By David Heitz / NewsBreak Denver
Correction: The story incorrectly reported the city approved the contract extension with Aloft. The council will discuss the issue on June 6, Councilmember Chris Hinds said. The story also incorrectly reported the amount of the contract from July through the end of December. It is for $2.4 million. Denver has spent $13.3 million to house people experiencing homelessness at Aloft since 2020.
(Denver, Colo.) A downtown Denver hotel might continue to house people experiencing homelessness at risk for COVID-19 at least through the end of this year.
City Council will consider the item at its June 6 meeting.
The city has spent $13.3 million since 2020 to house 140 people at a time at the Aloft hotel, 800 15th St. That's $13,300 per day for 140 rooms at $95 per night. The latest contract extension would be for $2.4 million from July through December.
The council also will consider a separate contract on the consent agenda for $644,000 to provide food service through the end of the year at the hotel. JBK Hotels, doing business as Aloft, will provide three meals per day.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless provides case management and mental health services at the hotel. The Salvation Army serves as shelter administrator. The council approved those contracts earlier this year.
"The population served at this location include individuals who are most vulnerable to negative outcomes if they contract COVID-19, including older populations and individuals with underlying health conditions," according to a staff report to council.
The hotel serves people who use wheelchairs or walkers, are on oxygen tanks, or have other severe health conditions.
People experiencing homelessness occupy several hotels in Denver. According to the staff report, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless recently acquired 113 units at a La Quinta. That puts the number of beds in Denver for those at risk of contracting COVID-19 at 563.
Comments / 55