(The Center Square) – The city of Denver is looking to approve $500,000 to provide additional private rooms for homeless people during emergencies when shelter programs are full.
The deal is for a total of $1.6 million with U.S. Motels Denver North. The extra $500,000 extends the deal another year through March 2025. The deal is expected to be approved at the city council’s meeting on Wednesday.
The city said that migrants are technically eligible for the program, but Mayor Mike Johnston’s office stated it is unlikely any would qualify.
“It’s totally separate from our migrant response operations and efforts to connect that population to more long-term housing,” the mayor’s office stated in an email to The Center Square. “It’s unlikely that newcomers would be eligible for this particular program, as it’s targeted toward people who not only need housing that is affordable, but also need extra support to successfully stabilize in housing.”
Denver also wants to approve a loan agreement with WellPower at the city council meeting. The agreement will be for 60 years and a total of $3.1 million in the form of a forgivable loan for the construction of 60 affordable rental dwelling units known as Sheridan Supportive Housing.
Denver began enforcing 42-day limits on migrants living in city-owned shelters in early February, as previously reported by The Center Square.
The city of Denver is currently sheltering 1,150 people, according to a March 18, 2023, press release.
