The Gathering Place Micro-Community Announcement
CONTACT: Megan Devenport, megan.devenport@tgpdenver.org
The Gathering Place takes on a new 44-unit micro community
“We’re grateful for the City’s renewed commitment to serving houseless women and gender-expansive people.”- Megan Devenport, CEO of The Gathering Place
DENVER, COLO. – The Gathering Place (TGP) secured City Council approval to operate a 44-unit ‘micro-community’ as part of Mayor Johnston’s House1000 initiative. Building on TGP’s existing service model, the site will provide wrap-around support for unsheltered women, and transgender and non-binary people.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the number of dedicated, private shelter spaces specifically designed to serve women and gender-expansive people,” said Megan Devenport, The Gathering Places’ CEO. “We know that transgender people are especially at risk of violence and exploitation when living unsheltered. Therefore, we are centering trans people’s experiences in designing this new community. We intend to foster a welcoming community that specifically celebrates and supports our trans and gender-expansive members. When we prioritize the needs and desires of our most vulnerable community members, we believe that we will better meet the needs of everyone.”
TGP is developing the program model in collaboration with currently and formerly unhoused people and community partners. The micro-community, called Elati Village, will include case management, housing navigation, supportive services, and wellness programs to support members’ transition into permanent housing.
The community will receive new members exclusively through the City’s encampment response process.
The City began construction on the site last month. The site will include 44 manufactured sleeping units for members and two community buildings with gathering space, offices, kitchen, laundry facilities, and bathrooms. It will also feature a dog park and community garden. Though subject to change, TGP will be prepared to welcome their first guests by mid-December.
Want to help The Gathering Place support women, transgender, and non-binary folks? Visit their website here.
