The Salvation Army has disclosed the deaths for the first time, saying they are a remnant of problems that already existed at encampments across the city.
DENVER — It took four months, nearly 500 police calls and two calls to get new safety measures implemented at a former hotel used as a shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Denver. A murder case occurred.
The Salvation Army, which operates the former DoubleTree Hotel off Interstate 70 and Quebec Street, spoke for the first time about the double murder and other deaths. They said these were remnants of problems that already existed in encampments across the city, but were now concentrated in one location.
“The reality is that people are dying in hotels. They're dying from overdoses and a variety of other reasons,” said Salvation Army divisional director Nesan Kistan. “Certainly, some of them are visitors, and some of them are residents. The reality is we know it happens.”
A total of seven people have died at the Salvation Army's DoubleTree shelter since the beginning of this year, according to data from the Denver Medical Examiner's Office. Most of these deaths are still under investigation.
“The deaths you are referring to occurred within the facility,” Kistan said. “Certainly, some of them are visitors, and some of them are residents.”
It all came to a head on March 16, when two people were found shot to death inside a shelter-turned-hotel.
RELATED: Two people who died at homeless shelter identified
A spokesperson for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the city stepped in to take over security at the former Doubletree. This was a directive from the city, not a request from the Salvation Army. But Kistan tells a different story.
“We have handed over the safety measures to the city,” Kistan told 9NEWS. “I actually got on the phone and said to city leadership, 'Given our bandwidth and security management capabilities, that's in our best interest. The Salvation Army is not a company run by a security company. It's best if you do that.'' I can't remember directly when I actually received that call, but it was at least a little over a week ago. ”
The Salvation Army's contract with the city includes $808,000 to install security protocols and hire a security guard. Kistan said he has only used a small portion of the funds.
“A small portion will be in the thousands of dollars,” Kistan said. “Basically, yeah, the biggest part of it is hiring a contractor. So we do a lot of research and a lot of research and getting quotes and bids to make sure the proper safety measures are in place. A lot of money must have been spent. It all takes a little time.”
The city has placed security guards at the entrance to each evacuation center to restrict people from entering and exiting. Johnston's office said it is installing more surveillance cameras inside and outside the building, as well as a badge system with photo identification for residents and staff. The new plan is much stricter than Kistan's original plan.
“Our facility is not a prison,” Kistan said. “So it's not run like a prison. People have the freedom to come and go. We're trying to help change people's lives. In that sense, it's like your own home. . If you have a house, you can invite guests and you can interact with them.”
Kistan is adamant that it was his decision to have the city take over security measures at the DoubleTree shelter.
RELATED: Denver increases security, adds 24/7 police presence at hotel shelters
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