Community Corner
Denver Coronavirus: CO National Guard Sends 250 Personnel
The Colorado National Guard is helping with homeless shelters, and Denver now has 270 hotel rooms for those in need.
DENVER, CO — Denver is combating the spread of the new coronavirus among the city's homeless population by securing hotel rooms and welcoming Colorado National Guard personnel. The city has finalized agreements with hotels to reserve 270 rooms for those who are homeless and people who are "medically required" to be isolated.
The Colorado National Guard is sending 250 unarmed personnel to help with overnight and day shelters, hotel respite rooms and 'supplemental' shelter, officials said.
“While the whole world has been able to socially distance, we have not been able to do that in our shelters,” Brad Meuli, CEO of the Denver Rescue Mission, said in a statement. “To be able to do this for the men is really incredible for us. This is a great example of a partnership between the city and the nonprofit community.”
Find out what's happening in Denverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Denver: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter
The City and County of Denver is opening a shelter for 600 men Thursday at the National Western Complex Hall of Education, and officials are also planning to open a shelter at the Denver Coliseum, which would provide shelter for up to 300 women.
Find out what's happening in Denverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The COVID-19 local response has underscored our network of shelter and service providers who are making a tremendous difference in serving people experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion,” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said in a statement. “Greater physical distancing is essential for everyone, including our residents experiencing homelessness. We’re grateful to work with shelter and service providers, the National Western Complex and the State of Colorado to help make this happen.”
The temporary sheltering will "provide the kind of spacing and physical distancing necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, including at least 50 square feet of space for individual guests," the city said.
Those at the auxiliary shelters will be offered three meals a day, showers, medical screening, and mental and behavioral health care. Arrangements are also being made for storage of personal belongings, wireless internet and laundry services, officials said. Those with cold and flu symptoms or those awaiting COVID-19 test results will be moved to a separate shelter.
Read more:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.