DENVER — On Sunday afternoon, it was all quiet outside the Denver Coliseum, aside from a group of staff coming together and taking a look inside what will now become a shelter for up to 200 women.
The shelter is set to open on Monday, two weeks after the men's shelter opened at National Western.
Glen Evans, who moved to Denver two weeks ago from California, said he is staying at the shelter at National Western, which houses up to 600 men. He hopes to be able to move into his own home soon, but has limited income now.
"It keeps you awake at night," he said. "But I’m thankful for this place though. At least I’m not on the streets in a sleeping bag. The staff are kind, they’ll tell you what you need to know. There are showers, there’s food — breakfast, lunch and dinner."
He said he’s grateful for the compassion shown toward homeless individuals.
Evans is one of hundreds of people in need.
Shortly after the men’s shelter opened, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock stressed the importance of the city coming together, especially during this time of the coronavirus.
"If we are true and serious about getting on the other side of this curve, we cannot do that without focusing on every segment of our community and that includes our residents who are experiencing homelessness," Hancock said.
The empty chairs and tables waiting inside the Denver Coliseum will soon see the next group of women searching for the same help.