DENVER — Extreme cold and snow storms are especially dangerous and life threatening to individuals struggling with homelessness.
As Coloradans are accustomed to low temperatures and varying amounts of snow throughout the winter, for most it means days off of school or work or time spent indoors to avoid the worst of the weather.
But for those in the Denver area who are experiencing homelessness, these conditions can be deadly.
According to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, 6.5% of unhoused individuals who died in Denver in 2021 have environmental exposure listed as their cause of death, the majority of which occurred between November and February. The study acknowledges that the actual number of deaths is likely much higher due to difficulties in gathering accurate data on the topic.
Some of the most effective strategies to combat homelessness include permanent supportive housing and other large initiatives carried out at local and state governmental levels. Until more of those life-saving initiatives are put in place, there are still ways individuals can help those experiencing homelessness in their areas. Here are just a few ways you can help:
Monetary Donations
If you are able to, donating money to organizations working to end homelessness can have a large impact on their work. There are many organizations in the Denver area, such as:
- The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
- Denver Rescue Mission
- Denver Homeless Out Loud
- Severe Weather Shelter Network
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are unable to donate money to organizations, you can find many ways to help by volunteering your time. Other than the organizations listed above, you can also seek out mutual aid groups in your area. Mutual aid is community-driven support for those who need it, with the goal to uplift and help one another in the face of systems that are not meeting the needs of the people.
- Mutual Aid Monday (Denver)
- Foothills Mutual Aid Collective (Fort Collins/Northern Colorado)
- SAFE: Safe Access for Everyone (Boulder)
Supply Donations
Whether you’re donating to the above organizations or directly to individuals, here is a list of some of the most-needed items requested by those experiencing homelessness. If you’re unsure what would be the best items to donate, you can call an organization and ask.
(When donating food through an organization, it is always best to ask what they can accept as many of them have specific requirements.)
- Linens (towels and blankets)
- Clothing items (socks, gloves, underwear and shoes)
- Toiletries (body soap, shampoo and menstrual products)
- Hand warmers
- Laundry detergent
- Reusable containers
- Infant necessities (diapers, baby wipes, formula and infant-sized clothing)
- Single serving snacks (trail mix, crackers, nuts or protein bars)
Stay Informed
Knowledge plays a large role in fighting homelessness, including challenging stigmas and dangerous stereotypes. One way you can stay informed is by reading the Denver Voice. The Denver Voice is an award-winning street paper, a publication created by unhoused people with the intention to spread community awareness and tell the stories of those affected by homelessness, all while offering homeless individuals a way to earn income.
According to their website, the Denver Voice's mission is “...to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community.”
In addition to reading the Denver Voice, you can donate to their mission.
Colorado Springs has a street paper as well, The Springs Echo.
Resources for those experiencing homelessness
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, here is a collection of resource lists with details on where you can get assistance.