A group of migrants in Denver are refusing to leave an encampment until the city meets a list of 13 demands. The demands include access to fresh ingredients for cooking, shower access without time limits, medical visits, and housing support. The group stated that they will move to a city shelter if their demands are met. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has been contacted for comment but has not responded as of yet.
The complete list of demands from the migrants include access to fresh culturally appropriate ingredients for cooking, shower access without time limits, regular visits by medical professionals, housing support, a just process for removing someone from the shelter, employment support, free consultations with an immigration lawyer, privacy for families, no abuse by shelter staff, transportation for children to and from school, no separation of families, and a meeting with the mayor to discuss further improvements. All shelter residents will be provided with a document containing the list of demands and a number to report violations.
Denver Human Services spokesman Jon Ewing stated that the city is trying to encourage families to leave the encampment and move inside. The city is offering three meals a day, the option to cook their own meals, and assistance in determining what aid the migrants qualify for to help them find a path to success that does not involve living on the streets of Denver. The city has been struggling to manage the rising number of migrants transported from other states and has created the Denver Asylum Seekers Program to provide support to those in need.
The Denver Asylum Seekers Program offers housing in apartments for up to six months, job and skills training, food assistance, and legal help with asylum applications. However, the program is limited to those who were in the city’s shelters before April 10 and capped at about 1,000 people. Those who arrived in Denver after April 10 will be provided with temporary shelter and help with onward travel. Nonprofits like Hope Has No Borders are also working to support migrants by pairing them with host families for short or longer-term stays in Denver and other parts of Colorado.
The issue of migrants living in encampments in Denver highlights the challenges faced by cities in managing the increasing number of people seeking asylum and support. The demands made by the group in the encampment reflect their desire for basic necessities, privacy, and support in navigating the asylum process. The response from city officials and nonprofits demonstrates efforts to provide assistance and resources to those in need while addressing the ongoing migrant crisis. Collaboration between government agencies, nonprofits, and community members is crucial in finding sustainable solutions to support migrants and address their needs effectively.
