Denver's street newspaper that employs homeless people is struggling to stay afloat

DENVER — A Denver street newspaper that employs people experiencing homelessness is struggling to stay afloat.

The Denver VOICE said the company ran into financial difficulties after failing to receive grants due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit is now having difficulty printing its monthly issues.

“But this is different because we can’t pinpoint it to just one thing. It probably goes back to 2021 or 2022 when we didn't get much money. We got a lot of the grants that we had gotten in the past. “I’m not coming back. [There was] just a lot more competition,” said Elisabeth Monaghan, editor-in-chief of The Denver VOICE. “So I think it was the reality that that could be it.”

People experiencing homelessness can work as salespeople for the newspaper. The money they earn from selling newspapers can then be used for housing, medicine or food.

Without a monthly expense, Denver VOICE says there is no source of income for the people who need it most.

“For many people, this is how they make money. And it's not just about the money they make, but also about the relationships they have with their customers and the community. It's about how they feel connected to the outside world,” Monaghan said.

Raelene Johnson has worked for the newspaper since January 2008. She can't imagine the idea that the Denver VOICE could go out of business.

“I would rather do that than approach someone [say] “I got change” or holding up a sign because the newspaper gave me a job without caring what would take me from 9 to 5. And then I was able to build the paper for myself to build myself – appreciation, self-esteem, self-confidence,” Johnson said.

Before working for the street newspaper, Johnson lived under a bridge in Boulder and didn't graduate from high school. At the time, she believed she would die homeless, drugged and without options. But thanks to the Denver VOICE, Johnson was able to make a living and now has a permanent home.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson said she sold 600 to 800 newspapers per month and found great joy in engaging with the community and meeting other vendors.

“I am very good friends with some of my customers and we make contacts outside of the newspaper. So you never know who you’re going to make friends with,” Johnson said.

To keep the paper going, Johnson is spreading the word and encouraging the community to support her. At some point the newspaper announced that it would not be able to publish its October issue. However, thanks to the determination of vendors and the support of private donors, the October issue is expected to be released on Friday.

“The sellers [said] We won't accept that. “They called, some of them left and went to other stores where they have loyal customers who buy the newspapers from them every month, and they insisted that they would find a way to keep us open,” Monaghan said.

While the hard work of these vendors helped fund the October edition, much more money is needed to keep the newspaper afloat.

“To get through 2024, we’re looking at around $50,000 to $75,000 if we can cover our rent and planning for the future,” Monaghan said.

In addition to purchasing the upcoming issue from retailers, you can also help the newspaper by donating through the website.

The Denver Voice is participating in the First Friday Art Walk in the Santa Fe Art District this Friday.