Safety Concerns Emerge at Denver Homeless Shelter
A former case manager at the Tamarac Family Shelter in Denver recently resigned, citing alarming conditions and safety risks within the facility. Speaking anonymously to CBS Colorado, she expressed her fears and outlined various concerns in her resignation letter issued on November 11, after nearly a year of service at the shelter operated by the Salvation Army.
The case manager reported severe facility deterioration, noting unsanitary conditions such as leaks, bed bug infestations, and widespread trash, accompanied by photographs depicting dead rats and damaged ceilings. "Just because they came from being homeless doesn’t mean they need to be treated that way," she said, emphasizing the need for dignified treatment for shelter residents.
Client safety issues were paramount in her report. She recounted experiences of domestic violence among residents and expressed concerns about threats from individuals inside the shelter. "Clients said they would rather be on the streets than here because it felt safer," she stated. Despite her calls for enhanced security measures, management cited funding constraints as a barrier to improvements, including security doors.
In response to these allegations, the Salvation Army asserted that it maintains high safety and cleanliness standards, stating that the city would not permit operation if these claims were valid. However, following the whistleblower’s claims, the organization engaged independent legal counsel for an investigation.
The case manager’s concerns coincide with a new city audit revealing systemic issues in tracking funding and managing safety at Denver’s homeless shelters, including another shelter operated by the Salvation Army, where serious incidents have occurred. As investigations proceed, the former case manager seeks essential changes to ensure the safety and welfare of shelter residents.
Source
Photo credit www.cbsnews.com