Opinion: Denver homeless hotel diary: Another inspection, internet problems continue

Fusion Studios, a Colorado Coalition for the Homeless hotel at 3737 Quebec in Denver.Photo byDavid Heitz

Fusion Studios, a former hotel owned by Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, where I live, is about to get the white glove test. Again.

Notices were put on our doors late Friday alerting us to the inspection scheduled for Monday. We just had inspections last week when they sprayed for pests. We had a cleanup day a few months ago where they went to every room and had work crews clear out the belongings of hoarders.

“Due (to) ongoing issues identified by the city health department, property management and maintenance staff, we’ll be inspecting all units in the building…. We will be looking to see that units are clean and all pathways in the unit are accessible,” the notice states. “This inspection is not optional, and every unit will be entered. Failure to comply with this inspection will put your housing at risk. This serves as your 24-hour notice of entry.”

Thank goodness the inspections will occur. While some claim such inspections are demeaning and an invasion of privacy, I disagree. The inspections absolutely are necessary if they ever are to get rid of the rodent and bug infestation at Fusion. Some of these rooms are filthy beyond belief.

Some formerly homeless people jump into garbage dumpsters in search of treasure and recyclables. Some just take the trash out of the dumpsters, place it in a cart, and wheel it into their room at Fusion Studios to sort. It is completely disgusting, and I am not sure how some of these people are allowed to live here like that.

Internet update

I am tired of writing about the internet problems at Fusion. However, I heard from two City Council members this week who still are on the case. I just want to know what Colorado Coalition for the Homeless did with the money the city gave them to fix the internet here at Fusion. You will recall I wrote an article back in June where I reported the council intended to hold the Coalition accountable for the money. They still might, based on conversations I had this week.

The Coalition continues to maintain my computer has malware and that is why I cannot access the internet (it works fine at McDonald's, where I increasingly work). As you can see from the screenshot below, my computer does not have any malware or viruses.

The results of a recent scan of my computer show no malware or viruses.Photo byDavid Heitz

When I get paid this week I am going to buy my own internet like a grownup. But just remember that internet is supposed to be included in my rent, as advertised on the Fusion website. The way I have been dismissed is an insult to my intelligence.

Listed amenities on the website of Fusion Studios includes "WiFi provided in unit" and "computer lab." Neither is currently available.Photo byDavid Heitz

I am sure city officials are not thrilled that someone who has a job who lives at Fusion is often unable to do his work due to the city-funded internet not being provided. This week, I will join dozens of other Fusion residents who just gave up and bought their own internet.

The computer lab promised among the amenities listed on the Fusion website also has closed. I don't know of anywhere in the building where a person can peruse jobs on the internet if they don't have a computer or even a phone.

Until next week’s installment of Homeless Hotel Diary, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the bug spray.