At an “Unhoused in Durango” forum, advocates, outreach workers and individuals experiencing homelessness gathered to share their stories and seek community-driven solutions for one of Durango’s most urgent challenges.
“This is especially important right now … the level of homelessness is about to go up,” Martha Mason, League of Women Voters communications leader said during her introduction. “They’re estimating at least 30 to 40% more people are going to become unhoused as housing vouchers go away in our country. And as it says on the sign back there, you are always closer to the street than you ever will be to any millionaire.”
Organized by the local chapter of the League of Women Voters, Friday night’s forum provided a platform for seven panelists, each with firsthand experience of homelessness, to describe their journeys through addiction, trauma and hardship – stories that underscored both the difficulties of life without stable housing and the resiliency found in community.
“I was born and raised here,” said Rosemary, one of the panelists. “There’s been good and bad in the struggle to find community and support. But the hardest lesson has been learning what you can lose, and that asking for help shouldn’t be a hindrance.”
The forum, moderated by outreach workers Joel Berdie and Julia Conley, began with a focus on creating a safe and respectful space, encouraging attendees to understand homelessness as a complex, multifaceted issue. Attendees were invited to ask questions, which ranged from the best ways to help to the impact of changing policies at local nonprofits like Manna.
Panelists described barriers to housing ranging from restrictive shelter rules and stigmatization to the lack of essential resources such as showers, laundry and safe storage.
Several discussed the difficulties of finding employment or permanent shelter when living “on the move,” often at the direction of law enforcement.
“We are always at the mercy of prejudice,” said Antonio, another panelist and military veteran, “and too often, policies treat us as criminals, not people.”
Shaylene, a lifelong Durango resident, recounted her return to the city after battling addiction and losing custody of her daughter. At her lowest, it was two strangers – unhoused themselves – who welcomed her, offering shelter and a sense of family.
“If it wasn’t for those two strangers, I might not even be here,” Shaylene said. Her story, like many others, highlighted the importance of community solidarity, but also the struggle to secure and retain housing, especially when faced with restrictive rules rooted in stigma.
Community support from within Durango’s unhoused population was the common thread throughout all of the speakers’ stories.
Small acts of kindness from strangers – offering a meal, a place to sleep, or a listening ear – made the difference between despair and survival for several panelists.
Many spoke of a desire to be seen, respected and included in the larger community, and several have chosen to give back by mentoring others or advocating for systemic change.
The forum concluded with action items, including calls for more accessible shower and laundry facilities, additional community dialogues, and specialized training for local law enforcement to foster safer, more empathetic interactions with the unhoused.
As the evening ended with a shared meal, organizers and participants alike expressed hope that the conversation marked a new step toward collaboration and understanding in Durango.
“Most of us didn’t want to be homeless,” a speaker said. “But what we want now is a community where everyone can have a place to belong.”
jbowman@durangoherald.com
