(The Center Square) – The city of Denver approved $8 million in funding with the Salvation Army to help with an overflow of homelessness during the ongoing migrant and homeless crisis.
Denver City Council approved the $8 million contract at its March 27 meeting. According to documents, the funds will help support intake, offered services, and operations at The Tamarac Family Shelter, which is to be run by the Salvation Army.
The Tamarac Family Shelter offers 200 rooms for homeless families. As of March 27, 136 of the 200 rooms were in use.
The contract is valid from February 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024.
Denver is currently sheltering 777 individuals while operating four hotel shelters as well as two congregate shelters, according to a March 26 press release. The city has also partnered with the Archdiocese of Denver to bridge any remaining sheltering gaps for individuals experiencing homelessness with children.
Ninety-nine families are currently on a waiting list for family shelter at The Connection Center, which is also operated by The Salvation Army. If at total capacity, the Tamarac Family Shelter will be able to take in not all but some families in need of shelter.
This new contract will provide housing-focused case management, including conflict resolution, and the Salvation Army will be responsible for feeding those in the non-congregate shelter up to three meals a day.
The Salvation Army will also provide 24/7 security with cameras and additional monitoring, and the city contracts with a private service for on-site security.
Other services will include:
support with maintaining or increasing income/benefitscase planningconducting needs assessmentshousing navigationassistance with obtaining vital documentsemployment navigation school enrollment and advocacyadditional direct client support, such as transportation or move-in assistance.
