Next Steps for the People of the Western Inn

Thank you to Erin Fortin and LSEG Foundation for a $2,500 matching grant! If you have a business or org that wants to match please contact us.

The Western Inn, here in Denver, Colorado, and the migrants sheltered there have captured the hearts of many, but now the Inn is going to shut down and the developers purchasing the property want everyone out by February 18th. We are so grateful to Yong and everyone who donated to help her keep the doors open until now; we exceeded our previous fundraising goal to remedy her debts and we wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement from owning and operating the Western.

Our next goal is a successful transition for all of the people, who have- until now- been sheltered at the Western. We are heartbroken for the people we have come to love and who are now in danger of falling through the cracks as the city and county are completely overwhelmed. If you have been moved by the story of this community, we ask that you help us fund any measures we can take to help them land on their feet since many are at risk of being forced outdoors in dangerous winter weather.

All funds raised by DMSJ will go to the people who have worked and lived at the Western. Our highest concern is for the babies, children, elderly, and severely disabled residents- as all of them are extremely vulnerable.

We hope to, at a minimum, provide enough survival gear- including tents, sleeping bags, buddy heaters, and winter clothing to keep everyone warm should they end up without shelter, as the City of Denver is not able to provide shelter for all -during this growing crisis. Some residents have expressed interest in moving to other parts of the country. If the city does not offer bus tickets for these migrants, we would like to be able to fund their trip to reunite with family or friends elsewhere.

This exit from the Western coincides with the city's expectation that they will be dismissing almost 4000 people from city shelters beginning February 5th. The Western folks are not counted among their calculations as is not a sanctioned shelter.

In our wildest dreams, we would love to raise enough money to fund legal help for the asylum paperwork and temporary protected status of the entire community at the Western.

We thank you for your continued care. Together, we can make a significant difference with even the smallest donations and simply by sharing this effort in our own networks. We have seen the profound impact of mutual aid and, until there is a larger safety net for our vulnerable neighbors- we will continue to organize and champion the true beauty of community.