Denver City Council recently approved a $1.4 million contract with the regional nonprofit ViVe Wellness to provide migrant services until December 31, 2024. The contract will include case management services, rental/deposit assistance, onward travel support, and other supportive services. ViVe’s scope of work will also involve housing navigation, referrals, transportation services, cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed care, and a language access plan. The goal is to provide one-on-one assistance to newcomers to help identify and overcome any barriers to their success.
The approval of this contract follows the launch of a newcomer program in Denver, specifically aimed at asylum seekers. The program allows up to 1,000 asylum seekers to come to Denver with certain conditions, including a waiting period for legal work authorization. Once authorized, individuals will be enrolled in the WorkReady Denver program, receiving six months of housing assistance, workforce training, and food aid during the waiting period. The city’s efforts to support newcomers have been driven by a dwindling migrant budget and the need to ensure sustainability in providing services.
Denver has become a sanctuary city for newcomers, welcoming over 41,000 individuals at a cost of nearly $70 million. The city’s migrant dashboard indicates that as of Wednesday, there were 25 newcomers in short-term shelters and 595 in hotel shelters. To address the increasing number of arrivals, the city is operating various shelters and transitional housing facilities. The budget breakdown shows significant amounts allocated to housing/shelter, payroll, meals, and onward travel, highlighting the financial commitment required to support migrants.
Denver officials have emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive support to newcomers through case management services and personalized assistance. The contract with ViVe Wellness aims to address the unique needs of each individual or family to help them achieve positive outcomes. The city is focused on building a sustainable and effective system to support migrants, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet the challenges posed by the influx of newcomers. With the implementation of programs like the newcomer initiative and contracts with nonprofit organizations, Denver is working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.
The approval of the contract with ViVe Wellness signals Denver’s commitment to addressing the needs of newcomers by providing essential services and support. By partnering with a regional nonprofit, the city aims to leverage existing resources and expertise to better serve the migrant population. The contract covers a range of services, including rental assistance, case management, transportation support, and cultural responsiveness. The decision to approve the contract reflects the city council’s recognition of the importance of investing in programs that assist newcomers in navigating the challenges of starting a new life in Denver.
Overall, Denver’s efforts to support newcomers through programs like the newcomer initiative and partnerships with nonprofit organizations demonstrate a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all residents. The focus on case management services, personalized assistance, and sustainable solutions reflects a holistic approach to addressing the needs of migrants and asylum seekers. By prioritizing the well-being and success of newcomers, Denver is taking steps to build a more resilient and supportive city that values diversity and mutual understanding.
