‘It’s almost illegal to be homeless’: how the stoop rise of homelessness is impacting Metro Denver

Cherry Creek, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Denver, has become very unaffordable for most people [Photo by Tia Sciarrotta]

Metro Denver has been experiencing a rise in homelessness within the past few years, and it has become more noticeable by those local to the Denver area. Homelessness has been a prominent issue in the United States for some time, and U.S. citizens have been urging higher powers to do something to put an end to it, or at least slow it down.

In a poll conducted by the Gallup Organization in April 2022, they asked a sample of 1,018 American adults about what the most important problem facing the United States is. Only 3% of those polled said homelessness. The top three problems according to the poll-takers included: the government/poor leadership (20%), high cost of living/inflation (17%), and the economy in general (12%). All of these issues can correlate with the nationwide problem of homelessness.

Though some of the overall numbers of homeless people in the country have decreased, it is becoming more of a problem state by state, especially in larger metro-areas such as Denver.

Colorado Avalanche writer for The Athletic reflects on his career path and discusses sports journalism

Peter Baugh prior to the Avalanche’s Lake Tahoe game in Feb. 2021 [Photo courtesy of Peter Baugh]

The Colorado Avalanche are one of the most exciting teams in the National Hockey League. Whether they are playing at home at Ball Arena or hitting the road for an away game, their fans are always there, cheering them on from the stands. Peter Baugh of The Athletic is also in attendance, but instead of howling along with the fans, he is taking notes on the game, and preparing to write another story about a top team in the NHL.

“One thing I try really hard at is if I think something is an idea, I jump on it pretty quickly,” said Baugh.

The role masculinity has in society: an informative lecture by Dr. Tristan Bridges

The panelists and Dr. Bridges discussing masculinity at DU [Photo by Tia Sciarrotta]

On May 2, 2022, a lecture was presented to University of Denver students, faculty, and staff, titled Talking Masculinity: Rethinking What it Means to be a Man. This presentation was conducted by Dr. Tristan Bridges, a scholar of masculinity who studies what people believe masculinity is. He also examines how people’s views and understandings of masculinity can endlessly transform.

This presentation led by Bridges covered an important topic, and one that has often been disregarded by the men amongst our society.

“One of the things that is challenging about studying masculinity, that as a scholar of masculinity knows, is this challenging curiosity,” said Bridges. “Masculinity has this ‘know it when I see it’ quality that it resists being defined.”

Capitals hand Avalanche first loss in nine games in 3-2 win

Puck drop at Ball Arena [Photo by Tia Sciarrotta]

It was a game to remember for the Washington Capitals fans in attendance at Ball Arena on April 18. Many seats were filled with red jerseys, as chants of “C-A-P-S, CAPS CAPS CAPS” echoed throughout the arena, and the Capitals snapped the Colorado Avalanche’s nine-game win streak with a 3-2 win in regulation.

“I’m very happy to see us winning here away from our hometown, especially against the Avalanche, who are a great team and who were on a good home winning streak,” said Andrew Baer, a Capitals fan from D.C. that currently lives in Denver. 

The Washington Capitals (43-23-10) now sit one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for third in the Metropolitan Division. The Colorado Avalanche (55-15-6) still remain at the top of the NHL standings despite the loss, but are still looking to clinch the President’s Trophy over the Atlantic Division Florida Panthers.

Therapy on the University of Denver campus: Is it accessible and beneficial?

The HCC, located in the Ritchie Center [Photo by Tia Sciarrotta]

College campuses are a known stress-breeding environment, and many college students suffer from various mental illnesses. With an increase in mental illness diagnoses amongst young adults, there is a general consensus that college students need to be given more help and treatment in order to not be burdened while pursuing further education. 

The University of Denver offers counseling services to their students through the Health and Counseling Center (HCC). Some DU students say that they have experienced issues with the HCC, in particular in terms of how quickly and efficiently they can access therapy services.