Homeless people spending the night in Denver’s overflow shelter near Interstate 70 and Peoria have been temporarily banned from bringing in food and drink after a policy change made to help deal with litter and insect problems.
“Historically, guests were permitted to bring snacks and drinks because there is a designated area where people are supposed to eat,” Denver Rescue Mission spokeswoman Alexxa Gagner said.
The policy change was made, she said, because people lately have been eating outside that area and leaving trash in an area where the homeless sleep on mats.
“There has been an increased issue with bugs, as well as complaints from the building manager. There have been large amounts of trash left in the mat area instead of in the trash cans,” she said.
On Thursday, Gagner said the rule is temporary and will be rescinded on Sunday.
A homeless man sent an email to the Denver Post complaining about the change, which was implemented Tuesday night. He said people who stay at the shelter weren’t given any notice about the change and were notified when they were on a bus headed to the shelter.
The shelter didn’t issue any warning, or suggestion that people clean up, said Christopher Ollar, a homeless man. Those who stay can’t get back into the shelter if they leave, even if it is to go to a job, he said.
Staff checks backpacks before people can enter the shelter, he said. Some arrive at 7 p.m., others later than that, Ollar said, but “It’s like being in prison with no food or water.”
Those who use the Peoria Street facility sign up throughout the day at the Rescue Mission to spend the night there and then are bused to the shelter, starting around 6:30 p.m.
“It is a significant amount of time not to have a snack, but they do eat dinner before leaving Lawrence Street and then get breakfast when they return in the morning,” Gagner said.
