According to The Metro Denver Homeless Initiative’s 2020 Point in Time Count, there are 6,104 individuals experiencing homelessness and 1,561 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Denver. Recent research out of UCLA (2020) notes that people experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and are far more likely to need hospitalization and to die as a result of the illness.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Radian partnered with multiple organizations including the City and County of Denver, Colorado Village Collaborative, and The Interfaith Alliance to conceptualize, design, and build Denver’s first Safe Outdoor Spaces (SOS). The Safe Outdoor Space is a 24/7-staffed camping site for people that are currently experiencing homelessness in Denver, with a particular focus on individuals that are traditionally unable to access existing shelter options including couples, pet owners, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The SOS sites provide privacy and security; bathrooms, hand sinks, showers, and laundry; trash services; shade and warming tents; electricity and internet; drinking water and daily meals; and outreach services including housing and employment referral.
Header image by Colorado Village Collaborative.
Radian continues to support the Safe Outdoor Space initiative by providing architectural technical assistance in the design and implementation of the Safe Outdoor Spaces. This includes providing technical support with site selection, site plan development, project management, permit support, and site construction. Radian is committed to expanding the Safe Outdoor Space concept throughout Colorado. We continue to work closely with the current residents and service providers to improve the design as the initiative expands.
Learn more:
Safe Outdoor Spaces via Colorado Village Collaborative
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