By The Denver North Star staff
Housekeys Action Network Denver Seeks Winter Gear for Houseless People
Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND) is seeking donations of winter survival items for their Campaign 5280 Winter Gear and Clothing Drive. “It is freezing cold and snowing,” HAND said. “People living on our streets need warm gear to survive the cold. Mutual Aid Monday, Friends of SoDen, many individuals, and Housekeys Action Network Denver are on the street distributing what we can to houseless people, but the community needs donations of winter gear to get out to those in dire need on the streets.”
HAND has created an Amazon Wish List that includes items like insulated food and beverage containers, petroleum jelly and body lotions, flushable wipes, hand sanitizer, paper soap sheets and more. The group is also looking for donations of tents, tarps, sleeping bags, blankets, coats, warm clothes, winter gloves and hand/foot warmers.
Donations can be dropped off on Mutual Aid Monday, and any Monday, from 4-7 p.m. at 14th and Bannock. To schedule a pickup or for more information, contact HAND at 701-484-2634 or info@housekeysactionnetwork.com. For more information about Mutual Aid Monday, visit https://www.facebook.com/MutualAidMonday/
Regis University to Host Conversation About Homelessness Nov. 17
Regis University will host a panel discussion “Regis Conversations: An Informed Dialogue Around the Complexities of Homelessness” on Friday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. at St. Peter Claver Hall on the Regis University campus.
The panel will include Josh Geppelt, vice president of programs for the Denver Rescue Mission; John Thexton, director of community life at Denver Rescue Mission; Meghan Shay, executive director of STEP Denver; and Dr. Robert L. Davis, founder and executive director of Seasoned With Grace UnBoxed. Amin Asfari, an associate professor and program chair for the undergraduate and graduate criminology programs, will moderate.
“Homelessness is a multifaceted problem with various complexities, including economic, social, systemic and individual factors,” said Asfari. “These complexities make it a pressing and relevant topic of discussion, especially in times of economic downturns and public health crises.”
“In these conversations,” Asfari added, “we’re seeking to raise awareness about homelessness, generating solutions to reduce it and fostering community engagement to support homeless individuals.”
The panel will explore potential solutions, covering strategies to address challenges, establish initiatives for affordable housing, enhance support services and advocate for policy changes aimed at tackling the underlying causes of homelessness.
The event includes an opportunity to bring a nonperishable item to benefit the Denver Rescue Mission.
Library Branch Hours Extended
Beginning Nov. 13 Smiley and Woodbury Branch library hours were expanded to include additional open days. Both are now open Monday through Saturday. Corky Gonzales Branch, now open seven days a week, began its expanded hours in July.
Expansions of library hours in 2023 were funded by Strong Library, Strong Denver, funding created by voters in November 2022 that adds $32 million a year to the Denver Public Library’s budget. Visit www.denverlibrary.org/locations for details.
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