DENVER — Safe outdoor spaces have long been used within the city of Denver to offer a camping option for the unhoused community. As more than 41,000 migrants have made their way to the Mile High City, advocates are requesting that the option be extended to the migrant community.
"From the immigrant community right now, many are landing on the streets. So, they are scattered all throughout the city," said Amy Beck, who is a grassroots advocate who helps both the unhoused and the migrant communities who end up on the streets.
Beck said right now, they are seeing more migrants unhoused due to Mayor Mike Johnston's administration's new rule that allows sheltering to families and individuals for 72 hours. The time limit was dramatically reduced from 14 days for individuals and 42 days for families.
"So a safe camping zone more than anything, just gives people a safe place to exist where they don’t have to worry about that their tent is going to be gone at the end of the day," Beck said.
Beck has been requesting for the last five months that the city explore the option and create a space where an SOS site would be permitted. The current sites are managed campsites in the city where tents are allowed. They also offer around-the-clock staffing and supervision and ensure people have access to sanitation. Ultimately, they allow people to camp with additional resources and case management.
"We needed this back in December, and the city chose not to act on that. We need this immediately," Beck said. "It’s been the same response now for months and months. But you know, we have two humanitarian crises raging right now in Denver at the exact same time."
A spokesperson for Denver Human Services said there are a number of limitations that would have to be addressed, like staffing, safety and meals, in regards to an SOS site.
They added that it isn't something the city is actively working toward at the moment.
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