DENVER -- Often called "the longest, wickedest highway in America," Colfax could use a little clean up. Now, businesses on the infamous but gritty avenue want to tidy up its image and help Denver’s homeless population at the same time.
The Colfax Ave. Business Improvement District announced a three-month pilot project called “Colfax Works” that will start in June this year.
The project will hire people experiencing homelessness to pick up trash and do street maintenance along Colfax.
They are teaming with Bayaud Enterprises, the nonprofit behind Denver’s program Denver Day Works, which helps people overcome barriers to find employment. Those organizations will provide case management and support, such as skills training.
Colfax Works is starting small, with just two people this summer, but long-term, the BID hopes to expand the program to year-round and for businesses on Colfax to hire some of the workers.