Mahatma Ghandi once said, “The measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members.” This is a favorite quote of mine.
I will always be an advocate for Denver’s most vulnerable citizens.
We must fight for policies that effectively address mental illness, drug use, and homelessness as matters of public health. We are at crossroads in Denver and need a proven collaborator and coalition builder to bring a long-term approach to our growth challenges.
I strongly support increased investment in social support services. Together, we can make Denver a more compassionate and inclusive city.
Initiative 300: I am not in favor of this initiative. We need to ensure homeless shelters have the resources they need to meet the needs of our homeless population. We also need to expand and connect programs that work on finding people permanent homes rather than temporary sleeping quarters. A major factor in getting to that point is by providing increased mental health care to homeless persons. Many people who are on the street are unable to work towards a personal housing solution due to mental illness. Many homeless non-profit advocates also do not support Initiative 300; I recommend this press release from Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.
Caring 4 Denver: Caring for the mental illness and addiction concerns for all people is very important to me, and I’m excited that Caring 4 Denver passed and will provide $45 million per year for these challenges.
More incredible agencies to connect and engage: Denver Housing Authority, Denver Rescue Mission, Denver’s Road Home, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Living Well Showers, and One Warm Blanket. Also, I’m excited for the Colfax Ave BID’s, “Colfax Works” program and for their recent $25,000 grant from the Denver Foundation to provide employment and supportive services for those experiencing or emerging from homelessness while also providing enhanced maintenance services to the district.
While working to support our existing agencies and fighting for more funding, I encourage all to personally engage and help our homeless in any way possible. I found these suggestions from Christ in the City very helpful and something we can all do:
