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Volunteers Of America Helps Those Down On Their Luck At Family Motel

DENVER (CBS4) - Life deals many people a bad hand, and some of those struggling the most are lucky to find an old motel in west Denver.

The Family Motel is run by the Volunteers of America in partnership with Denver's Department of Human Services. It specializes in bringing new hope to homeless people determined to improve their lives.

"I'd like to say that we kind of jump in when nobody else will," said Volunteers Of America spokeswoman Jordan Kellerman. "A lot of people here are here because it's a short term reason. This isn't permanent housing. But they're here in a dire emergency. They found themselves homeless."

"Why is it so valuable?" CBS4's Jim Benemann asked Paul Esparza, a homeless father who was staying there with his children. "It almost seems like a lifesaver?"

"It is. They really do help people when there's nowhere else to go," Esparza said.

Esparza's family was using the three beds and a bathroom the hotel provided. For him, it was a short-term home while he looks for work and more permanent housing.

"I mean it's a simple place, but it's a place to sleep, you know. And we are very thankful for what they give us," he said.

The Family Motel has 45 rooms and takes in families, female veterans and homeless people recovering from medical treatment at Denver Health Medical Center.

A case manager is on site to help everyone follow through with their goals of finding jobs and housing and getting kids in school.

"But they're hopeful. They are really glad that they have a place to stay and they have a plan. Most of them know that this is a stopping point and they are really excited for the future," Kellerman said.

Elena Anderson, her husband Nathaniel and her three kids showed Benemann where they were living at the Family Motel during his visit.

Elena got injured and then lost her job. The car gave out, and the money ran out, too.

The one room they were given at the Family Motel became home for the maximum 12 days allowed.

It is tough times for Anderson, but she's a strong mother and she sees brighter days ahead.

"In the next two weeks definitely I'll have us signed up to go to school. In the next two months (the goal is) to have us a house and a job. And then the next year to be on our feet and have our stability back," she said with a big smile.

In the meantime, Anderson's family is finding strength in each other and giving thanks to a generous community for the chance to remind everyone that home is where the heart is.

Additional Resources

Find out more about the Family Motel on voacolorado.org.

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