Raised $3165 + a truck
Real Change not Spare Change
Denver has a problem with panhandlers and homeless – no one disputes that fact. But the solution to the problem is not so clear cut. Does spare change help or hurt? Can we end homelessness in 10 years? Will a roof over someone’s head make a difference?
Bob Cote, founder of Step 13, will gladly tell you his opinion …. and it’s worth listening to.
Cote, referencing the fact that 60% of the homeless are drug and/or alcohol addicts, strongly believes in demanding self-reliance and accountability of these men. Free handouts with few strings attached feed the problem – not fix it. Cote feels giving the men freebies not only enables them but will kill many of them. And he should know … he was once on the streets himself.
That’s why Cote runs his shelter, Step 13, a bit different than the others. At Step 13 the only handouts are pride, responsibility, and a chance to stay off the street forever. Upon arrival men are handed opportunity not freebies. All residents are required to stay clean, hold a job, pay a minimal fee, prepare their own meals and maintain the facility. A lot to ask of a panhandler? He’s got 75-100 men in his shelter and 38% of the people he’s worked with stay off the streets forever. We believe he’s onto something.
Step 13 isn’t the only solution for Denver’s homeless. But for the men who fall in that 60% group, Step13 ultimately provides them ownership of their lives … much more than spare change could ever do.
** Step 13 has changed it’s name to Step Denver