DENVER (KDVR) — Residents and business owners in parts of downtown Denver say some blocks are becoming increasingly unsafe, with crowds gathering on sidewalks and at intersections — sometimes engaging in what appears to be open drug use.
FOX31 visited several of those areas, including parts of the Ballpark neighborhood and stretches of Colfax Avenue, where people congregate in large groups.
What many are seeing is part of a long-term cycle, said Mike Johnson, street team manager at the Denver Dream Center.
“We call them open-air drug markets because that’s where the large crowds congregate,” Johnson said. “They take advantage of our providers downtown, because we’re where all the people who use drugs go.”
These hotspots have changed locations over time and are moving as enforcement efforts increase, Johnson said.
“They’ve been here for years,” he added. “They used to be at 22nd and Lawrence, then at 21st and Larimer. Now they’re near the post office — and as we do things to get rid of it, they’re moving all over town.”
the Dream Center The outreach team is on the ground daily, providing food, recovery resources and referrals to people in need. Johnson says most of the people congregating in these areas suffer from mental health or addiction problems.
“Almost every one of them struggles with mental health and drug addiction,” he said. “This keeps them on the streets until it is sometimes too late.”
The Denver Police Department told FOX31 it is aware of ongoing drug activity in the area and continues to work alongside outreach teams to address safety concerns.
As crews prepared for the Dream Center’s weekly community dinner Thursday night, Johnson said there will always be a need for volunteers — and that lasting change will require a combination of implementation, communication and coordination.