Denver is opening La Alma Recreation Center’s showers to people experiencing homelessness two mornings a week

The pilot program is set to last until Dec. 21

Ryan Langley skates before the La Alma Murals by Emanuel Martinez at the La Alma Recreation Center, 11th Avenue and Osage Street. Sept. 11, 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Donna Bryson

Oct. 18, 2018, 2:37 p.m.

A workforce development nonprofit and homeless advocates are providing attendants. The city the plumbing. Local hotels the soap.

All to give people experiencing homelessness a place to get clean.

In a statement Thursday, Denver’s Road Home — which coordinates homeless services in the city — and Denver Parks & Recreation announced the pilot at La Alma Recreation Center, where men will be able to shower on Monday mornings and women on Friday mornings.

“For many of us, a warm shower provides renewal and dignity each day and can be something we easily take for granted,” said Chris Conner, director of Denver’s Road Home.

Bayaud Enterprises, the workforce specialist that also helps homeless people wash their clothes with a Laundry Truck, and the Denver Street Outreach Collaborative are supporting the pilot with laundry as well as staffing. Hotels are donating hygiene items.

John Martinez, parks deputy executive director of recreation, said the pilot scheduled to run until Dec. 21 was meant to demonstrate that “a manageable solution” is possible. Several nonprofit agencies, including the Denver Rescue Mission, St. Francis Center and Dry Bones already offer shower facilities for people experiencing homelessness.

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