Denver's Remington School no longer being considered for emergency migrant shelter
Remington School is no longer being considered as a possible emergency migrant shelter, according to a city spokesperson, who said that "normal" migration patterns have returned to Denver and the shelter is no longer needed.
DENVER (KDVR) — Remington School is no longer being considered as a possible emergency migrant shelter, according to a city spokesperson, who said that "normal" migration patterns have returned to Denver and the shelter is no longer needed.
The plan, as presented to the community, was to use the school's gym, cafeteria and auxiliary office space to house migrants coming to Denver. The site, located near the intersection of Pecos Street and Interstate 70, was planned to be used only if the number of migrant arrivals rose significantly, and would have been only for short-term use.
However, incoming migrant levels to Denver have dropped significantly since December 2023, or even over the summer. The city decided to close all of its short-term migrant shelters in early October after first beginning to shelter migrants in December 2022.
Between December 2022 and October of this year, Denver sheltered nearly 43,000 migrants. The city said in July that it had spent over $72 million to support migrants who were coming to the city. At the peak, Denver was sheltering over 5,000 migrants, according to city data.
“Denver has experienced normal patterns of migration for several months and has not needed to provide newcomer-specific shelter since early October," said Jon Ewing, a communications specialist with the Denver Mayor's Office. "We do not see that pattern changing and therefore have decided against securing a standby site for short-term shelter. The city will be ready to respond in the unlikely case of a surge in arrivals.”
The Remington School would have been used to shelter 100 people, with families to be kept separate from individuals. The city previously said it would know in 2025 if conditions exist for a surge in migrant arrivals.
Now that the school is off the table as an emergency migrant shelter, it could be used for other activities. The city previously said it would work with Denver Public Schools to potentially use the site for youth programming.
What's Your Reaction?
