Personal Philanthropy

One woman demonstrates how 30 minutes and 30 dollars a week can change the lives of Denver's homeless population.

1 minute read

November 16, 2003, 9:00 AM PST

Proposals for how to deal with Denver's homeless "ranged from dropping the whole bunch -- 10,000 strong, by current estimates, which would mean there are more homeless folks than official residents of downtown -- on new Aurora mayor Ed Tauer, [to promoting] sensitivity, maybe by featuring a different homeless person on a poster each week." Gloria Hoffer, however, has taken matters into her own hands. "[H]er good intentions have built into a free feed that stretches $30 from [her] family budget into a hot breakfast for 55 to 80 people every Saturday." The practice has become a way of life for Hoffer and her family. Says her husband, "We pray with them, we pray for them; we hug them like they're real human beings. That's more than anything else you can do. Their real-life stories would break your heart." Hoffer adds, "If you took just half an hour to go out and meet them, you'd completely change your idea [of the homeless]."

Thanks to David Gest

FULL STORY: Rise and Shine

Thursday, November 13, 2003 in Denver Westword

Social / Demographics Colorado

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.