Social Justice

Social Problems Prevelant in Denver

1. Poverty - The high cost of living in Denver contributes to 20.3% of people living below the poverty line in 2016.

2. Substance abuse - Local non-profits, especially the Denver Rescue Mission, work to treat substance abuse issues by implementing programs towards rehabilitation.

3. Education - Denver is one of the most educated cities in the United States with the greatest percentage of high school and college graduates.

4. Unemployment - Surprisingly 10th lowest unemployment rate in 2016, 4.2%, compared to 15% in the first half of 2012.

Sources of Power (that should be used) to Overcome Social Problems

1. Government

What roles can and should the government play?
- Example of what Denver government is doing:
  - The Denver Commission to End Homelessness, created by Mayor Hickenlooper, has created a ten year plan, "intended to be a catalyst for action by the community (of Denver) to come together to end this epidemic." Their goal is to completely eliminate a homeless population in the city and put everyone in transitional, eventually permanent, housing.

2. Non-profit organizations

Denver Rescue Mission, Food Bank of the Rockies, Habitat for Humanity Restore
- Denver is home to numerous non-profits that work to help homeless individuals with all necessary resources they may need. It is estimated that Denver has 4,693 homeless individuals, and each person requires numerous resources for their daily life. These organizations work tirelessly to provide food, housing, transportation, counseling, and additional resources.

3. Volunteers!

The positive impacts of motivated individuals truly make a difference! No volunteer is insignificant.
- Non-profit organizations rely on volunteers for much of their operational work. Volunteers are active citizens who address the issues they observe in their communities. These active citizens empower themselves and those around them to work for the greater good.

Community Assets Within Denver

We define a community asset as anything that can be used to improve the lives of members of a community. Examples may include:

Any person can become empowered & create positive change

Bobby and his work with The Denver Rescue Mission
Allen and his work with The Food Bank of the Rockies
Millard and Linda Fuller, founders of Habitat for Humanity

Physical structures and places are also community assets we recognized in the Denver community

Some general physical assets in any community are schools, churches, libraries, recreational facilities, and cultural organizations.
Physical structures we had the ability to explore were the Denver Public Library, YMCA, Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Ampitheater, and the Washington Park Community Church.

Community service can also be an asset built through volunteers and those willing to be active citizens. We participated in this asset building on our trip when we visited the Denver Rescue Mission, Food Bank of the Rookies, and Habitat for Humanity, Restore.

Business can help provide jobs and support to the local economy, employing those who may be facing homelessness or other social issues.

Public transportation, shopping malls, recycling centers, schools, churches and many other public gathering places may also be considered part of community assets that help improve the betterment of those living there.

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