You don’t need me to tell you Denver’s in the midst of a housing crisis. Temperatures are getting ready to drop, and we still have thousands of people living unsheltered around the city. This recent piece from Devin Fisch at 303 Magazine inspired me to dig into just a few of the simple ways we can help our unhoused neighbors.

💚 Volunteer at a local shelter: Help run operations or serve meals at any of Denver’s homeless shelters. A few worth checking out include: Denver Rescue Mission, Samaritan House, or Urban Peak Youth Shelter. But there are dozens of other organizations and resource centers always accepting help.

💚 Consider monetary donations: If you have the financial means and a tight schedule, consider a monetary donation to any of the aforementioned shelters and services. Most of them are nonprofit and rely on community donations to keep their doors open.

💚 Donate food and other essential items: Non-perishable foods, warm clothing, and personal hygiene items are just as important and as needed as financial funding. Most of the mentioned shelters accept donations. Also consider making some DIY “care bags” filled with essential items that you can keep in your car and distribute to people you meet who are presently unhoused.

💚 Sign up to stay informed: When you’ve found an organization that you like, sign up for their email updates or follow them on social media, so you’re always in the loop on upcoming events and current needs. The email list at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is a great place to start!