Panel Approves Conversion of Hotel for Homeless Housing

On Monday, a subcommittee of House Appropriations approved of a multi-billion-dollar housing bill that will be used to fund many ventures, including housing projects all over the United States.

U.S. Representative Diana DeGette has requested $2 million in federal funding in order to purchase a vacant Stay Inn Hotel in Denver and convert it into housing for the homeless. One of DeGette’s top priorities has been providing resources for people experiencing homelessness in her district. This new renovation will allow for the City of Denver to start providing protection and security for its citizens without a roof over their heads.

Once the renovations are complete, the Denver hotel will be able to provide shelter and housing for individuals and families. For the first two years, it will be used as a shelter for those in need, but after those two years, the building is scheduled to be renovated once again. After the building is converted once again, it will be able to provide housing security for up to 150 residents per year. Additionally, residents will have access to services such as on-site mental health and behavioral health support, as well as other services to help residents combat and eventually leaving homelessness.

“This is a big win for area that will provide some real relief to families in need,” DeGette says. “Every, single person in our community deserves to have a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep at night. These projects will make more beds, more rooms, and more affordable housing available to those who need it.”

The bill has been approved as of Monday, but still needs to go through full House Appropriations Committee, where it will be considered and voted on as early as Friday. If it passes after that, it will be sent to the full House and eventually the Senate.