LISA web 6

Winter Issue 2016-17

JeffCo LivingTM©
Art, Entertainment & Lifestyle

SGrheaot FFpuopnoindg Shopping & Dining in
& Entertainment
Jefferson County

“Gateway to the
Rocky Mountains”

... and so much more!

Package of Love What can we do to help?

If you feel blessed and are able to
give money please do so. Donations
to food banks and organizations that
collect clothes and other items for the
As we travel around, we see people According to the 2015 Point-In-Time less fortunate are always welcome.
standing on corners holding signs. Report produced by the Metro Denver But if you want a personal experience
Most of them are looking for a little Homeless Initiative, 6,130 individuals of helping these people, consider
help and asking for a handout. If we were surveyed and 564 of them were in assembling a “Package of Love.”
travel the same roads each day, some Purchase an assortment of travel size
of these faces even become familiar. hygiene items like deodorant, lip balm,
We may never know their name or the sunscreen, toothbrushes, toothpaste,
story of what brought them there. Some razors, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene
of us will gladly give cash wanting items. Add to your package some snack
to help another with no judgment or bars or easy to carry food items, along
requirements of where that money with a pair of new socks. Get your kids
goes. Others may scorn these people for or grandkids to help you put these
begging and say unkind things out loud items in plastic bags and keep them in
or under their breath. Many more will your car. Then, the next time you see
just pass by and ignore them. someone less fortunate, give them a

But every single one of these people is Jefferson County. Of these 564 homeless package of love and let them know
a human being struggling to stay alive. persons: you care.
Many have experienced circumstances
that could happen to any of us. Imagine 62% were female This can be a very rewarding
living paycheck-to-paycheck and then 76% were families with children experience for not only the recipients
suddenly getting laid off or being 31% were newly homeless but the givers too. We may never know
unable to find a job that pays enough 82% were unable to pay rent or what that package might mean to that
to make ends meet. Imagine having an mortgage person, but it’s safe to say that there is
accident or getting sick and having little 75% lost their job or couldn’t find almost no one who could not use what
or no insurance to cover medical bills. work is in that package of love.
Imagine having mental health issues or
— Lisa Langley, David Robison

a substance abuse problem that you just 42% experienced relationship Other resources and opportunities to help:
can’t afford to treat. With no savings or problems or a family break-up
close family or friends to count on, these • Contact the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
people quickly find themselves at 303-293-2217 and ask how you can help, or visit
in too deep, falling into the their website at: www.coloradocoalition.org. This

organization provides homes, healthcare, childcare

despair that afflicts every city and support services for over 15,000 homeless
in this country. men, women and children each year. The Coalition
is a national leader in providing healthcare to

In the Denver Metro area, Colorado’s homeless and one of the largest
an overwhelming majority of developers of affordable and supportive housing in
the homeless become homeless the state.

because of a lack of affordable • In Jefferson County, call The Action Center (formerly
housing. In addition to the the Jeffco Action Center) at 303-237-7704 or visit their
4,000 people who move to website at: www. theactioncenterco.org. They provide
Denver each month, there is basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing
a shortage of 26,000 housing and provide pathways to self-sufficiency for Jefferson

County residents and the homeless.

units just in Denver alone, • Donate to your city’s local food bank.
according to a recent report
from the State Auditor’s Office. Even Create your own Package of Love • Start a community drive for needed goods in your
families who have previously been to share with those in need. neighborhood or at work.
able to afford a place to live are getting
pushed out as formerly affordable • Clean out a closet and donate unwanted items to
local organizations or keep coats, socks, hats and

gloves in your car and hand out as needed.

neighborhoods are beginning to gentrify Helping those in need in our community doesn’t have to involve a long-term
and prices increase. And, motels commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your day. Giving in simple ways
allowing week-to-week guests are not only makes our community a better place but it can improve your well-being
becoming too costly or unavailable. too. Everyone deserves love, compassion and understanding. Take the time to give

a little more and see what happens.

12 JeffCo Living • Winter 2016-17 • www.JeffCoLiving.com