The Mile High United Way Conference Center will be transformed into an overflow day shelter
 
Denver, CO – Mile High United Way and St. Francis Center have teamed up to serve more individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. Mile High United Way will transform their currently unused Conference Center into an overflow day shelter that will be staffed by St. Francis Center and made available for their guests.
 
The overflow day shelter at Mile High United Way will be activated when St. Francis Center has reached capacity, often on days when it is cold or inclement weather. Following social distance guidelines, the Conference Center has ability to serve up to 50 guests, seven days a week, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
 
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not only has St. Francis Center seen an increase in need, but with the cold weather months, we knew we needed to come up with a solution,” said Tom Luehrs, Executive Director, St. Francis Center. “We have a long history of partnering with Mile High United Way, and we are grateful they were willing to think outside the box with us to serve our community members who are experiencing homelessness. This arrangement will allow us to serve more individuals and families, especially when we have inclement weather.”
 
“When St. Francis Center came to us with this innovative idea, Mile High United Way was proud to say yes without hesitation,” said Christine Benero, President and CEO of Mile High United Way. “Our 211 Help Center has been on the frontlines of the pandemic, and we have seen firsthand the immense need in our community. With an empty and unused Conference Center due to the pandemic, this is another emergency and basic needs resource we can provide to our community. This is truly living united, and when a building is more than a building.”
 
Mile High United Way plans to offer this space to St. Francis Center through the cold weather months as long as the pandemic continues.
 
 
About Mile High United Way
Working side-by-side with the community, Mile High United Way takes on critical human services issues facing our seven-county footprint including the Metro Denver, Boulder and Broomfield communities. Our united approach changes the odds for all children, families, and individuals in our community, so that we all have the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at unitedwaydenver.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayDenver
 
About St. Francis Center
St. Francis Center is a nonprofit institution with roots in the Episcopal Church. It has been a place of refuge for people experiencing homelessness in Metro Denver for more than 37 years, offering a wide array of programs to guide individuals transitioning from homelessness to stability. As a multi-service organization, St. Francis Center focuses their efforts in four key areas: day shelter to meet immediate, basic needs; permanent, supportive housing and case management; employment services offering specialized career training to ex-offenders; and outreach to those living on the streets. Visit www.sfcdenver.org for more information.