June 15, 2021
We, the undersigned Metro Denver faith leaders express our unequivocal support for the Park Hill Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) at Park Hill United Methodist Church & Temple Micah in Park Hill.
As people of faith, it is our moral duty to welcome the stranger; and we know from experience that by building relationships with others, the one who was once a stranger to us can become a companion and friend.
Many of us, and our congregants, have ministries with, and are ministered to by, those experiencing homelessness in our midst. Safe Outdoor Spaces are secure, staffed, resource and service-rich environments that provide an outdoor, individualized sheltering option for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Denver. They are a well-organized, compassionate expression of our responsibility to care for our unhoused neighbors.
The plans for the 40-person Safe Outdoor Space in the parking lot of Park Hill UMC & Temple Micah have been met with opposition from a segment of the surrounding community. We welcome the dismissal of the lawsuit attempting to stop the Park Hill SOS plans and pray that the neighbors struggling with this opportunity to welcome the stranger will join us in at least accepting, if not celebrating, the opening of the Space on June 15.
This is about dignity of all people – no matter what we look like, where we come from or what is in our wallet. We believe we all belong. We stand boldly with Pastor Nathan, Rabbi Mo, their congregants and our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Signed by 115 Metro Denver clergy and faith leaders & 87 lay leaders (see PDF below).
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I stand with you although I am in Pueblo my heart and prayers are with you on your amazing journey with human dignity at the front of your path.