LOST AND FOUND: Haunted mazes and scary treats P26
75 CENTS
October 12, 2017
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
Q&As with candidates: Learn more about those running for school board and Golden’s 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 BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Brenda Shepard stood in the gymnasium at The Rising Church in Olde Town Arvada. She was freshly showered, had a warm cup of coffee and folded clothes she recently picked out of the church’s racks, available to area homeless people and those living in poverty. Shepard, 48, was one of almost 30 individuals that utilized the new day center at The Rising Church the morning of Oct 3. “We’ve been coming to the day shelter for the last couple weeks,” said Shepard, who has been experiencing homelessness for the past three
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 the help of the church, I think that’s possible.” The Rising Church has long been an advocate for the homeless and in-need residents in Arvada offering services like Celebrate Recovery, a food pantry and clothing center, a blessing box — which serves as a mini pantry outside the church — and sheltering the homeless on extreme weather nights with snow over six inches or the temperature dropping to single digits. The church, which is private property, has also allowed many homeless in the Olde Town Arvada area to sleep on their property nightly. But with new SEE HOMELESS, P4
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.
SINGING PRAISES: Golden’s annual Mayor’s Awards event honors innovation P22
Contact us with information or story ideas at gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com.
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
‘We always see heroes stepping up, using their own bodies as shields to protect friends, running towards the gunfire to lead others to safety...’ Columist Michael Alcorn | P14 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 14 | LIFE: PAGE 26 | CALENDAR: PAGE 28 | SPORTS: PAGE 30
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VOLUME 151 | ISSUE 45