Colorado Village Collaborative + Park Hill United Methodist Church + Temple Micah Joint Statement on SOS Opening
Today, the first residents of the Safe Outdoor Space at Park Hill United Methodist Church/Temple Micah have been welcomed home. This evening, those residents will enjoy a warm meal provided by volunteers from the congregations, and tonight they will rest well in the safety of their own shelter in this fully managed, resource and service rich outdoor individualized sheltering model.
“While we wish we lived in a world where such projects aren’t needed, we are excited to welcome home our newest neighbors to our Temporary Safe Outdoor Space,” said Pastor Nathan Adams, Lead Pastor at Park Hill United Methodist Church. “As Christians, Christ calls and expects us to put our faith into action in tangible ways that share the love of God with others. We hope that over the next six months our newest Park Hill residents will indeed experience that love.”
“The tents in our parking lot bring to mind the tents that the Israelites erected as they wandered from Egypt to their Promised Land,” said Rabbi Adam Morris, Rabbi at Temple Micah. “I am hopeful that these tents will help these souls feel at home and provide them a Sukkat Shalom - a Shelter of Peace.”
A Shelter of Peace is a dire need for these individuals and countless others throughout the City and County of Denver. “An estimated one thousand people will sleep on the streets of Denver tonight, but things don’t have to be that way,” said Cole Chandler, Executive Director of the Colorado Village Collaborative, “Today, Park Hill United Methodist Church, Temple Micah and many Park Hill neighbors have provided our city with a living example that demonstrates the reality that unsheltered homelessness could be a thing of the past. By working together, we can advance life changing solutions to the housing and homelessness crisis that deliver safety, dignity, and hope for the most vulnerable among us.”
This is the fourth Safe Outdoor Space to open in Denver since December 1, 2020. The first two sites, which were located in Capitol Hill prior to closing on May 31, initially faced significant community opposition but their success quickly won over their neighbors. This temporary Safe Outdoor Space is funded by the City and County of Denver and will provide shelter for up to 40 people per night until December 31, 2021.
Those interested in supporting this project by sharing meals or volunteering may sign up to do so by visiting www.coloradovillagecollaborative.org/safe-outdoor-space-park-hill