Denver council approves Salvation Army contract for Crossroads shelter amid staffing and safety concerns

Denver City Council on June 23 adopted resolution 25-0713 to revive and amend an agreement with The Salvation Army to operate Crossroads, a 24/7 low-barrier emergency shelter in Denver, despite council members raising staffing shortages, reports of misconduct and questions about contract timing.

Council action and why it matters: The vote to adopt the contract passed 9-4 after lengthy public and council debate. Supporters said cancelling the contract now would displace nearly 300 shelter residents; critics said the contract was brought late, masked ongoing service problems and required stronger oversight and human resources support.

Councilmember Amanda Sandoval put the resolution on the floor and Councilmember Paul Cashman moved adoption. Councilmember Felicia Lewis said she planned to vote no, repeating concerns raised earlier that the contract combines reimbursements for past work with funding for future services and that Salvation Army had not demonstrated adequate improvements in shelter operations. Lewis said, “I’m a no on this contract … I’m not in favor of combining those contracts with work that has already been conducted versus work that has yet to be done.”

Details from the hearing: Salvation Army interim director Tyler Burwell told council the organization had 34 of 42 funded positions filled under the Crossroads contract and that, at the time he answered, the one director position was filled but on leave.…