Number Of People Experiencing Homelessness Up 6%
DENVER (CBS4) - The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on those who could least afford it, but the Denver Rescue Mission is working bridge the gap. According to the 2020 Point in Time Survey, homelessness was up 6-percent last year. That's more people who are seeking basic human necessities, like food and shelter.
"We utilize on average about 250,000 pounds of food a month, to our guests in our shelter facilities, which is a huge increase from where we were this time last year," said Kevin Baker, Director of Denver Rescue Mission Food Service.
The Denver Rescue Mission serves a hot meal to anyone who comes through the door. Last year that totaled 689,718 meals served in its shelters and community centers.
"Food insecurities is a huge, huge deal. For someone with food insecurities, they don't know where their next meal is going to come from," Baker explained.
Sometimes homelessness is a result of the high scot of housing. Last year, the Denver Rescue Mission provided 386,219 nights of shelter. And they had 3,728 first time guest.
"That's kind of a misconception about a lot of guests who are experiencing homelessness is that they don't have jobs. They do have jobs, they just may not be able to afford a place to live," Baker told CBS4.
LINK: Spread the Warmth
CBS4 has partnered with the Denver Rescue Mission to Spread the Warmth this winter. You can make a donation by texting "WARMTH" to 24365.