INC met January 14 2018 at Dist. 3 Police Station. An standing room only crowd heard from Councilperson Paul Kashmann and from the representatives of two homeless group programs, as well as reports from INC committees and a number of delegates who had RNO updates.

President George Mayl opened the meeting with a welcome, and a card of congratulations to longtime INC delegate and leader Katie Fisher who had just retired from 40 years on staff at Iliff School of Theology.

Councilman Kashmann reported that traffic and especially speeding traffic is a major concern brought to him, so he has created a new sign for neighborhood streets that says “Drive 25 – It Won’t Kill You ! Slow Down !” He said Housing and Homelessness are complex problems that will take the commitment of the city. The homeless need a strong voice..

Liaison to the Mayor’s office, Grace Lopez-Ramirez, added that the Mayor wants to know what is going on in the neighborhoods. Please advise him.

INC Committee reports were from ZAP, Transportation, Parks, Annual Dinner, and Membership (INC now represents over two-thirds of Denver’s total households). Meeting venues are needed after May. Please see individual committee reports for details.

Chris Connor of Denver’s Road Home talked of the many issues it addresses and its partnership with 17 agencies. New shelter sites are permanent, allowing continuing case-work and health and education programs to “create a pathway to life ahead” for the residents. There now are improved resources for help with mental health concerns, and for the “hidden population” of homeless children. A major presentation will be aired Jan. 24 on Channel 8.

Terese Howard and four others of Denver Homeless Out Loud spoke to the reasons for homelessness (lack of a Fed. government affordable housing program), the need for attainable housing, the gap of 21,000 needed units, how being homeless is dangerous and can cause mental illness, and the ways to talk with homeless folks you see, develop a trust, at least
acknowledge them.

A return to “Around the City” was a welcome reminder that INC is a place where RNOs can help each other with questions, suggestions, sharing ideas, announcing events, We are all in this together, and stronger together.

Next INC Meeting will be Saturday, February 17.
–Diana Helper note-taker,