Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Michael Hancock are partnering with the Rose Community Foundation to launch a fund to support migrants coming to Denver.
The past few weeks, Denver has opened emergency shelters and issued a state of emergency to respond to hundreds of migrants arriving in the city. The migrants have largely arrived from El Paso, Texas, which has struggled to serve the many people fleeing South and Central America.
"Here in Colorado, we believe that people fleeing oppression and persecution should be able to safely and humanely find their way to freedom," said Governor Jared Polis in a statement about the fund Thursday.
In a statement on the fund, Hancock said that the number of migrants arriving is straining city resources, and that the fund will help Denver respond.
The Rose Community Foundation is a community organization that supports justice and equity oriented programs in the Greater Denver region. Donations to the Newcomers Fund will go to nonprofit and government groups providing shelter, basic needs, transportation and legal services for incoming migrants.
"The generosity and resilience of Coloradans shines through as we come together to welcome and support those fleeing oppression," Polis said. "I hope even more Coloradans choose to step up, join in this work and support the Newcomers Fund."
The fund comes in addition to the $1.5 million the Colorado Department of Local Affairs awarded the city Wednesday at the request of Hancock to help the city respond. In addition to the fund, people can donate winter clothing and other necessities. Denver is also hiring short-term workers to staff emergency shelters.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify the work of the Rose Community Foundation.
