DENVER — That cold blast of Colorado winter can be tough for folks living on the street, including many migrant families.
Many in town are calling on city leaders to step up resources and help for the growing homeless population as nonprofits stretch themselves thin to meet increasing demand.
Alleviate, an Aurora-based nonprofit, is stepping up to help those families get by.
Despite the cold November day, Sharmeen Ali, Jennifer Greenfield and Heidi Gunn are focused on helping the homeless and migrant community stay warm.
Ali founded Alleviate, a nonprofit to help the homeless, an ever-growing population in Denver.
“We have actually seen a really big increase in the homeless population and seems to be, a lot of the feedback we receive from the homeless community is there’s a lot less resources out there for them," Ali said.
Over the past year, many of those living on Denver's streets are migrant families trying to make a new start.
"It is," Ali said. "And it's defeating as a nonprofit because the need is so big, especially with refugee families. When you see children in the cold and on the streets, that was very unexpected yesterday."
With this wintry blast coming through Colorado, Ali said these families are grateful for any help they can give.
"Very appreciative. Very appreciative. I mean, some of the feedback we receive is this is the first meal they've had in three days. We saw a gentleman walking around in a t-shirt yesterday in 24 degree weather. So even if it's a little bit of help we're offering, it's still lifesaving help and we're making an impact," Ali said. “They just don’t have resources. They don’t know where to go. They don’t know who to talk to. So anybody who is out there helping them, nonprofit or not, they’re just begging for help.”
After a man was stabbed and killed Thanksgiving morning at a homeless encampment at Lawrence Street and Park Avenue West, Ali said concern for safety on the streets, especially for migrant families, is only growing.
"They came here for a better life. And they shouldn't have to worry about their safety," Ali said.
With so much need, Ali said the crew with Alleviate is working to help the unhoused with whatever they can. But, they hope to see the city offer more help, too.
"Because they're the ones ultimately who can provide the resources these people need," she said.
So Ali and those with Alleviate will be headed out Sunday to the Zuni Street encampment with food and cold weather gear on hand, anything that can make a cold day on Denver's streets that much brighter for families.
"There's only so much we can do but we're doing our best," Ali said.
Anyone interested in helping those living in the encampments is welcome to join in. For more information on how to donate time or money, visit Alleviate on their website.
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