We’ve all heard the rumors about Denver hiding the homeless for the DNC.  Many organizations in our community are working tirelessly to end homelessness through Denver’s Road Home, and our work to help individuals who are homeless will not end during the DNC.  So, check out the list below.  It’s what you need to know and what the facts are.  Feel free to blog your feedback.

• Denver’s Road Home (DRH) is working to ensure that people are safe and treated well during the DNC.  We’re treating the homeless as we have been for almost three years.  We are, and have always been, committed to ensuring everyone has a safe place to be.  During the DNC, Denver’s Road Home will expand outreach services to get the homeless connected with services and shelters. DRH is also working with providers to expand facility hours, both day and evening, and to provide special programs for homeless youth.  DRH is also working closely with the Denver Police to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people on the streets.
• We see the DNC as an opportunity to engage the homeless in the political process.  DRH is working with several providers to register the homeless to vote and to provide convention-viewing opportunities for the homeless.  
• The DNC is a great opportunity to educate our community and the nation about the plight of the homeless.  Denver’s Road Home will be working to raise awareness about homelessness among convention delegates and the general public, just as we have with other large-scale events that have come to Denver. 
• Denver’s Road Home was here before DNC and will be here long after the convention is gone.  Denver’s Road Home has been in place for almost three years, long before Denver was chosen to host the DNC.  It is a comprehensive, long-term plan designed to put people into housing while addressing the underlying causes of homelessness.  Because it is a ten year plan, it will be in place for many years to come.
• We’re not hiding the homeless, we’re housing the homeless.  Ensuring the homeless have short- and long-term housing has always been the priority of Denver’s Road Home.  This is not new for the DNC.  Service delivery will be “business as usual” with a few extras during the convention to make sure everyone wanting shelter has a place to go.