Congress hopes to pass a $1.7 trillion government funding bill by the end of this week to avoid a federal shutdown, and $24.2 million of that money would go to Denver.
Colorado's Democratic House and Senate members submitted funding requests for the state, which is set to get $178 million overall when the bill passes.
The $24.2 million in funding for projects in Denver include housing, food access, transit, mental health support and more.
"We need all hands on deck to help those experiencing homelessness in our community," said Rep. Diana DeGette, who represents Denver, in a press release. "These projects will make more housing and health care services available in some of our most underserved communities. And while they alone will not solve all the issues facing our community, these projects will provide critical assistance to so many in our area who desperately need some help."
Here's what will get funding in the city:
- $4 million to housing non-profit Warren Village, to build 74 low-income apartments for single-parent families in southwest Denver
- $4 million to Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, to buy and convert Clarion Hotel into housing for people experiencing homelessness
- $4 million to Regional Transportation District to rail and other equipment replacement
- $2 million to Servicios de la Raza for a community center to serve low-income people in Barnum
- $2.2 million to Denver Health and Hospital Authority to provide oral health and imaging care to underserved communities
- $1.2 million to Food Bank of the Rockies for coolers and freezers to store food in Montbello
- $1 million to Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver to build six homes in Villa Park
- $1 million to Tennyson Center for Children to finish building a mental health treatment center in North Denver for low-income kids with disabilities
- $750.000 to We Don't Waste to expand food-recovery programs for low-income families
- $750,000 to the City and County of Denver to build a center at the Central Library for technology and support for underserved youth
- $750,000 to the City and County of Denver for 16th Street Mall revitalization
- $413,940 to Urban Peak for services during its new homeless youth shelter
- $183,486 to Inner City Health Center to replace medical and dental equipment at its clinics helping underserved communities in North Denver
The Senate could vote on the bill as early as Wednesday. Once it passes the House, the bill will head to President Joe Biden's desk to sign into law.
