DENVER — Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced that a new site was selected to join the list of hotels that will be used as housing for people experiencing homelessness in the city.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton, located at 7525 E. Hampden Ave, was selected to become a non-congregate shelter pending City Council approval, the Denver Mayor's Office said in a release Wednesday.
Once approved, the hotel will house primarily families with children, transgender people and those who are gender non-conforming, according to the release.
The repurposing of this site is part of Johnston's House1000 initiative, a plan to provide shelter to 1,000 people and permanently close encampments by the end of 2023.
“Collaboration with City Council, stakeholders and the community has been instrumental in driving our House1000 initiative forward,” Johnston said. “By working together and identifying this hotel site, we have paved the way for a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness and for our city.”
So far, three hotels have been approved to be transformed into housing for people experiencing homelessness.
The Denver Housing Authority finalized its purchase of a Best Western hotel on Quebec Street in August, which is currently being managed by The Salvation Army, per the release. The city also purchased the former Stay Inn on East 38th Avenue, the office said, and a lease agreement was approved for the DoubleTree hotel on Quebec Street in November.
After City Council approves, the city will establish a lease agreement with a partner that purchased the property to begin using the site as a non-congregate shelter, said the release. The shelter will be operated by a service provider to "ensure that residents receive the support they require to transition toward stability and improved wellbeing," the office said in the release.
According to the release:
- The property will have approximately 200 rooms.
- The site will have a commercial kitchen.
- "Wraparound services" will be offered in an effort to prioritize the health and safety of residents.
- Focusing on inclusivity, the site will serve families that can't be served in traditional shelter environments, as well as transgender and gender non-conforming people.
The office said the city will continue its efforts to move people off the streets and indoors "quickly and cost-effectively" through existing units and micro-communities.
There is an information meeting at Hamilton Middle School starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 16, where people will have the opportunity to learn more about the city's plans for this property as well as the impact it will have on the surrounding community.
RELATED: Denver mayor withdraws proposed homeless 'micro-community' following pushback from residents
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS