DENVER — Juan Carlos Pioltelli has lived on Denver's streets for about four months. He arrived in Denver never imagining that his life would be in a tent and his belongings only a few bags' worth.
Pioltelli is living with about 10 other migrants at an encampment near the National Western Complex. Denver Parks and Recreation swept the encampment, which was originally in the middle of a field, on Friday. They moved to the sidewalk, in what the city considers the right-of-way. That means the migrants will be swept again Wednesday.
"I feel terrible, you know. I feel terrible," Pioltelli said, knowing he will have to pack up his things again. "I think living on the street is tough. It’s something you wouldn’t expect seeing so many migrants coming here who seem to be doing well, but it’s not what one would imagine. The reality when you arrive here is different."
Parks and Rec said rangers offered to connect the people at the camp with shelter, but those who stayed did not want to go.
"We feel, how would I explain it to you, we feel like a ping-pong. We are here, there, here, there," Pioltelli said.
Advocates with Housekeys Action Network Denver said they are working on a plan to find a new place for people to go.
"We are scrambling right now to figure out options for the folks here," V Reeves said. "As a community, we are just recognizing a need."
In a statement, Mayor Mike Johnston's team said they are not considering creating outdoor space sites for unhoused migrants. They added that the city has partnered with the Archdiocese of Denver to provide additional bridge housing for families who have timed out of the shelter, and said they are working toward permanent housing in an effort to fill the gap.
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