Denver’s Embassy Suites hotel, once a vibrant hub of hospitality, faces an uncertain future as the city contemplates its conversion into a homeless shelter. This proposed transformation, while intended to address the pressing issue of homelessness, threatens to leave at least 50 hotel employees without jobs by January 2024.
The proposal, championed by Mayor Mike Johnston, envisions the hotel serving as a temporary housing solution for families, transgender individuals, and non-binary individuals experiencing homelessness. While the initiative aims to alleviate the city’s housing crisis, it has met with resistance from hotel workers who fear for their livelihoods.
“Collaboration with City Council, stakeholders and the community has been instrumental in driving our House1000 initiative forward,” Johnston said in a release. “By working together and identifying this hotel site, we have paved the way for a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness and for our city.”
According to the release:
- The property will have approximately 200 rooms.
- The site will have a commercial kitchen.
- “Wraparound services” will be offered in an effort to prioritize the health and safety of residents.
- Focusing on inclusivity, the site will serve families that can’t be served in traditional shelter environments, as well as transgender and gender non-conforming people.
