As I’ve been watching the city of Denver valiantly respond to its migrant crisis, I’ve appreciated the efforts of the city and the many volunteers assisting newcomers with temporary shelter, meals, clothing, and community. However, these efforts are not sustainable.
Hundreds are nearing the end of their shelter stays, and many, including families with young children, will have nowhere to go but the streets. The high price of rent and the inability to provide proof of work or income prevents many from securing stable housing.
I’ve read recently that the city has proposed moving 25 million from other budgets to support migrants. This of course could go towards continuing to operate the shelters and providing services, but with that route the budget would be exhausted within a few months, and many migrants would find themselves facing the same problems they are now. I believe there is a more sustainable and long term solution.
There are many hotels for sale in the Denver metro area, some even boasting multiple rooms and full kitchens. If the city of Denver were to acquire one or more of these properties and turn them into affordable housing, instituting a program that charges potential tenants $500-$700 per month and only requires a background check to be able to lease, then you could create a multitude of housing for newcomers who otherwise would have to rely on city resources or live on the street, or both. Migrants have repeatedly expressed that they don’t want handouts, and I believe rent within this range would be manageable for most.