As we settle into spring here in the Mile High City the snowy and cold days of winter are pushed to the back of our minds. Warmer days are ahead. But, here at Denver Rescue Mission, we have a stark reminder of winter’s vengeance.
During the extreme cold snap that hit Colorado this past February the main fire suppression sprinkler on the top floor of the 4-story tower at The Crossing froze and exploded, leaking water all the way down the interior of the building.
The Crossing is located on Smith Road in the Park Hill neighborhood in Denver, and the tower is a section of The Crossing that is home to 90 men in our New Life Program (NLP). It also houses staff offices, classrooms, computer labs, and laundry facilities. Thankfully everyone got out of the building safe, a little wet, shaken and cold, but safe!
The Crossing’s main building includes rooms for STAR Transitional Program participants, The Crossing Café, The Denver Broncos Youth Center, staff offices, and more.
“The Tower” sits behind The Crossing’s main building and includes rooms for 90 men in our New Life Program, staff offices, classrooms, computer labs, and laundry facilities.
The Clean Up Continues, and so Does the New Life Program
Emergency disaster crews started the cleanup process within days. The men were able to gather their important personal belongings and the building has been closed since that evening.
Our NLP participants were immediately moved to a nearby hotel that night. Soon after we worked with another local hotel to secure rooms for the men long-term. This location offers meals on-site and conference rooms where classes, Bible studies, counseling, and other programming can continue. Our amazing program staff are also working out of the hotel and didn’t skip a beat with continuing the program
Renovating a Building and Still Restoring Lives
The mitigation and renovation process is anticipated to last several months. Discussions with our insurance company and contractors are ongoing, and while we expect most expenses will be covered by our policy, the situation is very fluid, and there may still be a financial impact on the Mission.
More importantly, please pray for resiliency for our program men and our staff. In a year full of challenges, this new one comes with many logistical issues our participants will have to endure as they strive to overcome their addictions and rebuild their lives. As always, our staff has responded with love and compassion in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Since 1892 the Mission has depended on God for guidance and provision, and we will continue to do so in the face of this difficult situation. Thank you so much for your partnership. We cannot do this life-changing work without you!
Written by: Alexxa Gagner, Director of Marketing & Communications
