DENVER — The City and County of Denver announced Wednesday that they will again be discharging migrant families with children from city-run facilities after a certain period of time.
The city said they will provide all newly arrived families with children with up to 42 days of accommodation -- up from the previous limit of 37 days. The city said this timeline is in line with best practices when it comes to obtaining housing.
The length of stay for people without children will continue to be 14 days. The new policy goes into effect on Feb. 5.
The changes will be rolled out over the next several weeks and come as Denver experiences a significant surge in arrivals from the southern border as well as pressing budgetary concerns.
Denver paused the discharge of migrant families on Nov. 17, and also welcomed families who had previously timed out to return to shelters. However, over the past two months, Denver has seen a dramatic increase in arrivals and is currently sheltering 4,500 people, the city said.
This influx - the fourth significant surge in arrivals since late 2022 - is straining capacity, and based on current projections, could force the city to cut as much as $180 million from its annual budget. The city said that while they recognize families need as much time as they can give them, the city must once again limit the amount of time families can remain in shelter.
The city will also begin discharging migrant guests again under the following policy:
- Those who do not qualify for the shelter program but have been admitted during the pause will be discharged on Feb. 5. Individuals must be in the U.S. for fewer than 30 days before coming to Denver and have an Alien Registration Number to qualify for Denver’s shelter program.
- Those who had previously timed out of the shelter program but were readmitted during the pause will be discharged on either Feb. 5 or Feb. 6.
- Families with children who entered the shelter on Oct. 12 or later will begin discharges on Feb. 7. Discharges will be based on arrival date and occur in rolling fashion, with every family receiving a written notification of their discharge date. All families with children will have received at least 42 days in shelter, with some families having been provided as long as four months.
The city encourages all newcomers to Denver to begin forming a long-term plan once they enter shelter. Denver will continue to connect newcomers with nonprofits and other available resources during their stay.
To date, Denver has served more than 37,000 people at a cost of more than $38 million, the city said.
The city is currently operating seven shelters for newcomers as well as two congregate sites for migrants experiencing homelessness. Denver is also partnering with the Archdiocese of Denver to provide bridge housing to a limited number of families.
Those interested in helping may continue to donate clothing items to the below locations as well as snacks to the Richard T. Castro Denver Human Services Building at 1200 N. Federal Blvd. The city also urges the community to donate to the Newcomers Fund, which to date has raised more than $1.5 million in grants assisting with work authorization, housing, food and more.
Donation Locations:
Community Ministry
(Children’s clothing only)
1755 S. Zuni St.
Denver, 80223
Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Colorado Changemakers Collective
12075 E. 45th Ave.
Denver, 80239
Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS