The absurdly expensive cost of living all across the United States has created a severe shortage of affordable housing, which in turn, even increased the number of citizens that are homeless or in long-time poverty.
This problem continues on, as seen in a local study in Denver, Colorado. Statistics showed that there are at least 5,755 homeless people living in the Mile High City.
John Parvensky, the president of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) came across the perfect opportunity to give the homeless a chance to rebuild their lives. Quality Inn and Suites, located on a major road in the city was being sold, and he immediately purchased it and converted the former hotel into a home.
Head of the local non-profit since 1985, Parvensky bought the 139-room hotel for $8.4 million by paying with a combination of private funds, as well as donations from the state and city. He then renovated the hotel and rebranded it as Fusion Studios.
This is the 17th building Parvensky has purchased and reopened in more than the 30 years he has dedicated to helping the unfortunate.
Fusion Studios is comprised on 139 “microapartments” that are used as a source of shelter for the thousands of homeless that are struggling to survive, especially because of the city’s urban camping ban despite the county judge ruling it unconstitutional.
“The project was really born out of desperation. We were scratching our heads trying to figure out how we can shorten the time period so that the people who are on the streets tonight have a place to call their home as quickly as possible,” Parvensky told Colorado Springs Gazette.
These 139 rooms are readily available for those that currently live in shelters across the city, or even the ones that live off the streets. Tenants have access to special vouchers that are given by the city and state that allow them to only pay 30% of their income for rent.
Many of their tenants can usually pay only around $100 a month, which more often than not, come from disability payments.
Every room comes with a kitchenette and private bathroom, along with a bed, wardrobe cabinet, desk and chair, tv, small refrigerator, microwave and even a food pantry.
Head of Denver’s housing department, Britta Fisher, has given praise to the “practically instant housing” of Fusion Studios.
“We all know that we need more housing units, that we need them quickly. I truly hope we can replicate this model and partnerships at other sites in Denver,” said Fisher to Denverite.
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