LOST AND FOUND: Haunted mazes and scary treats P18
FREE
OCTOBER 12, 2017
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
Q&As with candidates: Learn more about those running for school board and Arvada City Council P6-11
Steve Byers, pastor of The Rising Church in Olde Town Arvada, talks with a newly homeless man getting services at the church’s new day shelter. PHOTO BY SHANNA FORTIER
Shelter network moves forward in Arvada Program to help homeless get through winter nights still needs volunteers
months. “It’s very nice because they have a hot meal for you every day.” Shepard found herself homeless when things slowed down at her self employed business. She currently sleeps in a tent with her fiance. “We’re trying to find work and get off the streets,” she said. “And with BY SHANNA FORTIER the help of the church, I think that’s SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM possible.” The Rising Church has long been an Brenda Shepard stood in the advocate for the homeless and in-need gymnasium at The Rising Church in residents in Arvada offering services Olde Town Arvada. She was freshly like Celebrate Recovery, a food pantry showered, had a warm cup of coffee and clothing center, a blessing box — and folded clothes she recently picked which serves as a mini pantry outside out of the church’s racks, available to the church — and sheltering the area homeless people and those living homeless on extreme weather nights in poverty. with snow over six inches or the Shepard, 48, was one of almost One in four the Colorado can’t afford to heat to or single light their temperature dropping digits. 30 individuals that utilized new households The church, which is private property day center at Thehomes. RisingBecome Churcha the HEAT HERO and join with Energy Outreach Colorado, has also allowed many homeless in morning of Oct 3. to protect families and seniors from being left in the cold. Your the Olde Town Arvada area to sleep on “We’ve been coming to the day generous gift can keep your neighbors’ homes warm. But and with bright.new their property nightly shelter for the last couple weeks,” said Shepard, who has been experiencing homelessness for the past three SEE HOMELESS, P2
YOU
can protect a family from choosing between food and heat.
YOUR superpower is warming hearts.
ABOUT THE SERIES Colorado Community Media will explore in an occasional series throughout the year why homelessness is growing in Jeffco, how homelessness is affecting communities, the faces of the homeless in our communities, and what churches, social workers, law enforcement and community leaders are doing to help find solutions. The Homeless in Jeffco series will continue, with future stories exploring the role housing prices are playing, and how area homeless service groups are working to improve the regional situation.
BEST IN BIZ: Arvada’s annual chamber awards P4
Contact us with information or story ideas at gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com.
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stepping up, using their own bodies as shields to protect friends, running towards the gunfire to lead others to safety...’ Columist Michael Alcorn | P12 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 18 | CALENDAR: PAGE 20 | SPORTS: PAGE 26
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VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 20