Helping People Experiencing Homelessness or Extreme Poverty
LIGHTSHADE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PILLAR 1
There are a growing number of individuals in Colorado experiencing homelessness. Because of this, we’ve partnered with local organizations like the Gathering Place to provide support for people and families in Colorado experiencing homelessness, hunger, or extreme poverty. We’ve offered our time and dollars and have publicly committed to providing ongoing support. It is our hope that through this work we will inspire other Colorado cannabis businesses and consumers to make a pledge to provide assistance to this community in-need.
Organizations We Are Working With
The Gathering Place
Founded in 1986, The Gathering Place is the only daytime drop-in center in metropolitan Denver that serves women, their children, and transgender individuals who are experiencing poverty, many of whom are also experiencing homelessness. While we refer to those we serve as “members,” no fees are ever charged for programs or services.
We believe deeply in the power of our community and continually work to make it stronger. Our key values include recognizing individual strengths, building respect and trust, and offering unconditional acceptance.
Grant Street Reach
Grant Street Reach (“Street Reach”), formerly known as Grant Avenue Street Reach, has been serving the Denver community for over 25 years. Operating primarily as a Soup Kitchen, Street Reach provides over 800 hot meals every Monday to its clients. In 2015 alone, Street Reach served approximately 50,000 meals to its patrons. Aside from food service, Street Reach provides food (canned goods, fresh vegetables, and fruit), clothing, blankets, toiletries, diapers, and baby formula to its clients.
The Denver Rescue Mission
We are committed to helping people who are experiencing homelessness and addiction in our city change their lives.
As a rescue mission, our primary goal is to see these lives transformed through personal accountability, education, spiritual development, and community relationships. Thanks to the partnership of our donors and volunteers, we meet the needs of people suffering in poverty and homelessness through emergency services, rehabilitation, transitional programs, and community outreach.
Senior Support Services
Senior Support Services is Denver’s only day center for hungry and homeless seniors. The day center is a safe place to spend time, socialize with others, and participate in activities. SSS:
- provides meals, food and clothing banks, computer and internet access, transportation
- helps clients get housing, benefits, rent and utility payments, financial counseling
- provides access to medical care, health screenings, mental health care
Colorado Homeless Families
We provide a long-term transitional housing program for working families who are homeless or at imminent risk of being homeless. CHF offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to focus on your goals for the future and to jump-start your life.
Aurora Warms the Night
Aurora Warms the Night (AWTN) shelters those experiencing homelessness in the winter when temperatures reach 20 degrees or colder. Year round services include meals, warm clothing, hygiene items, transportation to shelter, laundry vouchers, bus passes, partner agency referrals, and advocacy. We operate these services in order to ensure families and individuals meet their most basic needs, learn new skills, and access resources to transition out of homelessness.