Most of them have lived in Denver for many years, some their whole lives. The causes of their homelessness range from eviction, family breakdown, and incarceration to job loss during the pandemic. One man describes how he lost his job when his company shut down due to COVID-19, which eventually led to losing his apartment. Another woman says she was put out by a man she was living with. Dolores shares that she was incarcerated at age 15 and, after serving time, returned to Denver but never fully recovered her footing.
The challenges they face are clear: limited shelter capacity, police harassment, physical disability, substance use, and prolonged waits for housing assistance. Angel explains he’s been trying to get into low-income housing for four years. Others mention sleeping outside or on couches when lucky, and walking all night just to stay safe or awake.
