Coalition opens yet another homeless hotel in Denver

Photo byDennis Schroeder

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has repurposed yet another hotel into housing.

Renewal Village opened Thursday at 200 W. 48^th Ave in Denver. The former Clarion contains 215 rooms. “All Denverites deserve access to safe, stable, and affordable housing,” Mayor Mike Johnston said at the grand opening. “Housing paired with wraparound services, like Renewal Village, provide key support structure to help people successfully transition out of homelessness for good. Projects like this are an important step to creating housing in Denver that is affordable to everyone, but we have much more work to do to close the gap.”

Councilmember Darrell B. Watson added, “The residents of District 9 have been consistent that their number one (#1) priority is housing. Renewal Village will break the cycle of housing instability for these residents. This intentional community will be wrapped in services and support they deserve providing for them the opportunity to sustain the dignity of housing.”

Adams County chips in

Although the building is in Denver, Adams County chipped in for the cost. “People experiencing homelessness deserve safety, care, stability, and dignity. As elected officials, it’s our responsibility to work together to find innovative ways to help make these things more attainable for all people, regardless of which side of a county line they're from," said Emma Pinter, chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners. “That’s why our board is so proud to support the Renewal Village project—when we come together across jurisdictions, great things happen for all the residents of our communities.”

Free laundry

In converting Renewal Village from a conference hotel to supportive and transitional housing, the first-floor spaces underwent a total transformation. The bar and cafe have been converted into a dining area and coffee lounge for residents and staff, the former exercise room has been converted to a community room, and the former ballroom became office space for case managers, behavioral health clinicians, health care providers, and other support staff. New spaces were also built, including a laundry room with nine washer and dryer units, free for residents, a computer lab, a private exam room for visiting medical staff, and a shared courtyard. All clients will have an onsite case manager— “a designated go-to person to provide trauma-informed, person-centered delivery of comprehensive, intensive, clinical-based assistance,” according to a news release.

Renewal Village is the latest homeless hotel to open in Denver.Photo byDennis Schroeder

Federal funding

“The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has been tirelessly working to support the most vulnerable Coloradans for 40 years,” said Congresswoman Diana DeGette in a statement. “Today’s grand opening of Renewal Village will continue this leadership as they offer more transitional and supportive housing options to those experiencing homelessness. I was proud to help secure funding from the federal government for this project, and I look forward to seeing how Renewal Village will add to the coalition’s lasting solution for housing in our state.”

Each unit features a queen bed, dresser, television, kitchenette with full-size refrigerator and microwave, vanity area, and private bathroom. Significant updates were also made to safety and comfort features including new flooring throughout the property, new or refurbished HVAC units and programmable thermostats in each studio unit, new fire alarm and suppression system throughout the building, and other safety upgrades including FOB access doors and upgraded security features.