I've seen several stories lately regarding the Democratic National Convention and homelessness. The gist seems to be that the homeless in Denver are being encouraged to get off the streets by some, while at the same time encouraged to participate in the DNC by homeless advocate groups. It is difficult to know who to believe since sources say so many different things and you'll get a different opinion depending on who you read. I will say that it was great to look over a Colorado Coalition for the Homeless statement and to see that this group views the convention as an opportunity to provide services to families that they provide year round. Other organizations such as the United Way are also doing the work that they normally do, but hoping to use the convention as a platform for advocacy. I came across an article of a salon owner giving haircuts for the homeless too. Here is another article from the Rocky Mountain News. In sifting through all of the information, I would not be surprised if the typical political move of getting the homeless off the streets was embraced by political figures in Denver as it is in other cities, but I will say that it is great to see so many grassroots organizations doing what they do everyday and really working hard to assist families.
What do you think? Is this good, bad, or both?
2 comments:
"We have obtained commitments from the City of Denver and the Denver Police Department that they will not “sweep” homeless people away or try to hide them, but rather will seek to engage them in the process" The fact that they got this statement from the city of Denver gives respect to the Coalition and what they are doing. You cant just shove homeless under the rug and I think they got the city to realize and be more forward thinking in the process.
BTW
this is m
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