The Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND) sheds light on troubling conditions in Denver’s homeless hotels, which are part of the All-In Mile High program. These hotels, intended to provide temporary shelter to homeless residents, have become sites of safety concerns, inadequate support, and systemic neglect.
HAND presented its findings to the Safety, Housing, Education, and Homelessness Committee of the Denver City Council, highlighting issues reported by residents at four properties: the former DoubleTree at 4040 Quebec, the former Best Western at 4590 Quebec, the Comfort Inn at 4685 Quebec, and the Radisson at 4849 Bannock Street. The organization conducted 60 in-person interviews and distributed 175 surveys to compile the data.
Unsafe Living Conditions
The survey revealed alarming incidents at the DoubleTree, including the discovery of a deceased individual in a stairwell and a domestic violence case where a man reportedly strangled his wife. Residents also reported going without water for months at the same property, with portable shower trailers brought in as a temporary solution.
When asked about positive aspects of the program, one resident grimly remarked, “They help people die out of the public eye so the upper class won’t be disgusted to see a dead gutter in the drain.” Only 47% of survey respondents said they felt safe in these hotels, underscoring the need for immediate improvements.
Staff Training and Mental Health Support Lacking
Residents expressed concerns about staff at the hotels being poorly equipped to handle the challenges of working with people experiencing homelessness. Reports of favoritism, inconsistent enforcement of rules, and inappropriate actions—such as calling the police on a resident for being on the grass—were common.
Specialized training to address mental health crises and substance abuse issues was a recurring suggestion. According to HAND, many residents experiencing mental health episodes are misjudged as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, often leading to evictions. When asked if their mental health needs were addressed and if they had someone to talk to during crises, only 51% of respondents agreed.
Food and Nutrition Issues
Complaints about the quality of food were widespread among residents. Many preferred to prepare their meals but lacked access to basic kitchen appliances such as hot plates, refrigerators, and microwaves. Some residents also reported being unable to access food stamps, even though they were eligible.
Case managers, who are supposed to assist residents in accessing essential services, received mixed reviews. About one-third of residents described their case managers as “not helpful” or only “somewhat helpful.”
Pathways to Permanent Housing
The survey highlighted flaws in the city’s rapid rehousing model, where residents receive rental assistance for about a year. Many residents end up back on the streets after their assistance ends if they haven’t secured a stable income. The average stay in these homeless hotels is about four months, surpassing the original plan of 90 days, indicating the need for more sustainable housing solutions.
Maintenance and Pest Infestations
Maintenance issues, including rodent infestations, were a major concern across the surveyed properties. One resident described finding a mouse nest behind the kitchen sink, which affected the functionality of their refrigerator. Another noted that the health inspector suspected mice had chewed the fridge wiring.
Conclusion
The HAND report paints a grim picture of Denver’s homeless hotels. With unsafe conditions, insufficient mental health support, and maintenance issues, these properties fall short of providing the secure, supportive environment they were intended to offer. Immediate action is needed to address these concerns and create a better path toward permanent housing for residents.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
Leave a Comment