April 22 Update on Denver's Newcomer Sheltering Response

April 22 Update on Denver's Newcomer Sheltering Response

Published on April 22, 2024

The City and County of Denver is providing a weekly update on the support given to newcomers who have arrived in Denver from Central and South America.

Denver continues to remain a welcoming city for all newcomers at the city's Reception Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days per week.

Denver is sheltering 726 people through a mix of congregate and non-congregate sites. On April 10, Mayor Mike Johnston announced the creation of the Denver Asylum Seekers Program, which provides long-term support and stability to newcomers who do not immediately have access to federal work authorization. City employees and nonprofits are currently conducting outreach with shelter guests about the program.

As of Monday, April 22, 2024, Denver has supported 41,151 newcomers from the southern border at a cost of nearly $69 million.

The city is grateful for funding it has received so far to support newcomer sheltering operations, including a reimbursement award of $3.5 million from the State of Colorado. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has advanced $1.6 million, and Denver has approximately $9.4 million awarded and $2.8 million in potential federal reimbursements pending. On April 12, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Denver may be eligible for up to approximately $4.8 million, which the city will pursue.

The city extends its gratitude to the nonprofits, volunteers and members of the community offering their support to guests through housing, food, legal assistance and more.

Work Authorization

Denver has assisted more than 1,600 people with applying for work authorization since February. Those interested in volunteering for a clinic may sign-up here. The city sends its appreciation to the many partners assisting with work authorization clinics, including the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Denver Agency for Human Rights & Community Partnerships (HRCP), City Attorney's Office (CAO), Denver Human Services (DHS), Lutheran Family Services, Catholic Charities, Colorado Lawyers Committee, Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center (JAMLAC), as well as volunteers from within the city and community.

Donations

Thanks to the overwhelming support of the community, most items are not needed at this time. Donors should call 303-514-0643 to see how they can best be of assistance and to schedule an appointment before dropping off donations. Before donating, individuals should carefully review instructions, operating hours, wayfinding tips and maps which are available at Denvergov.org/Newcomers.

Those who wish to help should also consider giving to the Newcomers Fund. Donations will go directly to the city's nonprofit partners who are supporting newcomers with resource navigation, work authorization, shelter, and other services. You can also help by volunteering to support the response.

Media Note

• Current and historical data regarding the city's newcomer support effort, including daily arrival number is available online. The dashboard is updated three times per day at 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.
• Media should send all inquiries via email to [email protected]. This inbox is monitored Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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