Denver Struggles to Cope with Influx of 40,000 Migrants

City's Support Network Overwhelmed as Public Services Face Funding Shortfalls

Nearly 40,000 South American migrants, primarily from Venezuela, have arrived in Denver since August 2023, overwhelming the city’s support network.
Shelters are overfilled, legal aid waiting lists are months-long, and the city’s rental and food assistance programs are running short of funds.
Denver Public School district faces a $14 million funding shortfall due to the influx of migrant children needing language support and help acclimating to life in a new country.
Denver Health, the city’s “safety net” hospital, is asking for more money from both the state and federal government to help cover $10 million in unpaid medical bills from migrants.
The Biden administration has asked Congress for $1.4 billion in grants to local governments and nonprofits for temporary food, shelter and other services for recently arrived migrants.