DENVER – The first sanctioned homeless encampment in Denver is expected to open next week, and a second is likely to follow, city officials said.
Department of Community Planning and Development spokesperson Laura Swartz said the department issued a temporary use permit last week to Earthlinks, which will operate the encampment at First Baptist Church in Capitol Hill, The Denver Post reported.
“Campsite guests will be screened at intake to evidence their commitment to the campsite rules, and violators will be subject to eviction (for acts of violence and serious threats of harm to persons),” the permit said.
The organization must next obtain electrical and fire safety permits before it can open, Swartz said.
The lease for the property will last six months, said Kathleen Van Voorhis, director of housing justice for the partnering Colorado Interfaith Alliance. The encampment, which could house up to 30 people, will accept women and those who identify as transgender.
“We are very happy that we can set up and serve those in need,” Van Voorhis said. “The goal is to get people into resources and into housing and up and out of poverty.”
Swartz said the planning department is also considering a temporary use permit for a proposed encampment at the Denver Community Church’s uptown location. Van Voorhis said the second site will host men, women and couples.
