Denver, Colorado, a sanctuary city under Blue leadership, is now urging property owners to offer their homes to accommodate the increasing number of undocumented immigrants, as reported by Fox News.
The financial strain of supporting migrants has forced the city to make difficult decisions, including laying off government employees, reducing services, and recently, closing some shelters.
The closure of shelters has prompted city officials to request Denver homeowners to provide accommodation for the incoming “newcomers.”
This unusual request comes amid Mayor Mike Johnston’s announcement of a budget deficit exceeding $60 million for the city. Earlier predictions by Johnston indicated that expenses related to migrants would result in Denver facing a budget deficit of $180 million in 2024.
Johnson told Fox News in January, “We’re “very close” to a breaking point.” He blamed Republicans and former President Donald Trump for the influx of migrants and spike in crime impacting Denver.
Jon Ewing, the Director of City Human Services, informed Fox 31 that city officials are exploring “alternative methods to accommodate its undocumented immigrants.” One potential avenue under consideration is requesting local homeowners to sublet space within their residences.
“We put out a feeler to all the landlords we have connections with,” Ewing said. “Basically said, listen, we’re going to have some newcomers who are going to need housing.”
According to Fox 31, city authorities have reached out to rental property owners in Denver via email, inquiring whether they would consider renting to migrants in need of accommodation.
Denver property owners asked to rent to migrants https://t.co/qKfBroDL4F pic.twitter.com/qbH21J1BTg
— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) March 7, 2024
“We’ve got kind of a rent cap — $2,000,” Ewing said, adding that the immediate need was to provide shelter for approximately 4500 people.
Exactly how immigrants were to pay rental fees is not clear, but Ewing stated the city made arrangements to provide many of the migrants with work permits, “so they can earn an income and pay their way for accommodation.”
“1,300 people…over the last two weeks or so…have been able to help get their work permits,” Ewing said. “That’s a huge step.”
Denver’s request mirrors a similar appeal made by state-level officials in Massachusetts, who, just last month, urged homeowners to volunteer “to provide housing for undocumented immigrants.”
Additionally, Massachusetts officials asked residents to support migrants in finding employment, fulfilling transportation requirements, and enrolling children in school.
