Denver mayor, Regis University to dedicate new Safe Outdoor Space
Facility for those needing emergency housing moved to Northwest Denver Campus
Regis University is dedicating a new Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) at 10 a.m., June 10, to honor the people and partnerships involved in bringing humane shelter to the University’s Northwest Denver Campus. During the ceremony, Regis University President the Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J., will provide a blessing to honor SOS residents, staff and volunteers at the site located in a University parking area at Federal Boulevard and 50th Avenue/Regis Boulevard.
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock will speak at the event.
Working with Colorado Village Collaborative, the Saint Francis Center and the City and County of Denver, the 19,000-square-foot SOS site provides humane shelter for people needing temporary emergency housing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Regis site, which opened June 1 in a portion of parking Lot 6, will offer 24-hour staffed and secured shelter for up to 60 people who are screened and selected by service agencies. The facility will offer residents shelter, beds, food, wellness checks and assistance for finding permanent housing. The program is funded by Denver.
“Our community partners are addressing homelessness in a way that supports our unhoused neighbors and helps them find permanent housing,” said Jenna Farley, director of Community Relations at Regis. “We wanted to be part of that and we encourage other faith institutions and businesses to provide space, grace and compassion to support our unhoused neighbors.”
Another SOS location will open later this month in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver.