The Colorado Village Collaborative and Interfaith Alliance of Colorado have worked together since March to advance an effort called a Temporary Safe Outdoor Space. This resource and service rich, managed encampment model aims to: 1) Mitigate the spread of COVID-19 amongst people experiencing homelessness; and 2) Expand outreach to those not accessing existing resources, creating equitable links to health care, hotels, and ongoing case management and housing resources.

This is a complex issue with strong and valid opinions from many sides. Though a June survey of over 600 Denver residents revealed that 8 in 10 Denverites support this model, the conversation becomes especially difficult when we think about where this model will be located.

Next week CVC and the Interfaith Alliance of CO will be hosting an Educational Webinar on Wednesday, September 30 from 6:00pm-7:30pm and will be popping up an Unoccupied Model SOS on 10/2-10/4 at Belong Church located at 1615 N Ogden St. 

The webinar will feature Nicole Martinez who has spent nearly a decade managing an encampment model in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Spanish interpretation will be available for the webinar as well.