Posts tagged homeless
Youth shelter gets remodeled and expanded
0April 10, 2013
BOULDER, CO. –Thursday, April 25th is the opening of a key youth resource, Boulder’ Runaway & Homeless Youth (RHY) shelter. The ceremony will begin at 10 am and self-guided house tours will follow the ribbon cutting to view the 2,200 sq. ft. expansion of the shelter which will serve unaccompanied homeless youth (ages 13-24). Featured speakers include Matthew Appelbaum, Mayor of Boulder; Suzy Ageton, City of Boulder Council Member; and Pat Coyle, the Director of the Colorado Division of Housing. A special proclamation in recognition of the Grand Re-Opening will be presented on behalf of John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado (by Karla Maraccini, Director of Community Partnerships for the Office of the Governor.)
“The Grand Re-Opening of our RHY shelter is significant in two ways,” says Jim Rianoshek, Executive Director of Attention Homes. “First, this fully funded $613,000 project reflects the spirit of generosity that exists here within our community. Anyone who has raised children or worked closely with teens, knows that it takes an extended family and community to raise a child. We are so thankful to the many individuals, businesses and organizations that have supported us every step of the way on this eight month construction project.”
“The second way,” Mr. Rianoshek goes on to say, “is that the renovation of our shelter – the only youth shelter in Boulder County - increases our capacity to provide emergency overnight shelter up to16 boys and girls per night (up from 10) and also allows us to serve 40 youth per day (up from 25) in our day drop-in program. Our hope, with continued community support, is to provide increased supervision and case management; improved mental and physical health care services; family mediation, and both educational and vocational support.”
Attention Homes provides comprehensive care and shelter to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth. In 2012, the organization served 530 youth in its RHY shelter, a 172% increase over the previous year. Through street outreach, day drop-in services and overnight emergency shelter, staff and trained volunteers seek to reduce the estimated 162 unaccompanied youth who are without safe shelter on any given night. While family reunification is the primary goal; when it’s not possible, Attention Homes finds transitional bridges to more permanent housing. In 2012, 81% of Attention Homes’ overnight shelter youth were able to return home to their families or became self-sufficient.
Bowes Spiegel Architects Inc. & Project Managers and Symmetry Builders, Inc. led the design and construction team. Major benefactors include the Wyss Foundation and Jackie Long, the City of Boulder Affordable Housing Fund, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Colorado Group, and The Steffens Foundation.
The public is invited to attend the Grand Re-Opening Celebration scheduled for Thursday, April 25th from 10 am – 12 pm. The Attention Homes Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter is located at 3080 Broadway Ave., Boulder, CO. RSVP by emailing sdavidson@attentionhomes.org. Street parking is available on Elder St., 13th St. and North Boulder Recreation Center. RTD stops at the shelter location. For more information about Attention Homes, call 303.447.1206.
About Attention Homes:
Since 1966 Attention Homes has provided opportunities for at-risk youth to change their lives. We offer safe shelter, community-based living and teaching of life skills necessary for an independent future. Attention Homes operates the only shelter for youth in Boulder County.
Photo Caption: Before and After photo of Attention Homes. Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter located at 3080 Broadway Ave., Boulder, CO. Photographer: Claire Clurman.
#####
~Claire
Claire Clurman
Outreach and Marketing Manager
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Demand for Shelter Soars in Boulder
0January 10, 2013
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
As of January 8, BOHO has provided safe, warm, legal sleeping to almost 5,500 guests on 57 nights of operation, an average of almost 97 guests per night. As of the same date a year ago, BOHO’s Emergency Warming Centers (EWC) had provided shelter from severe and stormy weather to fewer than 5,000 guests on 67 nights of operation, for an average of 75 guests per night.
Although our Fall weather was mild at times this year, we have had an unbroken sequence of severely cold and even stormy nights for over a month. BOHO’s EWC guests, homeless residents of Boulder, would not have had safe, warm and legal sleeping, as the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless has operated at or near capacity so far this season.
As we look ahead, we expect to provide EWCs virtually every night for another nine or ten weeks of harsh Winter weather. We have honed and polished our practices, and built up our reserves, trained our volunteers, and worked with the many congregations who provide facilities and support. We’ll still need your help as this time goes forward, providing a shelter safety net for the safety net to Boulder’s homeless residents.
Your support and donations have provided safe, warm and legal sleeping to BOHO’s EWC guests. There are more guests being served every night this year; the needs of the poor are increasing. Thank you for helping us to provide the fundamental human need of a safe, warm shelter for sleeping.
From BOHO BUZZ
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Boulder Attention Homes is our only Youth Shelter
0November 11, 2012
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
November is Homeless & Runaway Youth Awareness Month. Get Involved!
Did you know that at least 1,500 youth and young adults ages 12 to 25 are homeless in Colorado right now? A Point in Time Study in January 2012 found 165 unaccompanied youth homeless on just one night in Boulder County.
Attention Homes – a 47 year-old Boulder non-profit organization – is the only youth shelter in Boulder County. In 2012, the organization will serve more than 500 boys and girls in day and overnight shelter. November is Homeless and Runaway Youth Awareness Month.
On Thursday, November 15, Attention Homes will bring together 40 community and business leaders for the inaugural Sleep Out for Homeless Youth presented in partnership with First United Methodist Church of Boulder.
Participants will be spending the night sleeping outside on the lawn in downtown Boulder between Attention Homes’ office and the First United Methodist Church, near 15th and Spruce Street. They have pledged to each raise $1,000 for Attention Homes from friends, family and colleagues through their own online fundraising page. Sleep Out is expected to raise more than $40,000 to support Attention Homes’ homeless and runaway youth services.
Claire Clurman, Attention Homes
Phone: 303.447.1206 x125 cclurman@attentionhomes.org
Community Leaders Sleep Out To Raise Awareness for Homeless Youth
BOULDER, Colo. – On Thursday, November 15, Attention Homes will bring together 40 community and business
leaders for the inaugural Sleep Out for Homeless Youth presented in partnership with First United Methodist Church
of Boulder. Attention Homes – a 47 year-old Boulder non-profit organization – is the only youth shelter in Boulder
County. In 2012, the organization will serve more than 500 boys and girls in day and overnight shelter. November is
Homeless and Runaway Youth Awareness Month.
Participants will be spending the night sleeping outside on the lawn in downtown Boulder between Attention Homes’
office and the First United Methodist Church, near 15
th
and Spruce Street. They have pledged to each raise $1,000
for Attention Homes from friends, family and colleagues through their own online fundraising page. Sleep Out is
expected to raise more than $40,000 to support Attention Homes’ homeless and runaway youth services.
“The number of homeless youth in our community has increased by 166% over the past three years,” says Jim
Rianoshek, Executive Director of Attention Homes. “Sleep Out is an opportunity to raise awareness about and
funds for this critically important issue. By taking part in this event, these community and business leaders will
glimpse what life is like as a homeless youth by exposing themselves to weather and the uncertainties that come
from living on the streets. Our hope is that as they return the next morning to safe and warm homes, their jobs and
families, they will share a message of awareness and support for these local kids that need our attention and help.”
Sleep Out participants will arrive the evening of November 15
th
at First United Methodist Church and take part in a
simple meal donated by Pasta Jay’s before preparing to sleep out. Early the next morning, a light breakfast donated
by Illegal Pete’s and Moe’s Bagels will be served before departing back to work and home where participants are
encouraged to not shower or change in order to further heighten their connection to the experience of being
homeless. Award-winning photographer and multimedia/video producer Dana Romanoff will be recording the event.
Participants include:
Amanda Boyle, Marketing Team Lead, Google
Rev. Pat Bruns, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Boulder
Mary Estill Buchanan, Former Secretary of State of Colorado
Andrew Clurman, Chief Operating Officer, Active Interest Media
Larry Dennis, Founder, Dennis Printing Service and President of the Board, Attention Homes
Tina Di Scipio, Broker Associate, Prudential Real Estate of the Rockies
Steve Disbrow, Golf & Baseball Coach, PE Teacher, Boulder High School
Neil Di Muccio, Shift Supervisor, Starbucks
Jon Dorn, Senior VP, Outdoor Group, Active Interest Media, Editor-in-Chief Backpacker Magazine
Clay Evans, Contributor, Daily Camera
Fairview The Royal Banner Newspaper
Jeff Foltz, Attorney, Hensley and Kennedy PCAttention Homes I 3080 Broadway, Suite C I Boulder, CO I 80304 I P:303.447.1206 I F:303.447.0623 I www.attentionh omes.org
Deb Gardner, Boulder County Commissioner
Ann Goldman, Co-Founder, Front Range Source
Katie Green, Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Manager, Attention Homes
Jim Hayes, Senior Vice President, Van Gilder Insurance
Kevin Kelley, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Advisors
Rusty McCoy, Broker, RE/Max of Boulder
Jim McMaster, Software Engineer, Google
Chris Nelson, Executive Program Manager, Attention Homes
Rachel Overton, Residential Program Supervisor, Attention Homes
Jim Rianoshek, Executive Director, Attention Homes
Tara Sheahan, Co-Founder, Conscious Global Leadership
John Sheldon, Community Leader
Mark Spiegel, Co-Owner and Project Manager, Bowes Spiegel Architects
Paul Smith, Partner, Bryan Cave, LLP
Don Stensrud, Principal, Fairview High School
John Tayer, President, Public Affairs Center, LLC
Will Toor, Boulder County Commissioner
Ryan Van Duzer, TV Host, Adventurer, Filmmaker
A few Sleep Out spots are still available. To learn more about how you can participate go to
www.attentionhomes.org for information on how to sign up.
About Attention Homes:
Since 1966 Attention Homes has provided abused, neglected, homeless, runaway and at-risk youth comprehensive
shelter care and structured, community-based living while teaching them guiding life principles for a successful and
self-sufficient future. Attention Homes operates the only shelter for youth in Boulder County.
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CU-Boulder to honor vets through Veterans Week events Nov. 9-17
0November 9, 2012
The University of Colorado Boulder will honor the nation’s veterans, including CU-Boulder’s own faculty, staff and student veterans, through Veterans Week, beginning with a Nov. 9 Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. in the University Memorial Center’s Glenn Miller Ballroom.
The free, public ceremony will feature guest speaker Michael Dakduk, executive director of the national organization Student Veterans of America. A reception will follow in the UMC Veterans Lounge.
In the Marine Corps, Dakduk was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and to Afghanistan in 2007, where he earned military decorations for distinguished service in combat. He left active duty in 2008 and completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he organized student veterans on campus as a chapter of Student Veterans of America.
“We take this time to acknowledge and express gratitude for the sacrifices of those still serving and those who have served so gallantly and selflessly in our armed forces,” said CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano. “This weekend, we can each take a moment to reflect on how much we owe the silent heroes in our midst and reach out and thank a vet for this outstanding service. The University of Colorado Boulder joins the nation on this one day of the year our country has set aside to honor our veterans and acknowledge the legacy of their steadfast defense of our American ideals, principles and liberties.”
Also on Nov. 9, CU-Boulder will host Military Student Day to assist military service members interested in transitioning from military service to life as a college student.
CU-Boulder is home to about 650 student veterans and 250 faculty and staff vets, according to Michael Roberts, program manager of CU-Boulder’s Veteran Services office on campus.
“The Office of Veteran Services here at CU-Boulder continues to build a robust program supporting our veterans transitioning from the military to college and ultimately to the work force,” Roberts said. “We have a group of committed staff and faculty leaders who are eager to support our student veterans.”
Student veterans can visit the Student Veterans Center in the Center for Community building, room S482. The center serves as a one-stop shop to support student veterans.
One of the most sought-after services is help with the GI Bill, Roberts said.
“Most veterans are taking advantage of this great opportunity they earned while serving our nation,” he said. “The Post 9/11 GI Bill covers all in-state tuition and fees as well as providing a monthly living allowance. In Boulder, it is quite substantial — $1,500 per month while they are in school.”
The CU-Boulder Law School also recently opened the Veteran’s Legal Clinic to help unite the Colorado legal community and students at CU as they work together to develop a support system for veterans across the state.
Mark Fogg, president of the Colorado Bar Association and a Colorado Law alumnus, recognized the need for pro bono legal services in the veteran’s community in Colorado, said Andy Hartman, an adjunct professor and director of the experiential learning program at Colorado Law.
“The bar wanted to have veteran’s clinics in different cities throughout Colorado including Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction, and they wanted a program at CU-Boulder and the University of Denver to serve their student veterans and their families,” Hartman said.
Attorneys from the Colorado Bar Association work with student volunteers from Colorado Law to meet with veterans and address some of their legal questions. Neither party is financially compensated for their work, although it affords practicing attorneys and students the opportunity to fulfill their public service pledge to provide legal services that benefit the community.
Kevin Brown, a third-year law student at CU-Boulder and a former attack pilot for the Marines, has a vivid memory of the Veterans Legal Clinic’s first client.
“The very first person that walked into the clinic last November on Veterans Day was a homeless veteran that needed many different kinds of help,” said Brown. “To see a veteran who was homeless and in need and to watch the Colorado Bar Association and the volunteer attorneys come together and work to provide assistance and help to him was inspiring.”
Other campus observances for Veterans Day include:
Nov. 9, at 6 p.m., in Old Main Chapel
The CU-Boulder Veteran Services office will have a public viewing of the documentary “Veterans Day 11.11.11.” The feature-length documentary examines what it means to be a veteran in America through the stories of several men and women vets who served during times of peace and war.
Pat Woodard, the documentary’s co-executive producer and writer; Richard Deki, one of the veterans featured in the documentary; and Suzanne Popovich Chandler, a photographer whose work is featured in the documentary, will be present to interact with the audience during and after the film.
Nov. 14, 6-9 p.m., Old Main Chapel
A public showing of the documentary “The Welcome,” an award-winning film that offers a “fiercely intimate view of life after war: the fear, anger and isolation of post-traumatic stress that affects vets and family members alike.”
Nov. 17, 9 a.m., UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom
The annual veterans pre-game party honors CU’s military families as well as members of the military across the Front Range community. For more information contact the Veteran Services office at 303-492-7322.
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Boulder County quickly utilizing housing assistance vouchers for veterans
0November 9, 2012
Housing assistance staff hopeful success will lead to additional voucher awards
Boulder County, Colo. – After only four months, Boulder County has utilized nearly 70 percent of the federal vouchers it received earlier this year to provide rental assistance to homeless military veterans.
Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced an award of $229,620 to help coordinate housing and other crucial supports for chronically homeless veterans in Boulder County. The assistance is in the form of 25 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers which since July have been administered by the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services (BCDHHS) in partnership with the VA. As of Veterans Day 2012, 17 of the vouchers have been issued to homeless veterans. Of these, 11 veterans have been fully housed.
“Knowing how many homeless veterans we have here in Boulder County, I’m not surprised by how quickly these vouchers are being utilized,” said Willa Williford, director of BCDHHS’ Housing Division. “But it’s a great feeling to know we’re opening doors for people who really need help.” As of January, the homeless population count was nearly 1,800 individuals in Boulder County. About 10 percent of the county’s homeless are veterans.
Housing Assistance Program Manager Amanda Guthrie noted that the Department of Veterans Affairs has indicated Boulder County’s work with the VASH vouchers thus far has been excellent. “According to their feedback, we’re quite successful in part because we’re philosophically well-aligned to serve this population, making us strong candidates for additional funding in the future,” she said.
BCDHHS is able to link clients to a wide range of services, including food and financial assistance, health coverage, and housing counseling, among others. In addition to rental assistance, the agency has been working closely with the VA to help stabilize the formerly-homeless veterans and support them on a path to self-sufficiency.
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Silicone Love – The Yawpers Boulder band new music video
0August 6, 2012
by Boulder Channel 1
in Music
The Yawpers release this nice piece of work which celebrates assalt weapons, semi auto handguns, stealing money and alcohol from the homeless in some sort of twisted roller skating captain America hippie led zeplin nightmare. And the music vid has fat chicks. If you are a love-peace-neocom-newaged-sm techie, do not watch this!
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Boulder Street alcoholic found dead in creek
0April 27, 2012
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
Boulder police investigating body found in Boulder Creek
arly this morning, a passer-by walking along Boulder Creek in the area of 13th and Arapahoe called police to report a body in the water, near the bank.
The man was deceased. He was a homeless person known to police, but his identity is not being released until authorities can determine whether the man had any family who should be notified.
According to a homeless man who spoke to police, he and the deceased man were drinking with a small group of transients until the early morning hours. Around 4 a.m. the group split up.
Police were not called until 6:30 this morning, when the passer-by noticed the body.
At this time, circumstances do not appear to be suspicious. The Boulder County Coroner has been notified.
The police department press release does make the connection between the street alcoholic drinking by the creek and his body being found in the creek. This is not an unusual demise for this population. To say that they are homeless or transient is misnomer according to experts who work with chronically addicted street people. They are no more transient than the student population at CU or IBMers who work in Boulder on monthly contracts. To call them homeless implies that all homeless are like this.
Some homeless are situationally homeless because of loss of job. This is seen more and more in Boulder. Many of them do not have a drinking problem. They just need and want work. Some so called homeless are mentally ill and are on the streets because they cannot cope in society, but they all don’t have alcohol problems.
Nationally, approximately 70% of “homeless population” are adult males in a dominant addiction such as alcoholism. They are homeless by choice: ie they would rather fly a sign for drinking money and stay by the creek. The other 30% are out of work people and the mentally ill.
Alcoholism is a serious problem in Boulder for the “homeless” and the employed alike
In this rare press release, it is unusual that the Boulder Police department makes a connection between this kind of death and drinking, but it is more likely than not in most homeless deaths in Boulder.
Chronically addicted males on Boulder streets account for millions of dollars spent each year in emergency services, hospital services and homeless shelter services.
Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
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Watch Out For Boulder Boomerang Effect With City Park Ban On Homeless by Rob Smoke
0April 2, 2012
Someone needs to ask Boulder fire chief — county sheriff — city manager …
Rob Smoke, columnist
….DOES the possibility of increased wilderness usage by homeless people –
people who may have been affected or influenced by Boulder’s new rules
banning people from parks at night — indicate a higher risk of fire?
In fact, there’s no other conclusion that can be reached.
It should be pointed out that stating an increased risk is not bashing the homeless.
If someone is outdoors and physically exposed, and there are limited options,
a fire is something very useful, even if it is in violation of an ordinance.
Also, the circumstances that can lead to a campfire turning into a wildfire
can be as simple as leaving the fire unattended when it appears to be out –
and it’s a phenomena that need occur only in an extremely small fraction of all
instances of people using an outdoor fire to create a disaster, which is not to call homeless people
as a group “firebugs.”
If I’m not mistaken, the Fourmile and/or Dome fires were considered likely to have
been caused by outdoor campfires, according to sheriff Pelle.
The city of Boulder, and soon to be city of Denver, it appears, are enacting
ordinances which essentially ask homeless people to disappear.
One has to consider the availability of “disappearable” locations –
our wilderness areas comprise, geographically, the largest subset of
disappearable locations. It should also be noted, the new rules and
regulations — and the anti-camping ordinances — are essentially a violation
of civil rights, putting people in harm’s way without recourse.
Whilst officials tell their constituents they are “cleaning up” the homeless problem;
facts are, a wildfire caused by a homeless person who might have otherwise
stayed in a city park, without a fire, but closer to basic services –
would be a horrible boomerang effect — not a small price to pay for
relying on law enforcement to solve a social crisis.
People need to open their eyes — not because the homeless
somehow threaten to burn down Colorado, but because
the risk of fire is substantial enough that the only prudent thing
to do under these circumstances is everything in our power
to lessen risk. It would be one thing if every homeless
person represented a lost tree. The mathematics of the risk, in this case,
indicate that it could be one non-malicious homeless person out of thousands causing
the loss of a forest or homes or lives. That increased risk, in light of the new
laws, is a serious issue. The risk situation is analogous
to nuclear power safety. It’s perfectly safe, except when it isn’t.
Put another way, although many thousands of matches
may be lit that do not lead to a forest fire, it still takes only one lit match.
Another aspect, of equal concern I’m certain,
is that putting people into the wilderness — which is simply an obvious possible
result of the anti-homeless ordinances — exposes them to a spectrum of dangers.
People die out in the wilderness all the time for lack of food, water, warmth
or emergency medical services.
The immediate solution is to suspend enactment of ordinances
banning people from public places. If Boulder or Denver residents find the presence of homeless
people inconvenient or unpleasant, then solutions that don’t involve making them “disappear”
must be sought.
Rob Smoke is a political columnist for Boulder Channel 1 often writing about city politics. Rob is a critic and one man watch dog of the council and has been for over 20 years. He has been a writer and journalist for many local papers. Tuesdays nights he can be found at Boulder city council meetings.
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Boulder County: Housing hope for homeless vets
0March 30, 2012
Boulder County receiving federal grant to house homeless veterans
First-ever investment will also bring VA case management to Boulder County
Boulder County, Colo. – As a result of an interagency collaboration, Boulder County will receive $229,620 to help house homeless veterans. The grant, announced earlier this week, will come to the county in the form of 25 vouchers known as VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) awards.
The federal departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) are working together for the first time to simultaneously meet the immediate need for housing and the ongoing need for human services for chronically homeless veterans and their families. While this collaboration has been underway since 2009, this is the first time Boulder County has received the federal grant focused specifically on housing homeless veterans. 
Boulder County’s Department of Housing and Human Services (HHS) will administer the program. HHS Housing Division Director Willa Williford noted that the VASH vouchers come at a crucial time. “Boulder County has the second largest homeless population in the Denver metro area,” Williford said. “In the past five years, we’ve seen homelessness in Boulder County nearly double; the most recent count was almost 1,800 individuals. Many people are surprised to learn that 10 percent of Boulder County’s homeless are veterans, so while these vouchers just scratch the surface, they’re a welcome acknowledgement of the depth of need in our community.”
The Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services, in collaboration with Boulder Housing Partners and the Longmont Housing Authority, are working with the VA on a timeline for implementation of the vouchers and specifics around how the program will work. The VA also plans to place a case worker in Boulder County, and for veterans this will help ease the stress of needing to travel to Denver for services.
The VASH vouchers awarded to Boulder County are largely the result of advocacy at the federal level by Boulder Housing Partners. The grant is also due in part to strong support from Sen. Mark Udall and Reps. Jared Polis and Cory Gardner.
The Boulder County Commissioners have also been supportive of the effort. “This grant will help some of our veterans find a safe and affordable place to live,” Commissioner Deb Gardner said. “Creating that stability for people is a critical piece of the county’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness and we’re thankful for the collaboration that brought this program together. We look forward to working with all willing partners as we work to reduce and end homelessness.”
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Rob Smoke on Homeless and the city: Can’t we work together?
0February 18, 2012
Rob Smoke, columnist
Although I agree that there are “homeless” individuals in Boulder who might be regarded an eyesore,
“dangerous” when tangled with drug or alcohol abuse, the overall policies the city employs to “deal” with homelessness
are harmful to the entire community — wealthy homeowner, renter, student, or homeless person. It’s not a practical solution to the problem
of having homeless people present, to ask our law enforcers to chase them around and make sure they don’t sleep
in an inconvenient public spot.
Firstly, regardless of whether one imagines the local economy to be robust, or on the decline, or making a comeback –
statistics don’t lie: the numbers of homeless people in Boulder and in the Denver metro area continue to rise. As those numbers
have risen, the number of people on the margin has risen also — people who might be a paycheck or an unemployment check
away from being without shelter.
Asking law enforcers to “do more” — or, “clean up the problem” — is unfair. It’s unfair to the enforcers, it’s unfair to the community
of residents who see the problem growing and are paying for the enforcement strategy that continues to be a failure.
Is it a failure because law enforcement is not doing their job? No, that’s simply not the case — and in fact, it would be absurd
to negatively assess the police department for the job they are doing when people become homeless for a wide variety of reasons –
including injury or illness, job loss, or the entire variety of issues that homeless individuals have which include mental health issues
and substance abuse issues.
Peter Maurin, founder of the “Catholic Worker” movement, which established dozens of working community farms to feed the poor
in the 1930′s, wrote extensively in prose poem digest form of his belief that “What we give to the poor for Christ’s sake is what we carry with us
when we die.”
He wrote: “In the first centuries of Christianity, the hungry were fed at a personal sacrifice, the naked were clothed at a personal sacrifice,
the homeless were sheltered at a personal sacrifice. And because the poor were fed, clothed and sheltered at a personal sacrifice, the pagans
used to say about the Christians, “See how they love each other.”"
He believed that if only we expand our understanding, shift our perspective, we might get what the Pagan Greeks understood –
that “the poor are “the ambassadors of the gods”, and that to become poor is to become an Ambassador of God.
It’s sad to see the Boulder city council sit around and discuss the merits of ”camping tickets” or other measures
designed to control the behavior of ”the unwanted”, whilst all possible helpful solutions are either postponed or ignored.
I say, let’s get it together and accomplish a set of basic goals related to homelessness in our area, a problem
that needs to be addressed directly with specific actions that include creating more low-cost housing and temporary solutions
that lower the level of personal risk for people who do become homeless, and also other projects — like farms created
in the “Catholic worker” model which helped to feed thousands of people in need.
It’s not about advocacy for the homeless, it’s about honoring the basic human rights of people who do find themselves in poverty.
Rob Smoke
RS
Rob Smoke was the chairman of the Boulder City Council Human relations committee until he talked about “girls ” on his my space page. He is a columnist for Boulder Channel 1 news
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#boulder Emergency Warming Centers open tonight Jan.11 for homeless in sub freezing temps
0January 11, 2012
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
It is freezing cold tonight in Boulder. Many Homeless men , women and children will sleep outside by choice because of alcoholism or mental illness. Boulder PD make the rounds through out the night to check on these folks and to try to keep them from becoming a fatality. Twenty chronically ill people died due to exposure in Boulder in 20011.
By bohocommunity
Today, Wednesday, January 11, 2012, there will be an emergency warming center located @ St. Andrew Presbyterian Church– 3700 Baseline Rd (on Baseline & 37th)
Doors will open at 7 p.m.
The Free Bus will leave the Shelter between 7-7:15pm, stop at 11th & Walnut between 7:15-7:30 p.m., then go to the warming center.
Click here for info about the free HOP bus schedule–it runs Monday through Friday with one schedule and has a different schedule on Saturdays. It does NOT operate on Sundays.
RTD: 203 & 225
<hr>
View Larger MapIf you are under 18 years of age and need shelter Attention Homes is a good resource. Located at 3080 Broadway in Boulder (just half a block north of Broadway and Elder), Attention Homes’ facilities and programs are designed for youth. The SKIP bus can get you there. The phone number for Attention Homes is 303.447.1207. Please contact them. (You can read more about their services on this site here.)
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Boulder police say 1 homeless man dead, 1 injured and 1 held for murder
0October 28, 2011
Boulder police investigating early morning homicide
At approximately 1:20 a.m. today, Friday, Oct. 28, Boulder police responded to a 911 call that was traced to the 3100 block of Pearl Street. The caller told dispatch that he had been stabbed and the suspect was still on scene. Officers arrived on scene to find two stabbing victims in what appeared to be an abandoned shed being used as shelter. Both victims were transported to Boulder Community Hospital, one with life-threatening injuries. At approximately 9:45 a.m., police learned that this victim had died in surgery. The second victim is still being treated at BCH. The suspect was arrested on-scene and is currently at the Boulder County Jail.
Both of the victims and the suspect are homeless. Both victims are white males. One is in his late 20s. The homicide victim has not yet been identified. The suspect has been identified as Charles Waters, date of birth 9/14/55. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“The homeless often face dangers most of us do not have to worry about, and this is just another tragic example,” said Police Chief Mark Beckner. “There is no tolerance in our community for this sort of senseless violence. We are doing everything we can to build a solid case for prosecution.”
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Boulder police investigating fatal auto-pedestrian accident
0October 13, 2011
drunk homeless guys in street
Boulder police are trying to identify a white male pedestrian who was struck by an SUV while he was crossing 28th Street just north of Valmont around 7:22 p.m. The victim was not using a pedestrian crosswalk at the time of the accident. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died. It’s believed the adult male victim may be homeless. His exact age is unknown, but it appears he may have been in his mid-40s.
The victim was crossing the street with another man, and police believe they had been drinking with a group of men on the west side of 28th Street prior to the accident. No one in the group was able to identify the victim, and those witnesses have been uncooperative with investigators.
The female driver of the SUV, a Toyota RAV4, was traveling northbound on 28th Street. She did not see any pedestrians in the road before the accident. She showed no indications of impairment, and police don’t believe that speed was a factor.
The driver has not been cited, and the accident is still under investigation as police continue to work to identify the victim. The case number is 11-13325.
Anyone with information about this accident is asked to call the Boulder Police Department at 303-441-3315.
Some alcoholic homeless die while wandering drunk into traffic. It is the plight of the adult male homeless population in Boulder. Studies show that 70% of boulder homeless are adult male alcoholics.
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Capt. Underpants sues the city Again! Here we go Boulder
1September 13, 2011
In a recent phone call from Seth Brigham to Boulder Channel 1 news , he said that he had retained famed civil rights attorney, David Lane, and planned on suing the city of Boulder for arresting him again. Below is tonights email from Brigham and court documents for discovery. (In full disclosure David Lane is the personal attorney of Jann Scott and Boulder Channel 1 in matters of civil rights violations by the city of Boulder. Seth Brigham has been a columnist for Boulder Channel 1 and has produced videos for us)
Atty David Lane
Seth Brigham aka Capt Underpants
My lawyer requested all evidence from the prosecutor and from the police department files, has or had, three weeks ago!
The prosecutor has refused to release all the evidence! Nada, nothing.
Tom Carr is essentially the supervisor to the prosecutor.
My case is open, the charges have not been dropped.
My lawyer is filing a motion this week, but, I think one should wonder about our “Justice System” in Boulder and the ethics of our City Attorney, Tom Carr.
Why is it necessary? What is our City Attorney afraid of?
He was one who wrote up the most draconian Press Release concerning my arrest, and the charges against me regarding the “incident” on June 3rd, 2011.
A defendant may file a motion requesting a subpoena to call forth all witnesses and evidence that could favorably determine the outcome of the case, at no cost.
George Thomas, a professor of criminal procedure at Rutgers Law School in Newark, said he has not heard of a case where prosecutors denied a defendant all access to probable cause and doubts such a practice would be found constitutional.
He said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that probable cause must be present before a defendant can be arrested.
He said it is only logical that the defense should be able to challenge the adequacy of the probable cause.
And, I, Seth Brigham, have always maintained that I was arrested without probable cause, and, in fact, the police we’re abusing their positions, had no probable cause to question the homeless group, ID them and do background checks. And, in any case, I did not obstruct any police investigation.
For all of Tom Carr’s harsh rhetoric and lies concerning the case, no wonder he fears to release evidence yet received by my attorney, for example, taped interviews of two witnesses and photographs of the scene.
He is full of himself and was reckless with his statements. He spoke to my attorney in response to my attorney’s “upset” over the unethical nature of his Press Release.
He said he would not apologize or correct his statements in any way. I feel a need to redeem my name.
I’ve been able to find at least four witnesses that seem to have a recollection of the arrest much like mine.
The prosecutor, who told my lawyer that this deferred prosecution had no bearing on a possible civil suit I might pursue in the future, I find it disconcerting that she will now not cooperate.
TOM??? Do you have a response as to why you are circumventing my rights?
Seth Brigham
3383 Madsion Avenue #W225
Boulder, Colorado
80303
|
MUNICIPAL Court, city of boulder, state of Colorado Court Address: 1777 – Sixth Street, Boulder, CO 80302 Court Phone: 303.441.1842
Plaintiff: THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF BOULDER, by and on behalf of, THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, vs. Defendant: SETH RUBIN BRIGHAM |
COURT USE ONLY |
|
Attorney Name: Philip Bienvenu, 206 UCB, UMC 311 Boulder, CO 80309-0206 Attorney Reg. #: 10412 Attorney Phone: 303.492.6813 Attorney Fax: 303.735.5398 Attorney Email: bienvenu@colorado.edu |
Case Number: CR-2011-0009268-GE Division Courtroom |
MOTION FOR DISCOVERY |
Defendant in this case agreed to a Deferred Prosecution on 8-17-11. The following week, Defense Counsel informed the City Prosecutor that we wished to move forward with further discovery, in particular any contents of the case file maintained at the Boulder Police Department, whether or not those materials had yet been turned over to the City Prosecutor’s Office for its file. We are aware that such a separate file is routinely maintained in Municipal Court Criminal cases and the materials sometimes not turned over until the eve of trial. We were informed by the Prosecutor Ms. Michels that she considered the case files and materials no longer discoverable because the Deferred Prosecution is in effect. Defendant’s position is that the case has not been dismissed and is in fact subject to reopen on the Prosecution’s judgment call. There is nothing precluding continuing investigation and preparation for possible trial by either party to the case. We therefore maintain that discovery rights have not been waived or abandoned by the Defendant and should be honored as with any pending case not yet dismissed. The only way the Prosecution could cut off further discovery rights under the case would be full dismissal, which has not happened. Delaying discovery burdens and prejudices Defendant’s right to prepare for possible trial and to be ready should that eventuality become necessary. There can be no claim of prejudice or unfair burden on the Prosecution if this request is granted, because these are just rights the Defendant has in any pending criminal case, and concomitant duties of the Prosecution in any pending criminal case.
We therefore ask the Court to Order continuing discovery of all relevant materials in the case, including all material in the Police Department’s case file, including photos, interview tapes and/or notes, and all materials.
Respectfully,
_______________________________
Philip Bienvenu #10412
Attorney for Defendant
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Mark Gelband Platform for Boulder City Council
0August 29, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters,
I am proud to announce my candidacy for November’s Boulder City Council election. Thanks to all of you who quickly stepped up and signed my petition to get on the ballot. The real work begins now. We have eight short weeks to get the message out and your emotional, organizational, and financial support is critical to my success. Boulder needs a new voice on council. There is a growing chasm between the city’s aging leadership and the young families, young professionals, creative class and students who represent the future of Boulder.
Perhaps, some of you are thinking: Why did I receive this e-mail when I don’t live in Boulder, don’t know your platform, or don’t even know you all that well?
The easy answer is that I am reaching out to folks with whom I have felt a connection in my life. Whether you live in Boulder or not, I can still benefit greatly from your financial support, if you can afford the contribution and believe in me personally or in my vision for the city. Detailed contribution information is included at the end of this e-mail.
For those of you who need more information before committing your support, here are the critical issues that constitute my platform.
Open Space Access
The aging hippies currently running the show look nothing like the younger, progressive versions of themselves that supported citizen initiatives to create the Blue Line in 1959 and the Open Space program in 1967. We owe them for their past foresight, but their vision today is nothing like it once was. They’ve recently begun a campaign to “reclaim” shared recreational land with the mindset that we are loving nature “to death .” Current Council is prejudiced against dog owners and mountain bikers, with an anti-recreation mentality. Much of the open space we have all paid for is off-limits, with little or no access. Open Space is house poor with 47% of its budget spent on debt service. Why are we buying land in neighboring Jefferson County when we cannot even maintain the most precious resources outside our door? We need to refocus our priorities and better manage our open space, but the solution is not to deny access to the many people who have chosen Boulder as their home for its recreational opportunities.
Core City Services
Current council is challenged to manage a single council meeting, let alone the breadth of our core city services. We currently have a $700,000,000 dollar backlog in deferred maintenance projects and, yet, these folks seem to prioritize efforts such as prairie dog relocation, the minute alteration of snow shoveling ordinances to which they themselves are unable to adhere, and endless pontification about Arizona’s Immigration laws. We need leaders who will fix our potholed streets, who will plow side streets in the winter so that children can safely get to school, and who will address the traffic problems around town, libraries, public safety, decaying infrastructure and the growing homeless problem.
Homelessness
Boulder bears a disproportionate share of the county’s homeless problem. The county homeless shelter is in the city, and the city has become a “convention center” for chronic vagrancy and associated crime. We need to distinguish the working poor and the transitionally homeless in our community, and to ensure that they are first in line to receive the resources to help feed and clothe them, get them jobs and into affordable housing. But let’s confront chronic vagrancy head-on by actually enforcing the existing loitering, panhandling and public intoxication laws that are already on the books.
Overregulation
People in glass houses should not overregulate. Current Council “manages” meetings by restricting public input; this limiting approach to community involvement is just the tip of the iceberg. The council has now spent several decades implementing solutions in search of problems. As the city regulates and regulates and regulates, it continues to squeeze the working class. Their growing list of regulations is hurting those of us least able to afford it. For example, the city has 100 of 10,000 homes that are larger than 5,000 square feet (50% of them built prior to 1940) and, yet, our council has spent countless hours in the last few years developing an onerous, inflexible McMansion ordinance that has only served to ‘handcuff’ young families interested in expansion without relocation. The council’s “obsession” with controlling individual choices in the absence of a viable long-term city plan has led to a scary sort of Big Brother government.
I am interested in hearing your thoughts on the key issues that are facing Boulder and about proactive paths toward solutions. If you are unable to support me financially, maybe you would consider hosting a meet-and-greet, spreading the word about my candidacy, putting a yard sign up, or simply sending the campaign some good energy.
If you are in a position to help financially, Boulder campaign finance reform limits individual contributions to $100 per person. If you have a husband, wife or partner, and can contribute more than $25, it helps to receive two checks, one from each of you. This allows me to better access city matching funds, should I choose to go that route. I am currently working on a campaign website and should have it finished in the coming week or so. Until that time, I can only accept checks – payable to:
Gelband for Council – A Good Sign
Please mail checks to 505 College Ave, Boulder, CO 80302.
If you live locally and want to donate to my campaign, call me at 303-522-1192 and we can meet. Same limits and rules apply to locals.
mark gelband markgelband@gmail.com
