Denver considers vacant elementary school for migrant shelter

DENVER (KDVR) — Denver is looking into using a vacant elementary school to provide temporary shelter for migrants.

The Denver Mayor’s Office confirmed to FOX31 on Friday that it is looking at the former Rocky Mountain Prep Sunnyside school building, which is currently vacant, as a possible temporary shelter for migrants.

The students from Rocky Mountain Prep Sunnyside are now in the Rocky Mountain Prep Berkeley building this school year.

“All shelter sites involve constant security and staffing, and we will always work with neighbors and the community to ensure any concerns are being addressed,” Jon Ewing of the Denver Mayor’s Office wrote in a statement to FOX31.

The city says Denver has received very few migrants in the last two months, and reports that often, no one is in their shelter at all. According to the city’s Newcomer Playbook , about 155 migrants arrived in August, and the city said Texas has not sent a bus since early June. However, neighbors report having concerns.

“Oh, it’s quiet. Very quiet. It’s a good neighborhood. There’s a lot of construction happening here with new homes and all that,” said neighbor Reggie Delacruz. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for the neighborhood, for us, because the value of all these homes and all that, they’re going to go down. I know that.”

There is currently no contract or deal in place to use the school. The mayor’s office said it will work with neighbors to address concerns before any decisions are made.

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