The Rose on Colfax Community Engagement by radiandenver

8315 EAST COLFAX Co mmuni ty E nga gement Re po r t

PROJECT PARTNERS CITY OF DENVER : DENVER HOUSING STABILITY

The City of Denver Department of Housing Stability selected Mercy Housing as a development partner for 8315 E. Colfax and the adjacent parcel at 1500 Valentia Street. The city owns both parcels and plans to help offset Mercy Housing’s development cost via land donation and other soft funding.

MERCY HOUSING Mercy Housing is one of the nation’s largest affordable housing organizations. They focus on participating in the development, preservation, management and/or financing of affordable, program enriched housing across the country.

RADIAN Radian is a nonprofit architecture and urban design group that serves community advocates through a people-centered approach in the pursuit of social equity.

MILE HIGH EARLY LEARNING

VAN METER WILLIAMS POLLACK

Mile High Early Learning is Denver’s oldest and largest provider of subsidized quality early childhood care and education serving thousands of Denver’s most under-resourced children and families since 1970.

Van Meter Williams Pollack is architecture and urban design firm in San Francisco, Denver, and Minneapolis. For the last 30 years, Van Meter Williams Pollack has partnered with Mercy Housing to design and implement affordable housing in communities.

8315 EAST COLFAX

OV ERV I EW While there is rapid growth and much prosperity in Denver, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to flourish. Affordable housing and high-quality childcare are out of reach for more and more families. When families have access to these two essential resources, they have a strengthened ability to thrive in their community. Radian is proud to collaborate with the Mercy Housing, the City of Denver, Mile High Early Learning and Van Meter Willams Pollack, on an affordable, mixed-use development at 8315 East Colfax Avenue (Valentia & Colfax). The 8315 East Colfax project is designed to fully support individuals and families by offering affordable housing and quality childcare and early education that includes:

• • • • • •

81 affordable apartments with eligibility income ranges at 30-70% area median income (AMI) for individuals and families. 5,400 sq. ft. of ground-floor space dedicated for an early childhood center with an additional 2,000 sq. ft. for an outdoor play area. Structured parking spaces on the ground floor provided free-of-charge on a firstcome, first-serve basis. On-site resident services programming provided by Mercy Housing including financial literacy, vocational training and job readiness, youth programming, and health navigation services. Easy access to public transportation. Walking distance to more than 200 community-serving businesses.

8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

METHODOLOGY A Co m m un ity- I nformed Proces s The primary purpose of the 8315 East Colfax community outreach and engagement strategy was two-fold: • To inform the community about the 8315 East Colfax project • To learn from the community about their concerns, needs, and desires as it relates to childcare. Lessons learned from this first round of engagement were used to inform programmatic recommendations for the ECE center. The following engagement activities were held between February and August 2020:

• • • • • •

In-depth interviews with local community partners Demographic data analysis and ECE needs overview 8315 East Colfax project website (with FAQs and other helpful information) Public Town Hall (Zoom) ECE Focus Group (Zoom) Early Childhood Education Community Needs Assessment Survey (in-person and online)

In total, nearly 60 community members and stakeholders were engaged, representing seven languages spoken. Translation, interpretation, and technical assistance were available for every activity to promote language and cultural inclusion, which is critical to ensure this community-informed process accurately reflects and represents the East Colfax neighborhood.

KEY LEARNINGS 83 1 5 Co m mu nity Eng ag ement Ap p roach • • • •

• • • • • •

Affordability is by far the biggest barrier for a family’s ability to utilize childcare services. Due to rising, unaffordable childcare costs, many parents and guardians who desire to work, are unable to, as it is more cost effective to stay home with their children. Safety and quality childcare are top priorities for families. It is very important to parents and guardians that their children are being treated well by the providers and that the physical environment in and around the center is secure. Security cameras and certified workers are priorities that the community shared. Lack of quality childcare options in the community was a consistent concern across all income brackets. A range of resources, that are culturally and linguistically inclusive for both the child and the parents/guardians, are seen as an essential component to quality care. In-house workforce and skill development, including ECE training of local residents to become staff members at the new center, is highly desired. Afterschool programming for older siblings is important to the community. Flexible drop-in and drop-offs to accommodate work schedules and errands are requested by the community. There is an appetite in the community to embrace diversity and learn from each other’s cultures and customs. Cooking and language classes were a few examples of desired programs.

8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA ANALYSIS Rad i an gath ered demo graphic , so c ia l, a nd e conom ic d at a f rom t he US ce n su s tracts and Shift Researc h L a b to g et a n ove r v iew of t he com m u nit ie s re p re se nte d in the East Co l fax neig hb or hood . T his a na lys is p rov id e s a s t ron g foun d ati on to under stand co mmunit y ne e d s a nd p r ior it ie s t hat c a n infor m t h e p rogrammi n g and reso urces inc l u d e d in t he 8315 Ea st C olfa x p roje c t . D e mograph i c analysis suggests Ea s t C olfa x is t he m ost d ive r s e ne ig hb or hoo d in D e nve r w i t h 15 different l angua g e s sp oke n ot he r t ha n Eng lish. One - fou r t h of th e p opu lati o n is fo reign bo r n fro m cou nt r ie s inc lu d ing Mex ico, Et hiop ia , Kenya , S u dan , Bu rma, Thail and, China and Kore a . Six t y- f ive p e rce nt of t he p op u lat i o n is n on -w h i te .

WHO LIVES IN THE EAST COLFAX NEIGHBORHOOD?

11,059

5 1%

1,080

NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING IN EAST COLFAX (2017)

FAMILIES WITH KIDS

4 ,6 95 48%

TOTAL HOUSING UNITS IN EAST COLFAX

EMPT Y NESTER

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY AGE UNDER 5 5-17

THE MAJOR I TY OF POPUL ATI ON IN EAST COL FAX IS BETWEEN THE AGES O F 25 AND 54

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 ABOVE 0

1,009

EAST COL FAX IS THE

23%

M O S T D I V E R SE NEIGHBORHOOD I N D E N V E R WITH A D IVERSITY IND EX OF 81 %

23% OF FAMILIES ARE IN POVERTY THE POVERT Y RATE IN EAST COLFAX IS 4 TIMES THE AVERAGE POVERT Y RATE IN DENVER

26%

4 ,454 TOTAL

2,862

HOUSEHOL DS IN EAST COL FAX 26% OF POPULATION IN EAST COLFAX IS FORIGEN BORN TOP COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN : MEXICO,E THIOPIA, KENYA, SUDAN, BURMA, TH AIL AND, CHINA, KOREA (2011 ACS CENSUS) OTHERS

11%

NATIVE AMERICAN

2% 2 OR 5%

MORE RACES

E T H N I CI T Y 35% WHITE

907

11% OF POPULATION SPEAKS NON ENGLISH LANGUAGES THE MAJORIT Y NON-ENGLISH L ANGUAGES SPOKEN : SPANISH, BURMESE, KAREN, NEPALI, ARABIC, AMH ARIC, SOMALI, OROMO, TIGRIGNA,FRENCH, RUNDI, MAAY, SWAHILI, BANGLI, T WI (DPS)

25%

L ATINOS

26% AFRICAN AMERICAN

8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

Northeast Park Hill

Stapleton

Clayton

Average Household Income in East Colfax Skyland

North Park Hill

City Park

South Park Hill

$4 3 ,120 East Colfax

Congress Park

Montclair

Hale

Median Household Income 2018 Average Household Income (Esri) ≤50705 ≤76619 ≤113202

Cherry Creek

≤174288

Lowry Field

Hilltop

≤322580

lyria ansea

Gateway - Green Valley Ranc

Montbello

Belcaro

Washington Virginia Vale

Windsor

Northeast Park Hill

Cory - Merrill Clayton

Stapleton

Virginia Village

$1,000

North Park Hill

Skyland

Gross Rent in East Colfax

South Park Hill

City Park

East Colfax

Congress Park

Hale

Montclair

EAST COL FAX IS A P R EDOM I NAN T LY R E N TE R-O CC U P I ED NEIGH BOR H O O D

Cherry Creek

Hilltop

Lowry Field

ACS Housing Units Occupancy Variables - Boundaries - Tract Owner-Occupied Housing Units Renter-Occupied Housing Units Vacant Housing Units

Strength of predominance 0 - 34

Belcaro

Washington Virginia Vale

34 - 82 82 - 100

8 Cory - Merrill

Windsor

Virginia Village

61%

COMPARING ADULT EDUCATION

OF POPULATI O N

LOWRY FIELD SOUTH PARK HILL

75%

MONTCALIR

75%

STAPLETON /CENTRAL PARK CITY OF DENVER

79%

OVER 25 Y E A R S OF AGE H AV E NO COL LEGE DEG R E ES

71%

51%

EAST COLFAX 39% 10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Ea s t Colfax h as the l owest adul t edu c at ion rate w he n com p are d to other neighbo r ho o ds in Ea st De nve r a re a .

6 5% OF HOUSE HO L DS EAR N L ESS THA N DENVER’S A M I

COMPARING RENTAL BURDENS EAST COLFAX CITY OF DENVER

53%

46%

OF RENTE R S A R E

LOWRY FIELD 45% STAPLETON /CENTRAL PARK SOUTH PARK HILL

FAC ING

41%

R ENTAL COS T

40%

B UR DE N S

MONTCLAIR 38% 10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

More th an h alf of the renter s in East C olfa x p ay u nf fordable re nts. 8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ANALYSIS O n ly on e high-qual ity ear ly c hild hood e du cati o n (ECE) center is avai la b le in Ea st Colfax . East Co l fax neighbo r h ood ha s 9 ECE ce nter s with c apac ity of 3 0 0 s e at s. D e nve r Publ ic Sc ho o l s (DPS) id e nt if ie s th i s n e i g hbo r ho o d as o ne of t he 8 De nve r n e i gh borho o ds with the highest rate s of Fre e an d Reduced Lunc h (F RL ) a nd lowe s t cap aci ty fo r qual ity EC E cente r s.

TOTAL POPUL ATION UNDER AGE 5

760

TOTAL LICENSED CAPACIT Y FOR CHILDCARE IN EAST COLFAX

300

BIRTH BY RACE 28%

34%

AFRICAN AMERICAN

WHITE

L ACK OF ACCESS TO FRESH FOOD

65%

15%

OTHERS

23% 10

LATINOS

ASIANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS

ONLY ON E H I GH QUALI T Y EC E C ENTER E XIS T S IN EAST COLFAX W IT H CAPAC ITY FO R 6 0 CHI LD R EN L EV EL 1 L EV EL 2 L EV EL 3 L EV EL 4 N O DATA FOR Q UA L IT Y

94 44%

30%

BIRTHS TO FOREIGN BORN

19% 38

BIRTHS TO UNWED MOTHERS

VULNERABLE BIRTHS

47%

CHILDREN IN POVERTY

22% 44

BIRTHS TO WOMEN WITH LESS THAN 12TH GRADE EDUCATION

8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

TOWN HALL MEETING 1 J U NE 5t h, 2020 | P ub l ic Virt ua l Me et in g

“I applaud you all for vac ating the alley. It is expensive and requires a lot of coordination with t h e City and hopefully sets a precedent for other alleys to be vac ated as lot sizes in East Colfax are small.” -C o mmu n ity Par ti cipant

“I apprec iate th e ECE design with al l windows. Where you c an see out at E ast Colfax and Valen cia” -C o mmu n ity Par ti cipant

O n J u n e 4, 2020, mo re than 40 com m u nit y m e m b e r s a nd s t a ke hold e r s p a r t i c i pate d i n th e Zoom publ ic meeting and ha d a n op p or t u nit y to s ha re t he ir fe e d b a ck o n d e si gn con cepts, ask questio ns to a p a ne l of p roje c t p a r t ne r s, s ig n u p for f u t u re e n gage me nt ac tivities, and pl ay a n im p or t a nt role in he lp ing p roje c t p a r t n e r s l e arn m ore abo ut ear ly c hil dc are ne e d s a nd p r ior it ie s in t he com m u nit y. T h i s me eti n g was o pen to the publ ic w it h inte r p ret at ion se r v ice s ava ila b le a nd u t i l i ze d i n Amh ari c, Swahil l i and Spanish. T he tow n ha ll m e et ing wa s p rom ote d m a i n ly th rou gh a netwo r k of mo re than 5 0 ind u s t r y a nd com m u nit y p a r t ne r org a ni zat i o n s . P u b li c me eting questio ns are incor p orate d in t he FAQ s a nd c a n b e fou nd at https://www.8315eastcolfax.org.

FOCUS GROUP

“ I wo uld love to do a coo k i n g cla ss , to lea rn a n ew l a n g u ag e. . .

MEETING 2 AU GUST 5t h , 202 0 I ECE Focus Group

WELCOME! 8315 East Colfax Focus Group እንኳን ደህና መጣህ ¡Bienvenidas! È ƗÒ ƗÑ ƕ ƣ Tee ban a tha khu doh mah

I ’m eag e r to lea rn so m et h i n g n ew.”

INTERPRETATION SERVICES AVAILABLE To access the interpretation services, follow the simple two step process below:

DESIGN 1. Sign-in to video Zoom by clicking this link computer or Tablet (such as an iPad).

https://zoom.us/j/97905703525 using a

2. Call this phone number: (720) 902-7700. You will be asked to enter “your meeting ID, followed by the pound or hash sign.” Based on your language preference, enter the Meeting ID listed below and stay on the line.

Amharic: For Amharic interpreting enter Meeting ID: 148 415 0333# No participant ID is required, just stay on the line. Burmese: For Burmese interpreting enter Meeting ID: 149 127 3928# No participant ID is required, just stay on the line. Karen: For Karen interpreting enter Meeting ID: 149 689 5811# No participant ID is required, just stay on the line. Spanish: For Spanish interpreting enter Meeting ID: 148 550 1701# No participant ID is required, just stay on the line. If you or someone you know needs additional interpretation services or technical assistance, please reach out to us at 8315EastColfax@gmail.com, and we will work to accomodate your needs to make sure you receive this information and an opportunity to engage in the near future.

“We have extreme ly limited options because the price is so high. This is a huge challeng e.”

Eleve n East Co l fax (Denver and Au rora ) p a re nt s or guardi an s par tic ipated in the 83 15 Foc u s G rou p he ld on Augu st 5. The pr imar y pur pos e of t he foc u s g rou p “I want video cameras was to li sten to the par tic ipants a nd g a in im p or t a nt and monitors in every le arn i n gs t hat wil l hel p shape prog ra m m at ic de ci si on s fo r the c hil dc are cente r. Sp e c if ic a lly, t he room, so I know how they are teaching and treating our topi cs d i scussed were three-fo l d : children .”W 1. To e stabl ish the need and bet te r u nd e r s t a nd barri e rs 2. To le arn how to tail o r pro gram m at ic inte re st s to -Focus Group th e community Participan t 3. To su p po r t rec r uitment and ou t re a c h s t rate g ie s I nte rp retat io n ser vices were ava ila b le a nd u t ilize d in A m ha r ic , Bu rme se , Karen and Spanish. Te c hnolog y a s s ist a nce wa s a lso p rov id e d . Pa r t i c i pa nt s e ch oe d th e overarc hing key l ea r ning s w it h seve ra l b roa d t he m e s e m e rg in g a ro u n d th e i m p ort ance of safety, qual ity, af ford a b ilit y, a nd re s ou rce s for t he e nt ire fa mi ly un i t. 8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT 13

COMMUNITY SURVEY AU G U ST 21th, 2020 | ECE Commun ity Ne e ds A sse s s m e nt

O n Au gust 17 thro ugh August 2 4, 2 0 2 0 , 2 0 Ea st Colfax (Denver and Auro ra) res id e nt s com p lete d th e 8 3 1 5 East Co l fax: Qual ity, Af ford a b le C hild C a re su rvey. Respo ndents, who are p a re nt s or g u a rd ia ns, re pre se nted 7 sel f-identified s p oke n la ng u a g e s ; 8 raci al, ethnic , o r c ul tural gro u p s ; a nd a nnu a l h ouse h ol d inco mes ranging from $10 ,000 to $149,000.

THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN

L ANGUAGES

T h e survey was shared thro ug h a com b inat ion of on li n e and grassro ots o utreach in Eng lish, Sp a nish, an d A m har ic . An impo r tant strate g y for d ist r ib u t ion was leveraging co mmunity pa r t ne r s a nd t he ir n etworks, suc h as East C o l fax C om m u nit y C olle c t ive an d Aurora C o mmunity C o nnec t ion. O ve rw h el mingly, 11 respo nde nt s (6 5 % ) w ho a re se e k i n g c hil dc are, shared that t he ina b ilit y to af ford ch i ldcare is o ne of the to p thre e re a sons w hy t hey are n ot using suc h ser vices. F ind ing c hild c a re opt ions close r to their ho me and wo r k ( 35 % ) , a nd b e ing on a ch i ldcare wait-l ist (35% ) are a lso com m on conce r ns.

THE AVERAGE MONTHLY COST FOR CHILDCARE IN EAST COLFAX

$1000

Find

Quality Opt ion s c h ild c a re Providers

Trust

Uns at isfie d Com m unity

T h e ex pressed prefer red meth od s of com m u nic at ing proj e ct updates, are thro ugh ne ig hb or hood m e et ing s/ word - of-mo uth (15 respo nses or 75 % ) , followe d by ph on e (11 respo nses o r 55%), a nd e m a il ( 9 re s p ons e s or 45%) .

Bad experiences

wa it l ist s Spots not available

Affordable 14

“I have be e n o n the waitlist for a lo ng t i me . Al so, I do not k now how to f i nd quality c hildc are. I d o not spe a k English well and f e e l l i ke I have very lim ited to no o ptions.”

“My wife takes care of our four ch ild ren . Our business h as b een hurting since COV I D-1 9, but she is u n ab le to work due to rais in g ou r c hildren .”

CHILDCARE PRIORITIES

Affordability

Proximity to work

Opportunity to learn with other kids

Flexible pick up and drop off time

S eventy- f i ve percent of respo ndents st ate d t hat af ford a b ilit y wa s t he m ost im po r t a nt as p ect th ey are l o o king fo r in qual ity c hild c a re . Ot he r p r ior it ie s inc lu d e c los e prox i mi t y to wo rk an d h ome (60% ) and o ppo r tunit ie s for c hild re n to le a r n a nd inte ra c t w i t h ot h e r c h il dre n (3 5%) .

DESIRED RESOURCES

Work force training

Mental Health Services

Babies ready for college program

Parenting education

Re s pon de nts are interested in l ear ni ng m ore a b ou t a va r iet y of d if fe re nt re s ou rce s an d se rvi ce s. T he to p three inc l ude wor k force t ra ining , b a sic ne e d s, a nd m e nt a l h e a l t h s u p port. T h e abil ity to l ear n new l ang u a g e s a nd a b ou t ot he r c u lt u re s, b ot h for t h e c h il dre n an d th e parent o r guardian, wa s a com m on re s p ons e . 8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT 15

TIMELINE

Spring / Summer 2020

FALL / WINTER 2020

SPRING — FALL 2021

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

FUNDING

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

LAUNCH

Stakeholder and neighborhood outreach meetings and engagement

Residential funding committed

Construction begins

Construction completed and resident move-ins

Residential Financing application ECE Capital Campaign

ECE Capital Campaign – 50%-80% capital fundraising committed and identified

ECE Capital Campaign 100% committed

City of Denver permitting/ ECE operation licensing

8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

FALL 2022

4 ECE Center opens

“ M a ny B u rm ese pa re nt s do n’ t s p ea k E n g li s h we ll . A ce nte r t h at c a n h e lp my ch i ld wi t h t h e i r h o m ewo rk i n E n g li s h wo uld b e so h e lpful . I wo uld b e g rateful .”

“ Th e re s h o uld b e ce r t i f i e d teach e rs a n d we s h o uld t ra i n t h e co m m u n i t y to b e co m e ce r t i f i e d and join the ch i ldc a re tea m .”

“ I fe e l t h at a ra n g e of reso u rces b ot h fo r t h e ch i ld a n d t h e pa re nt s a re esse nt i a l fo r q u a li t y ch i ldc a re.” “ I ’d love to se e a n afte r sch oo l p ro g ra m , wi t h read i n g l a bs a n d co m p ute r cla sses … a s afe s pace fo r yo u n g k i d s a n d t h e i r o lde r b rot h e rs a n d s i ste rs to soc i a li ze a n d do t h e i r h o m ewo rk . S o m e of t h ese ch i ld re n do n ot h ave a ny p eace at h o m e a n d t h e ch i ldc a re ce nte r co uld b e t h at s pace fo r o u r vuln e ra b le ch i ld re n .”

“ S afet y fo r ch i ld re n a n d n ea rby ch i ldc a re a re so i m p o r ta nt to m e, so t h at I do n’ t h ave to wo rr y a b o ut my k i d s a n d so I c a n wo rk fro m 9 a . m . - 5 p. m .”

“I t is very c omplic ated for m e… I would lik e t o g o t o work , but I h av e t o stay hom e. M y on l y option was $7 50/ month. Bec au s e of this, I have to s t ay home to tak e care of them .”

“ We n e e d to m a ke s u re o u r ch i ld re n fe e l s afe a n d t h e re a re n atu ra l e le m e nt s i n t h e des i g n t h at h e lp wi t h t h at . Al so, we n e e d to wo rk i n coo p e rat i o n wi t h t h e p o li ce. I t c a n b e a ve r y d a n g e ro u s b lo ck .” 17

SURVEY APPENDIX Responder 1

Responder 2

Responder 3

Responder 4

Responder 5

Responder 6

1. Are you a parent or guardian? (Select one)

Yes

2. How many children do you care for who are under the age of 5? (Select one)

More than 4

3. Are you currently seeking some type of child care? (Select one)

Yes

4. Are you currently using some type of child care? (Select one)

Yes

4a. If you answered NO to question #4, please select up to three reasons why you are not using child care? (Choose up to 3. If answered YES to question #4, skip to question #4b)

I cannot afford child care., I am unsatisfied with the quality child care options in my community., I am unsure how to best find quality child care.

I cannot afford child care.

My partner takes care of our youngest child.

I cannot afford child care., I am unsure how to best find quality child care., I do not trust child care providers with my child., I have not have good experiences with child care that I can afford near me. I honestly do not know what to do.

4b. If you answered YES to question #4, please choose one that best describes your current child care. (Select one)

A friend or relative cares for my children.

A friend or relative cares for my children., I take my children to a family child care (child care provider in someone’s home).

I take my children to a family child care (child care provider in someone’s home).

5. Are you currently paying someone to care for your children? (Select one)

A friend or relative cares for my children.

Yes

5a. If you answered YES to question #5, on average, how much are you paying per month? 6. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the ‘Worst Care’ and 10 being the ‘Best Care’), how would you rate your current child care situation? ? (Select one)

I tried for a year to find affordable care and eventually quit my job to care for my daughter. We were on several waitlists.

Yes

500

My wife takes care of our four children. Our business has been hurting since COVID-19, but she is unable to work due to raising our children.

We are lucky in that all my colleagues are in the same situation as me. We all bring our kids to our place of work. We even have a book corner for them. My barbershop if very welcoming. Most parents do not have this as an option.

My friend is caring for my daughter. I like that I know her very well and trust her completely. She is only available until January and then I need to find another option.

Ideally there would be non traditional options for quality childcare in our area. We didn’t need full time care, and we were unable to find affordable part-time care. Opportunities for my children to learn and interact with other children., An outdoor, safe play space., Flexible pickup and dropoff times to accommodate my work schedule.

7. Please tell us a little more about your current child care situation. What do you like? What do you not like? What would you want to change? (Optional)

I cannot afford to take my children to a reliable child care because it is so expensive. I am grateful for my family to help care for me children, but it is not ideal for our family.

8. Please choose up to three of your most important aspects you are looking for in quality child care for your children? (Select up to 3)

Affordability., An outdoor, safe play space., Resources for parents and/or guardians such as parenting education, workforce training, basic needs, mental health support, and Babies Ready for College programs.

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home.

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., An outdoor, safe play space.

Opportunities for my children to learn and interact with other children., Affordability.

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/ or home., Flexible pickup and dropoff times to accommodate my work schedule.

9. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being ‘Extremely 18

Difficult’ and 10 being ‘Extremely Easy’), how would you describe the ease at which it is to find quality, affordable child care? (Select one)

Responder 7

Responder 8

Responder 9

Responder 10

Responder 11

Responder 12

Responder 13

Responder 14

Yes

I cannot afford child care., I am unsatisfied with the quality child care options in my community., I am on a wait-list and there are currently no available spots for my child.

I cannot afford child care., I am unsatisfied with the quality child care options in my community., I am on a waitlist and there are currently no available spots for my child.

I am on a wait-list and there are currently no available spots for my child.

I cannot afford child care., I am unsatisfied with the quality child care options in my community., I am unsure how to best find quality child care.

I am unsatisfied with the quality child care options in my community.

I cannot afford child care.

I am u how to find q child

A friend or relative cares for my children., I take my children to an early childhood education center.

A friend or relative cares for my children.

I take childre family care ( care pr in som hom

A friend or relative cares for my children.

I take care of my children.

I take my children to a child care center (non residential drop-off facility).

Yes

1,000

500

$1,200/ month

$750

I have been on the wait list for a long time. Also, I do not know how to find quality child care. I do not speak English well and feel like I have limited options. I don't hear good things from my friends about care that their children are receiving in our community.

There are not enough options.

My friend is caring for my daughter. I like that I know her very well and trust her completely. She is only available until January and then I need to find another option.

I like child care 👍 👍because we can go to job 👍

I would like to work, but I cannot do that because I am caring for my children.

I had to take my kids outside of East Colfax to find more quality care.

I like that there is some flexibility with my options to have a person I know care for my kids as well as early childhood education.

Mom holds them

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., Caregivers who have a similar cultural background as me and my family.

Opportunities for my children to learn and interact with other children., Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home.

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., Flexible pick-up and dropoff times to accommodate my work schedule.

Opportunities for my children to learn and interact with other children., An outdoor, safe play space., Flexible pick-up and drop-off times to accommodate my work schedule.

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., Resources for parents and/or guardians such as parenting education, workforce training, basic needs, mental health support, and Babies Ready for College programs.

Opportunities for my children to learn and interact with other children., Affordability., Flexible pick-up and drop-off times to accommodate my work schedule.

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., Flexible pick-up and drop-off times to accommodate my work schedule.

Opportunities for my children to learn and interact with other children.

A friend or relative cares for my children.

Close pr to my and/or

8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT 19 1

SURVEY APPENDIX

(responders 1-1 4)

Responder 1

Responder 2

Responder 3

Responder 4

Responder 5

Responder 6

9. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being ‘Extremely Difficult’ and 10 being ‘Extremely Easy’), how would you describe the ease at which it is to find quality, affordable child care? (Select one)

10. Are you familiar with Early Childhood Education (ECE)? (Select one)

Unsure

Yes

Unsure

Yes

11. Are you familiar with and/or have you used any of the following services to help you choose a quality, affordable child care provider? (Select all that apply)

Not Applicable (N/A)

Colorado Shines

12. Which of the following parent and guardian resources would you find helpful and be interested in learning more about? (Select all that apply)

Workforce training, Basic needs

Workforce training, Babies Ready for College programs

Babies Ready for College programs

Parenting education, Workforce training, Basic needs, Babies Ready for College programs

Mental health support

13. The 8315 East Colfax project is dedicated to making sure that all East Colfax, City of Denver, and City of Aurora families receive the most up-to-date information on building construction status updates, when to apply, how much child care costs, etc. What is your preferred method of receiving information? (Select all that apply)

Phone

Phone, Neighborhood meetings/word-of-mouth

Email, Phone, Neighborhood meetings/word-ofmouth

Phone

Email, Neighborhood meetings/wordof-mouth

I find it difficult to know what to do in order to find the best care for my children.

14. Any additional comments, questions, or concerns you’d like to share with us? (Optional) 15. Where is your home located? (Select one)

East Colfax Area in the City of Aurora

East Colfax neighborhood in the City of Denver

16. Into what category does your total yearly household income fall? (Select one)

$10,000 up to $14,999

$15,000 up to $19,999

$35,000 up to $49,999

$20,000 up to $24,999

$50,000 up to $74,999

$100,00 up to $149,000

17. Of which racial, ethnic, or cultural group do you consider yourself a member? (Select all that apply)

Hispanic/Latino/Latina

Black American/African American

Black American/ African American

Black American/African American, Burmese

White/ Caucasian/Anglo American

White/Caucasian/ Anglo American

18. Which languages are you capable of speaking fluently? (Select all that apply)

Spanish

Amharic, Tigrinya

English

Karen

English

Responder 7

Responder 8

Responder 9

Responder 10

Responder 11

Responder 12

Responder 13

Responder 14

Unsure

Yes

Mile High United Way 2-1-1

Not Applicable (N/A)

Denver Human Services, Denver Preschool Program

Denver Preschool Program

Colorado Shines, Denver Preschool Program

Not Applicable (N/A)

Not App (N/

Workforce training, Basic needs, Babies Ready for College programs

Parenting education, Workforce training, Babies Ready for College programs

Mental health support

Parenting education, Workforce training, Basic needs

Parenting education, Workforce training, Mental health support

Babies Ready for College programs, More cultural and language opportunities for my children and myself.

Cultural training

Basic needs, Mental health support

Babies for Co prog

Phone

Phone, Neighborhood meetings/word-ofmouth

Email, Neighborhood meetings/wordof-mouth

Email, Phone, Mail, Neighborhood meetings/ word-of-mouth

Phone, Neighborhood meetings/word-of-mouth

Email, Phone, Mail, Neighborhood meetings/ word-of-mouth, All of the above

Email, Neighborhood meetings/word-ofmouth

Neighborhood meetings/wordof-mouth

Neighb meetings/ mo

East Colfa the City o

Child care is help for family .we can go to works.

East Colfax Area in the City of Aurora

East Colfax neighborhood in the City of Denver

East Colfax Area in the City of Aurora

East Colfax neighborhood in the City of Denver

East Colfax Area in the City of Aurora

$20,000 up to $24,999

$25,000 up to $34,999

$50,000 up to $74,999

$15,000 up to $19,999

$10,000 up to $14,999

$100,00 up to $149,000

$50,000 up to $74,999

$35,00 $49,

East Asian

Black American/ African American

White/Caucasian/ Anglo American

East Asian

Black American/African American, West African

White/Caucasian/Anglo American

Black American/ African American

Black Am African A

Burmese

English, Amharic

English

English, Burmese

French

English

Amharic

English,

8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT 21

SURVEY APPENDIX Responder 15

(responders 1 5-20)

Responder 16

Responder 17

Responder 18

Responder 19

Responder 20

Yes

1. Are you a parent or guardian? (Select one)

Yes

Not yet, but interested in becoming a parent or guardian in the next few years.

2. How many children do you care for who are under the age of 5? (Select one)

Not Applicable (N/A)

3. Are you currently seeking some type of child care? (Select one)

Yes

4. Are you currently using some type of child care? (Select one)

Yes

I cannot afford child care., I am unsure how to best find quality child care., I do not trust child care providers with my child.

4a. If you answered NO to question #4, please select up to three reasons why you are not using child care? (Choose up to 3. If answered YES to question #4, skip to question #4b)

I am unsure how to best find quality child care.

I cannot afford child care.

I do not trust child care providers with my child.

I cannot afford child care., Covid

I cannot afford child care., I am unsatisfied with the quality child care options in my community., I am unsure how to best find quality child care., I do not trust child care providers with my child.

4b. If you answered YES to question #4, please choose one that best describes your current child care. (Select one)

I take my children to a family child care (child care provider in someone’s home).

A friend or relative cares for my children.

I take my children to a family child care (child care provider in someone’s home).

A friend or relative cares for my children.

I lost my job and am taking care of my child myself. I recently got divorced and am a single dad.

5. Are you currently paying someone to care for your children? (Select one)

Yes

100

7. Please tell us a little more about your current child care situation. What do you like? What do you not like? What would you want to change? (Optional)

My husband has to travel back to Ethiopia for work and to see our family very often. I have to often lean on our Ethiopian community in East Colfax to be able to care for my children. We cannot afford proper child care. W

I provide good care, but I also need to get back to work.

8. Please choose up to three of your most important aspects you are looking for in quality child care for your children (Select up to 3)

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., Resources for parents and/ or guardians such as parenting education, workforce training, basic needs, mental health support, and Babies Ready for College programs.

Opportunities for my children to learn and interact with other children., Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home.

9. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being ‘Extremely Difficult’ and 10 being ‘Extremely Easy’), how would you describe the ease at which it is to find quality, affordable

Close proximity to my work and/or home.

Close proximity to public transportation, such as a bus route.

Affordability.

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., Caregivers who have a similar cultural background as me and my family.

7. Please tell us a little more about your current child care situation. What do you like? What do you not like? What would you want to change? (Optional)

8315 EAST COLFAX I COMMUNITY Responder 15

Responder 16

Responder 17

often. I have to often lean on our Ethiopian community in East Colfax to be able to care for my children. ENGAGEMENT We cannot afford proper child care. W

I provide good care, but I also need to get back to work.

REPORT 23

Responder 18

Responder 19

Responder 20

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., Resources for parents and/ or guardians such as parenting education, workforce training, basic needs, mental health support, and Babies Ready for College programs.

Opportunities for my children to learn and interact with other children., Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home.

Close proximity to my work and/or home.

Close proximity to public transportation, such as a bus route.

Affordability.

Affordability., Close proximity to my work and/or home., Caregivers who have a similar cultural background as me and my family.

9. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being ‘Extremely Difficult’ and 10 being ‘Extremely Easy’), how would you describe the ease at which it is to find quality, affordable child care? (Select one)

10. Are you familiar with Early Childhood Education (ECE)? (Select one)

Yes

Unsure

11. Are you familiar with and/or have you used any of the following services to help you choose a quality, affordable child care provider? (Select all that apply)

Not Applicable (N/A)

Don't think so

Mental health support

Parenting education, Workforce training, Basic needs, Mental health support, opportunities to learn skills and help me with my English

Parenting education, Workforce training, Basic needs, Mental health support

Email, Phone, Neighborhood meetings/word-ofmouth

8. Please choose up to three of your most important aspects you are looking for in quality child care for your children)? (Select up to 3)

12. Which of the following parent and guardian resources would you find helpful and be interested in learning more about? (Select all that apply)

Babies Ready for College programs

Basic needs

Parenting education, Basic needs

Neighborhood meetings/word-ofmouth

Phone, Neighborhood meetings/word-ofmouth

15. Where is your home located? (Select one)

East Colfax Area in the City of Aurora

East Colfax neighborhood in the City of Denver

East Colfax Area in the City of Aurora

East Colfax neighborhood in the City of Denver

East Colfax Area in the City of Aurora

16. Into what category does your total yearly household income fall? (Select one)

$35,000 up to $49,999

$25,000 up to $34,999

$50,000 up to $74,999

$15,000 up to $19,999

$25,000 up to $34,999

17. Of which racial, ethnic, or cultural group do you consider yourself a member? (Select all that apply)

Black American/ African American

Multi-racial, White/Caucasian/ Anglo American, Hispanic/Latino/ Latina

Black American/ African American

White/Caucasian/ Anglo American

18. Which languages are you capable of speaking fluently? (Select all that apply)

English, Amharic

English, Spanish

Amharic

English

14. Any additional comments, questions, or concerns you’d like to share with us? (Optional)

8315 EAST COLFAX Co mmunity Engagement Report