DENVER—The state is preparing to slash funding for programs aimed at helping the homeless just as more people are using shelters and food services, advocates for the homeless say.
The Denver Rescue Mission says it served 5,000 more meals in October than last October, and shelters in Jefferson County are reporting a 100 percent increase in the number of people seeking food and lodging.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless President John Parvensky says funding cuts combined with an increase in the homeless population make for a bleak situation. He warned more homeless people could die on the streets.
“The situation is bleak,” he said.
Parvensky says Denver’s Department of Human Services is cutting its budget for homeless programs by 24 percent.
Denver DHS Manager Pat Pheanious says despite the cuts, homelessness is still a priority.
“Absolutely, we are not shifting our priorities away from the homeless. There has been a 400 percent increase in homelessness spending the past few years. Now, we don’t have the dollars anymore,” she said.
Other charities are continuing with traditional services despite hard economic times. On Thursday morning, as many as 1,700 people lined up outside the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver to receive $20 each, said Monsignor Tom Fryar. Children received gift certificates from McDonalds, he said.
It was part of an annual tradition for the homeless and needy in honor of the late Monsignor C.B. Woodrich, who gave away money around Christmastime to those in need, Fryar said.
Fryar said the money comes from an anonymous donor every year.
A dinner for the homeless and needy is also planned Sunday at the Sheraton Hotel, he said. That dinner also honors Woodrich.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
