Homeless Sweep at Civic Center Park

Piles of people’s belongings were strewn about and crowded the sidewalks at Civic Center Park in Denver on Wednesday, July 29. Children’s coloring books, clothes, and non-perishable food was left behind to be disposed of. City clean-up procedures, better known as “homeless sweeps,” took place beginning at 7am, with zero warning to those who were living inside the encampments outside the capitol. Bright and early, individuals camping at the park were woken up by announcements telling them to pack up and leave, immediately.

“I just think this is the wrong way to do it,” protester Bob Frichteol explains. “There’s a right way to do this. But it takes longer, and more time. Thats why they didn’t bother.”

During the State of the State address, Governor Polis announced on July 23 that officials “are welcome to come onto our property and remove tents.” Notices were posted on trees and fencing surrounding the encampment stating, “The area defined below presents a public and environmental health risks due to unsafe conditions associated with pest activity, harborage conditions, human waste and trash accumulation.”

These notices had been posted the same day as the clean up took place.

The CARES Act, an executive order made by Governor Polis stated that, “$10 million from the coronavirus relief fund would go to homeless prevention and shelter aid for those without housing.” The act also states that landlords must give tenants 30 days notice before eviction. Yet, the 30-day grace period is set to expire August 25 and few know what the next steps are going to be to prevent more people losing access to safe and reliable housing.

“We’re just trying to clean it up,” officer J.R. Owens said.

Transportation from the park to the National Western Complex was provided by the city to those who were camping outside the capitol via busses. The Auxiliary Shelter at the National Western Complex is scheduled to close August 15 due to an expiring license agreement with the Western Stock Show.

“July 28 the Denver Outreach Collaborative provided outreach services at Lincoln Park concurrent, with notification from Denver Park Rangers that the area would likely face closure soon,” wrote Communications Director Derek Woodbury. The Outreach Collaborative provided outreach assistance for COVID-19 testing July 22 and results July 27 to the homeless.

The Denver Rescue Mission reported the busses were supposed to arrive at 2:00 p.m. on July 29 and there was only one person documented as using the transportation services that were available.

There is a protest planned for July 30 for an all day event at Civic Center Park for those who want to stand in solidarity with folks experiencing homelessness and being forced out of downtown.

The city contacted OUT FRONT and requested that a statement be added which points out what additional steps were taken in advance to connect with individuals staying at the encampment. They said:

Shelter and service providers from the Denver Street Outreach Collaborative provided outreach assistance for COVID testing July 22 and informing of results on July 27.
On July 28 the Denver Street Outreach Collaborative provided outreach services at Lincoln Park concurrent with notification from Denver Park Rangers that the area would likely face closure soon.
- This outreach included informing those encamped of available shelter options and was assisted by availability of chartered bus transportation to safe, available, 24/7, and permitted shelter options at the National Western Center and Denver Coliseum.