Key House panel approves $2 million to convert Denver hotel into housing for homeless

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette's request for $2 million in federal funds to help the city of Denver purchase the now-vacant Stay Inn Hotel in Denver and convert it into housing for the homeless cleared a significant legislative hurdle Monday and is now one step closer to being approved.

On Monday, a key House Appropriations subcommittee approved a multi-billion-dollar housing bill that will, among other things, fund various housing projects across the country.

The bill includes $2 million for the city of Denver to purchase and renovate the 95-room hotel located at 12033 E. 38th Avenue, $1.45 million for the city and county of Denver to help fund the construction of an additional 97 units of affordable housing in Montebello, as part of the Montbello FreshLo Project, and $3 million for Urban Peak, a local non-profit, to build a new shelter for kids experiencing homelessness in the Denver area.

All three of the Denver-area projects were included in this year's funding at the request of DeGette (D-CO), who submitted the projects to the committee in April for consideration and made clear that getting them funded -- to help those experiencing homelessness in her district -- was one of her top priorities.

"This is a big win for area that will provide some real relief to families in need," DeGette said. "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."

Once complete, the converted Denver hotel will be used as a shelter to provide housing to individuals and families in need for, at least, the first 24 months. After that, plans call for it to be converted, once again, to provide supportive housing for up to 150 residents a year. Supportive housing provides residents with more than just a place to sleep, it provides on-site mental and behavioral health support, and other services, all in one place to help put those who reside there on a path to permanently exiting homelessness.

DeGette requested the funding for the projects under the House of Representative's new rules that allow each member of Congress to request funding for up to ten local projects in their districts.

The bill approved Monday now heads to the full House Appropriations Committee for consideration where it's expected to be voted on as soon as Friday. After that, it will head to the full House for consideration before heading to the Senate.

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