampons and sanitary pads; combs and brushes; razors, shaving cream and lotion; baby diapers and wipes; toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash; shampoo, conditioner, soap and body wash. To donate hygiene items, a monetary gift or an online, tax deductible donation to support the GIVE Denver Spring Showers Hygiene Drive, please visit www.denvergov.org/GIVE or call (720) 944-GIVE. Donations may be dropped off in any of the collection bin locations throughout Denver or at the GIVE Center on the first floor of the Denver Human Services Richard T. Castro Building at 1200 Federal Blvd. ![]() Two new pocket-sized tools are aiding city employees and Denver residents in their efforts to help those experiencing homelessness. The Give a Better Way campaign, which aims to raise awareness about how to support community efforts to help the homeless, is broadening its work with new tools for park rangers, police officers and community members to connect residents to the resources they need. The new Shelter and Services Resource Guide may be small enough to fit in a pocket, but it features a wide variety of information on shelters, medical and mental health care, benefits assistance, domestic violence support and other services in an easy-to-access format. The guide provides officers, park rangers and outreach workers on the street with a quick and easy tool to connect homeless residents with the closest available services. Additionally, the campaign’s new Guide to Giving helps residents learn how to best support people who are experiencing homelessness through donations of their time, money, food or goods. Donations support more than 20 community partners who provide shelter, job training, meals, housing and other resources to help get people who are experiencing homelessness get back on their feet. “By placing information at everyone’s fingertips, we’re making it easier for anyone to connect and contribute to the community supporting our homeless residents,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. Denver residents have many ways to donate and make a difference in the lives of people in need.
Outreach Court gives people an easier way to access the legal system DENVER — The City and County of Denver has a new program to help people experiencing homelessness gain better access to the county court system and avoid deeper involvement with the criminal justice system. Denver Outreach Court is designed to increase stabilization and reduce future interactions with the justice system for individuals experiencing homelessness or receiving homeless or transitional services. The court helps individuals take action on municipal level citations or warrants and provides direct access to mental health services and enrollment in Medicaid. Community service options are also available to complete court requirements. Instead of requiring people to come to a courthouse, which for those experiencing homelessness can often be difficult, the Outreach Court is held every other Wednesday at Denver Rescue Mission.
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