CO- Will Shelter's Closure Mean More Sex Offenders On Streets?

8-4-2009 Colorado:

"Gene", Convicted Sex Offender, Says Closure Gives Him, Others No Option

DENVER -- A convicted felon says there will be more sex offenders on the streets of Denver when the Salvation Army's overnight men's shelter closes.

That's because, with their criminal backgrounds, sex offenders won't be allowed in other Denver shelters.

"Gene" said he would be one of those out on the streets. He said he's a convicted sex offender who served a year in a half in the Department of Corrections. Since then, he has been working odd jobs to make ends meet.

He hasn't managed to save up a whole lot of money which is why Gene said he has lived at the Salvation Army's "Crossroads" Shelter, at 1901 29th St., on and off for two years.

He said he was shocked to learn the men's shelter was closing particularly because he can't find housing elsewhere with his criminal background.

"People figure once a sex offender, always a sex offender," Gene said.

The Salvation Army said it is refocusing its efforts on transitional housing with the hopes of getting the homeless in a more permanent living situation. But a city ordinance will not allow them to admit sex offenders.

Gene said he is worried. He's not a violent sex offender but knows some who are.

"Even as an offender I am concerned," he said.

A quick search of the Denver sex offender registry showed 85 offenders registered at the Crossroads address.

Gene said he didn't think many of them would re-register when the shelter closes because it costs $30. He said a lot of the homeless don't have that in their pockets.

The Denver Mayor's office said Gene's concerns raised a bunch of issues and they were working with the Salvation Army to help keep their doors open a bit longer. They said they have reached an agreement with the city to keep them open through Aug. 31.

The Denver Mayor's office admits they still need to work through the larger issue of finding housing for sex offenders in the city. ..Source.. by Jane Slater, 7NEWS Reporter