Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

MEDIA ADVISORY

August 14, 2008

Contact: BJ Iacino
(303)-285-5223
biacino@coloradocoaltion.org

CAMPAIGN TO MAKE ENDING HOMELESSNESS A NATIONAL PRIORITY

When the Democratic national convention takes center stage in Denver, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) wants to ensure that the challenges of homelessness and poverty get at least a moment in the spotlight.    See first hand the local programs that are working and learn how national policy can further these gains or set us back.

Health Outreach and Mobile Medical Care
More than half of people experiencing homelessness have no health insurance and are unable to access healthcare.  Health conditions that go untreated often prolong their homelessness.   CCH has been providing free medical care to the homeless at our Stout Street Clinic since 1985.  Our mobile medical unit visits motels, shelters, and church parking lots each week to reach people unable to visit our clinic.

What: Tour the Health Outreach Program (HOP) mobile medical unit
Where: 1400 Larimer Street
When: 8 – noon, Tues. Aug. 26

What: VIP breakfast at Tamayo Restaurant (invitation only)
Where: 1400 Larimer St, Denver
When: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Housing the Chronically Homeless
The number of chronically homeless individuals dropped by 30 to 36 percent nationwide between 2005 and 2007.  That rate holds true for Denver too. See how the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Denver’s Road Home ended homelessness for 207 individuals last year.  Learn more about Housing First, a program that’s proven around the country to effectively reach one of the most challenging populations and save tax dollars at the same time.

What: tour the building where our Housing First clients live
Where: Civic Center Apartments, 24 E. 16th Ave
When: noon - 3p.m., Tues. Aug. 26 
(contact us to schedule time during this period)

Help for Homeless Veterans
About twenty percent of the homeless in Colorado are veterans, including those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.    The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has funding from the U.S. Veterans Administration to provide housing and case management to address the physical and emotional needs of formerly homeless vets. 
 
What: meet with formerly homeless veterans we’ve housed
Where: Civic Center Apartments, 24 E. 16th Ave
When: noon - 3p.m., Tues. Aug. 26
(contact us to schedule a meeting during this time frame)

What: Salute to American Veterans
(veterans groups gather to network and promote the Veterans Bill of Rights)
Where: Westin – Tabor Center, 1672 Lawrence Street
When: 5-6:30 p.m.

Homeless Voter Registration
In Colorado, you don’t need a home to vote. We will provide persons living in homelessness the opportunity to make their voices heard by policy makers.

What: Voter Registration Drive
Where: 2111 Champa St. Denver 80205 (Colorado Coalition for the Homeless headquarters)
When: 10 – 2 p.m. Tues. Aug. 26

What: Voter Registration Drive
Where: 730 21st St. Denver 80205 (Urban Peak)
When: 10 – 2 p.m. Tues. Aug. 26