Denver announces intent to purchase 95-unit hotel to shelter people experiencing homelessness
The city of Denver announced on Thursday plans to purchase and renovate a hotel in the city’s Central Park neighborhood to be used as shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
The Stay Inn Hotel, which currently has 95 units, is located at 12033 E. 38th Avenue in northeast Denver. For now, the space will be used as non-congregate shelter space, pending approval from Denver City Council, with the goal of it being operational by the end of 2021. Two people could be accommodated in each room, according to a city spokesperson.
The hotel ultimately will not increase the number of beds available within the city’s shelter system, but will replace a small portion of the capacity that was created during the pandemic. The city used federal emergency funds to provide around 800 hotel/motel rooms for people that are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus.
If approved, it would be the first time the city has purchased a hotel for shelter purposes. Other U.S. cities have done so throughout the pandemic to address homelessness and provide spaces for people to isolate during the pandemic.
Read more: https://coloradonewsline.com/2021/05/07/denver-announces-intent-to-purchase-95-unit-hotel-to-shelter-people-experiencing-homelessness/