Mayor Mike Johnston recently announced a major milestone in Denver’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, bring people indoors and permanently close encampments. The hotel, an Embassy Suites located at 7525 E. Hampden Ave, has been identified as the newest site to support Denver’s homelessness initiative and will begin the City Council approval process. The facility will serve primarily families with children, as well as transgender and gender non-conforming guests.
Once approved by Denver City Council, a master lease of the site will mark the fourth hotel property secured as part of Mayor Johnston’s groundbreaking House1000 initiative, reflecting the city’s determination to explore diverse shelter options for those in need.
“Collaboration with City Council, stakeholders and the community has been instrumental in driving our House1000 initiative forward,” Mayor Mike Johnston said. “By working together and identifying this hotel site, we have paved the way for a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness and for our city.”
Earlier this year, the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) closed on its acquisition of the former Best Western Central Park hotel at 4595 Quebec St., which is now being operated by The Salvation Army. The city also closed on the purchase of the former Stay Inn at 12033 E. 38th Ave., and in mid-November, City Council approved a lease agreement for the former DoubleTree hotel at 4040 Quebec St.
“I am honored that District 4 was chosen to welcome children and families who are experiencing homelessness during a stressful time in their lives,” said Councilwoman Diana Romero Campbell. “This is the first temporary housing support location in District 4 and we think it’s the perfect, safe place for families to take the time they need to get back on their feet and move toward secure housing. We are ready to embrace these families in our community as they transition to this new space.”
Key details of the facility include:
- Pending City Council approval, a lease agreement with a partner that’s purchased the property will allow the City and County of Denver to use this as a non-congregate shelter.
- Pending City Council approval, a service provider will manage the site. The service provider will ensure that residents receive the support they require to transition toward stability and improved well-being.
- The site will provide approximately 200 rooms, a commercial kitchen, and will prioritize the health and safety of individuals experiencing homelessness by providing wraparound services.
- One of the key highlights of this new site is its dedication to inclusivity. The site will welcome families with children, which cannot be served in traditional shelter environments. Additionally, the facility will welcome transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, who would otherwise only have gender-specific shelter options.
The city will continue to work with community partners and leaders to leverage existing units, as well as leverage micro-communities that will allow the city to scale moving people indoors quickly and cost-effectively. We look forward to welcoming the first residents to this new location and the positive impact it will bring to our community.
A Community Information Meeting is scheduled at 10 a.m. on December 16, at Hamilton Middle School. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the neighborhood, area businesses, and the community at large to learn more about the site and its impact.
