The blue-led sanctuary city of Denver, Colorado, is now “pleading with property owners” to open their homes to the influx of illegal immigrants, according to a Fox News report.
The financial impact of caring for migrants has led the city to layoff government workers, cut back on services, and as of this week, close some shelters.
Shelter closures prompted city leaders to ask Denver homeowners to house the “newcomers.”
The unusual ask comes as Mayor Mike Johnston announced the city’s budget deficit exceeded $60 million. Earlier this year, Johnston predicted migrant-related expenses would lead to Denver reporting a $180 million budget deficit in 2024.
Johnston told Fox News in January, “We’re “very close” to a breaking point.” He blamed Republicans and former President Donald Trump for the influx of migrants and spike in crime impacting Denver.
City Human Services Director Jon Ewing told Fox 31 that city leaders were looking for “alternative ways to house its illegal immigrants.” Asking local homeowners to sublease space in their homes is one option being explored.
“We put out a feeler to all the landlords we have connections with,” Ewing said. “Basically said, listen, we’re going to have some newcomers who are going to need housing.”
Fox 31 reported that city officials “emailed Denver rental property owners asking if they would be interested in renting to migrants who need housing.”
Denver property owners asked to rent to migrants https://t.co/qKfBroDL4F pic.twitter.com/qbH21J1BTg
— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) March 7, 2024
“We’ve got kind of a rent cap — $2,000,” Ewing said, adding that the immediate need was to provide shelter for approximately 4,500 people.
Exactly how immigrants were to pay rental fees is not clear, but Ewing stated the city made arrangements to provide many of the migrants with work permits, “so they can earn an income and pay their way for accommodation.”
“1,300 people … over the last two weeks or so … have been able to help get their work permits,” Ewing said. “That’s a huge step.”
Denver’s ask follows a similar request by state-level leaders in Massachusetts, who last month asked homeowners to volunteer “to take in illegal immigrants.”
Massachusetts leaders also asked residents to assist migrants with securing employment, transportation needs and signing children up for school.
