DENVER, Colorado — Migrants who arrive in Denver overwhelmingly want the same thing - to work. The issue of applying for work permits, and the wait to receive them, mean migrants often can't find stable work until a few months after they arrive.
Two moms, who connected over social media, began a program designed to help migrants find transitional work. The call it the Mile High Welcome Initiative: Bridging Communities with Newcomers.
It's not meant to be a long-term solution, but rather to help migrants find a transitional job. The program is a community program organized by both Erin Floyd and Vanessa Coates. Both are active in the Facebook group, Highlands Moms & Neighbors - Activating Migrant Support.
"When I was meeting with people, I realized that all they wanted to do was work," Coates said. She began working with individuals and families in November.
By December, Coates and Floyd had begun collaborating on the program that allows migrants to earn up to $600 dollars. They get paid $20 per hour but can only work up to 30 hours until they reach the capped amount for the earnings.
"The program got started to address the need of people wanting to work. So, we have several areas that people can work," Coates said.
So far, the crew has done trash pick-up, cooking, and closet organization at the free closet hosted by Park Church. They have also arranged for people to move furniture as part of the program.
Earlier this week, a crew of 22 were picking up trash near Federal Boulevard, making their way toward Sheridan Boulevard.
"We want citizens of Denver to recognize that these newcomers are not going to just take from society. They want to give to society. For me personally, it fills my heart with such joy to help people on their road to self-sufficiency," Coates said.
In the first three weeks of the program, they've fed 270 people. They have also distributed $5,070 and filled 50 shifts of community service.
"My job has been coordinating these groups to collect garbage in different neighborhoods," said Andrés, who arrived from Venezuela a couple months ago.
The money he receives from the program helps with his rent and basic necessities.
"It's difficult to arrive here," Andrés said. "We have workers and we've been doing this for about five days, collecting garbage. It's gone very well. I have really appreciated the community and the people. They have been very nice. We are very grateful for the help."
The program is specifically designed to get around the issue of work permits. An individual does not have to report taxes up if the amount is less than $600, so capping the program helps ensure migrants will be able to work despite some not having permits. Once they reach that amount, they can no longer work in the program. Coates and Floyd will then add their name to a spreadsheet so that other community members can hire them based on the skills they bring with them, like painting, accounting, construction, etc.
The program uses community donations from those who get in touch with Coates directly from the Facebook group.
More from Angeline McCall:
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Next with Kyle Clark