Denver to Put Homeless in Zoo During DNC
Woohoo! The Democratic National Convention is just over a month away and homeless people can barely contain their excitement. Why? Because they’re going to the zoo!
Not only that, but the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is also planning on scoring them 500 movie tickets as well as tickets for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. That’s fantastic because if there’s one thing that homeless people are deprived of, it’s being in touch with nature.
Now the naysayers out there are suggesting that this is just a cheap ploy to get rid of the homeless who would otherwise be in close proximity to the Pepsi Center, site of the democratic convention from August 25th-28th. But Colorado Coalition for the Homeless President, John Parvensky said that “A person who typically sits under a tree in a park that is now occupied by 1,000 protesters won’t have the peace and quiet they’re desiring.” He went on to say “Particularly those with mental illness can’t cope with crowds.”
Anyways, I think this is a great idea, as long as no mentally ill homeless people fall into the rhino habitat. Also, if you are at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and someone asks you for change at the dinosaur exhibit, you’ll know why.
photo credit: flickr
Tags: Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Democratic National Convenetion, Denver, DNC, Free Tickets, Homeless, Sirened, ZooRelated Stories
POSTED IN: 2008 Elections, Politics, Sirened, Stuff
9 opinions for Denver to Put Homeless in Zoo During DNC
first
Jul 17, 2008 at 4:32 pm
first!
Labels
Jul 17, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I think this is silly. I think it’s nice that the homeless people of Denver can have a safe and quiet refuge, however the zoo?! I realize that hotels are completely booked in and around Denver, but why not give the homeless a hotel voucher? Give them a bed, a shower and relief from the heat. Denver is doing what they can, “A” for effort.
Alex
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:20 am
Denver could put on a carnival and have all the homeless people participate. The kids of rich DNC members could throw balls and try to knock them into dunk tanks.
If not Denver, perhaps in Minneapolis for the RNC?
Shawn Marie
Jul 21, 2008 at 7:05 am
In actuality, homeless people do not gather at The Pepsi Center- though there are places along the Platte River, which isn’t super far from The Pepsi Center, for homeless people to set up shelter. It has been reported that The Secret Service will be sweeping this area during DNC 2008 and this is a process that is out of the hands of Denver. So, Denver is trying to protect the homeless who would not be seen at The Pepsi Center but could be in the path of securing its perimeters.
Also, the Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science are both located in City Park. City Park is one of the sites listed as a place to visit during DNC 2008 as the fountain that was built for the DNC in 1908 is being reconstructed for the Convention this year. If Denver were sending the homeless away to be hidden, I doubt it would be to a place that is being advertised as a DNC 2008 Sight Seeing Destination.
I agree it sounds funny to give homeless people tickets to the Zoo- but there is a good reason behind it.
Denver's Road Home
Jul 21, 2008 at 11:15 pm
A statement from the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless that clarifies the situation in Denver is available at:
A statement from the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless that clarifies the situation in Denver is available at:
http://www.coloradocoalition.org/Road_Home_Q_and_A
Alex
Jul 21, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Hey Shawn Marie, thanks for the Denver insider scoop.
You live there and write about the city so you know what’s up.
It’ll be interesting to see how many homeless people sell their zoo and museum tickets for say half price and go buy booze with it. And I’m not judging here because if I were homeless and had a choice between the zoo or booze, I would certainly choose booze! ;)
Alex
Jul 21, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Denver’s Road Home-Damn, I feel a bit guilty now.
The organization sounds like it’s doing some good work.
Shawn Marie
Jul 22, 2008 at 2:46 am
Don’t you worry, Alex. You keep doing your thing. The best way to get to the bottom of anything is as much knowledge and different perspectives as possible.
Sad state that booze may win, understandable, but a little sad! I will let you know if there is a booze update on this topic.
Alex
Jul 22, 2008 at 11:19 am
Cool, thanks a bunch Shawn Marie!
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