Denver's Homeless Services Face Crisis as City Withholds $5M from Salvation Army
A growing crisis in Denver's homeless services system is threatening to impact thousands of Colorado families as The Salvation Army, one of the state's largest homeless service providers, operates without payment while serving up to 1,800 people daily, including 300 children each night.
The organization, which has served Denver's homeless population since 1887, is currently owed over $5 million by the city for services already provided in 2025, creating what Salvation Army spokesperson Jennifer Forker describes as "financial hardship" and "cashflow problems."
Impact on Denver Metro Communities
The funding delay affects multiple facilities across the Denver metro area, including:
- Crossroads shelter serving over 1,000 individuals annually
- Lambuth, Tamarac, Stone Creek and Aspen hotel shelters
- Family housing programs supporting hundreds of Colorado children
"We shelter dozens of families, including about 300 children every single night. We're helping children to get vaccinated and to attend school," Forker explained. "We're helping their parents find housing and jobs. This is critical work we're doing."
Safety Concerns and Oversight
The funding dispute comes amid growing scrutiny over shelter conditions. According to the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, twenty-five deaths have occurred at "All In" shelters operated by The Salvation Army, prompting calls for increased oversight.
Mayor Supports Organization Despite Challenges
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston continues to back the organization's efforts:
"We are a better city today for the efforts of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army performs a difficult job at an extremely high level."
"We are a better city today for the efforts of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army performs a difficult job at an extremely high level."
Future Uncertainty
The city is now considering competing proposals to run Denver's shelters in 2026, potentially ending a century-long partnership. This transition could significantly impact homeless services across the Front Range, as few organizations have the capacity to manage such large-scale operations.
For Colorado families seeking homeless services or looking to support local shelter programs, the situation creates uncertainty about the future of vital community resources that thousands of our neighbors depend on daily.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
