The state of Colorado is giving Denver an additional $1 million to support migrants coming to the city. That's on top of the $1.5 million Denver's already received from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
The city got the money through an application process through the state, and City Council approved it Monday. The money covers unbudgeted expenses incurred in sheltering and providing emergency services for migrants coming from the border.
Denver has spent more than $4.8 million as of Jan. 20 on its migrant response, according to city documents related to the grant. The city has paid for shelter, case management, translation, medical care, transportation, staffing and more.
The city also shifted workers from other departments and used two rec centers -- Rude and Central Park -- as emergency overnight shelters. Both have reopened to the public.
The state money comes in addition to donations, such as the more than $300,000 raised through a fund in partnership with Gov. Jared Polis, Mayor Michael Hancock and the Rose Community Foundation, as well as clothing donations from community members.
While more than 200 people arrived in Denver on some days in December and January, arrival numbers have dropped in recent weeks, often with only a handful of people arriving each day. More than 1,000 people who recently arrived are currently being sheltered in hotel rooms and at private partner shelters.
