The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has launched a campaign to double a fund to provide housing and services for homeless veterans.
“Roughly one out of every three homeless adults are veterans,” said coalition president John Parvensky. “How can that be? We’re seeing more veterans and their families becoming needy.”
The coalition has gathered $200,000 for the Homeless Veterans Housing Fund and hopes to raise another $200,000 from the community.
Upon hearing about the new fund, Ted Tyler, chief executive of ARI Construction Co., a Wheat Ridge storm-restoration company, stepped forward and handed Parvensky a check for $1,000.
The money will be dedicated to getting homeless veterans into housing and helping out those about to lose their housing. The fund also will be used to help veterans with access to health care, substance-abuse treatment and counseling.
“We know how to end homelessness,” said Parvensky, as he introduced Omar to a small crowd at a press conference at the Renaissance Riverfront Lofts.
Omar, an Army veteran, spent 20 years homeless until he was found last year by an outreach worker. “I was tired,” he said. “The coalition helped me see a doctor and figure out how to get an apartment, how to get an ID and pay my rent. That really helped me feel like I was part of the community again.”
Want to donate or need help? Visit or call 303-293-2217.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
