Cities » Denver
Facts and Figures
Denver has more than doubled in population since 1960. There are over 566,000 people within Denver’s 155 square mile area making it the largest city within a 600 mile radius. Denver has a diverse community with one of the countries largest Latino populations. The city is made up 52% White, 35% Latino, 11% African American, 3% Asian and 1% Native American.
In 2000 Denver was the 20th largest metro area in America, and has the 10th largest downtown area.
Denver also is the nation’s baby boomer capital, with the highest percentage of boomers of any major city, according to the 1998 U.S. Census.
Did You Know That…
Denver is known as the “Mile High” city. In fact, the 15th step of the capitol building is exactly 5,280 feet—one mile high.
Denver averages 300 days of sunshine a year making it a desirable place to live and vacation. It has more annual hours of sun than San Diego or Miami Beach.
Denver is the nation’s most highly educated city with the highest percentage of high school and college graduates.
Denver has the largest city park system in the nation; 205 parks in city limits and 20,000 acres of parks in the nearby mountains.
People, Problems, Issues
14.3% of the population and 10.6% of families in Denver are living below the poverty line. It is estimated that there are 4,700 people each year living on the street. The Metro Denver Homeless Initiative conducts a survey each year on homelessness. They found that on an average night there are 10,600 homeless in the entire Denver Metro area. Only 16% of those without shelter listed substance abuse as the cause of their situation. The MDHI states that the top reasons for homelessness are lost jobs, high housing costs and medical expenses.
It’s easy to quickly jump to conclusions about why people are living on the street. Despite stereotypes, 20-40% of all homeless hold part time or full time jobs. In 2000, there were 12,000 households in the metro Denver area on waiting lists for housing.
Another significant issue in Denver is teen runaways. The MDHI estimates that there are 960 homeless youth between 14 and 24 without shelter. Many of these young kids are unaccompanied and living on the streets. Almost half of these youth will struggle with some form of substance abuse. There are a few organizations working as advocates for these teens to help them find affordable housing and assist them in gaining life skills.
Insights on the City
by Keysha Boggess (Founding City Director)
Founded during the “Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush” of 1859, Denver has been called the “Gateway to the West.” It is a city that prides itself on being clean and active. If you look closely, however, you will find the same struggles and problems that affect any other urban area. Denver is struggling with issues like gentrification and homelessness is on the rise. People with low income are being displaced from their housing as the city continues it’s “urban renewal” programs. As it becomes more and more popular to live, work and play in the city property becomes very valuable. Sadly, it is the poor that are affected by this many times because they just don’t have a voice that is loud enough.
CSM Denver is proud to begin partnering with many agencies and ministries around the city that are willing to use their voice on behalf of those who are ignored or cannot speak for themselves. Everyone has a story and deserves a chance to share. When CSM participants visit Denver they have the opportunity to partner with several of these ministries. They will serve at places like the Denver Rescue Mission and be able to put a name to homelessness by serving and eating alongside the patrons.
Our desire for groups that come through Denver would be that they would be more than tourists for a week. We want them to reach out, touch and experience the city in unique ways. They may find themselves in touristy places like down along the 16th street pedestrian mall, but instead of shopping they will be looking for ways that they could meet a need from someone they might normally pass by.
We invite you to view a photo slideshow of some of the sights around CSM Denver!
CSM Ministry Site Sampler
Denver Rescue Mission is an emergency shelter and transitional housing. This ministry offers food, clothing and lodging to Denver's homeless. They have an overnight shelter with 200 beds for men. They also have 2 residential housing programs; one for men and families and the other for single women with children. Also connected to this ministry is their Harvest Farm which is a 100 acre rural rehabilitation program for men.
Urban Peak is a runaway youth service organization. This ministry provides homeless teens overnight shelter, food, clothing, showers and laundry facilities. They also assist teens with GED classes, obtaining ID's and counseling. Their goal is to help young people overcome homelessness.
Bridge Project is a year-long academic program that seeks to support kids living in Denver’s housing projects through tutoring, activities and mentors. The goal of the program is to assist youth in graduating high school and attend college or learn a trade. They are currently running programs in four housing projects and each center is housed in an converted housing unit based on-site. This allows the kids to come straight over after school and be close to home and also provides the Bridge Project with a consistent presence in each community.
Denver Urban Gardens was founded in 1985 to encourage community and neighborhood pride in Denver’s low-income areas. DUG is connected with over 80 gardens throughout the Denver metro area. The gardens not only produce food, but allow for a place of education and social interaction for the community. Many of the gardens also assist local soup kitchens and food banks by contributing fresh fruits and vegetables.
