Chantel Draper and Thomas Turner call a 1990s Ford E350 RV home, despite the disarray that greets anyone who steps inside.
For nine years, the couple has faced the harsh realities of homelessness in Denver, cycling through four different RVs and confronting obstacles that include police skepticism and bureaucratic hurdles.
With their current RV housing system, they have taken refuge at a temporary shelter named The Aspen, located at 4040 Quebec Street, through a city initiative called All In Mile High.
Launched in 2023, All In Mile High aims to provide temporary housing for homeless individuals, connect them with necessary services, and eventually transition them into permanent housing.
However, this well-meaning initiative places individuals like Draper and Turner in a precarious situation.
While temporary housing may seem like a step forward, it comes with unexpected challenges that pits them against city regulations.
The couple’s RV, essential for daily tasks like grocery shopping and doctor visits, cannot be parked at The Aspen, leading to a dilemma: either risk potential towing by leaving the RV elsewhere or face criminal consequences by living in it.
As Turner laments, the disparity in treatment becomes apparent.
“Anyone else in America can park on the street and the cops won’t give two shits,” he remarks, sharing their frustrations about the unwarranted attention the couple receives from law enforcement.
The couple’s reality showcases a pattern common to many RV dwellers in Denver.
Draper and Turner are caught in a Catch-22 where they must either relinquish their RV or let it risk impoundment while they contend with temporary housing.
Over the last two years, this dilemma has intensified under the All In Mile High program, creating a host of complications for the couple.
Draper’s multiple health issues have made her increasingly reliant on Turner for support, complicating their situation even further.
“You have no idea what I go through to help her eat, bathe, or even go to the bathroom when her feet swell,” Turner explains.
Despite these hardships, Turner encounters additional setbacks at The Aspen.
Though couples are allowed to share rooms at the shelter, Turner has been denied entry into Draper’s unit due to his refusal to surrender a pocket knife he inherited from his father.
Consequently, he’s been forced to sleep outside the shelter in the RV, holding his breath every time they park, fearing it will be towed.
These struggles extend beyond physical safety to emotional tolls as well.
“I’m struggling to get gas money to keep this (RV) moving, and Denver police ain’t stopping with their abandoned vehicle tags,” Turner states grimly.
Although the decision to trade an RV for temporary shelter might appear straightforward, the complexities of homeless life compel many to retain their vehicles.
The RV often acts as both a means of transport and a safety net for those who fear losing their shelter altogether.
Denver’s Good Neighbor Agreements, established to provide community guidelines around shelters, delineate clear reasons regarding when individuals can be asked to leave.
These agreements have increasingly burdened RV dwellers like Draper and Turner, as they restrict parking options near temporary shelters while also outlining strict behavioral expectations.
Key provisions dictate that violence or abusive behavior will lead to eviction, along with the prohibition of bringing weapons, including pocket knives.
Jennifer Forker, spokesperson for The Salvation Army in Colorado, emphasized that these agreements effectively rule out RV parking.
She voiced concerns regarding the potential for illicit activities linked to RV dwellers.
“Cars and trucks are allowed to park at the shelter,” she added, underscoring the disparity in resources available to those living in larger vehicles.
Despite the challenges, a collective of advocates has emerged to push for systemic change.
Denver’s rising sheltered population, up by 59% since 2016 to more than 1,200 individuals, is reflective of broader social issues tied to inadequate housing solutions.
While the city touts All In Mile High as a success, the data reveals that the path toward permanent housing remains fraught with difficulty.
Of the 3,800 individuals who have received temporary housing through the initiative, only about 671 people, or 18%, have transitioned into permanent living conditions.
This staggering statistic emphasizes the fragility of temporary housing as a solution for those like Draper and Turner, who risk becoming unsheltered again if they surrender their RV.
Furthermore, Denver lacks dedicated Safe Parking Sites for RV dwellers—designated areas where people living in vehicles can park overnight without fear of being ticketed or towed.
While a church in Denver has initiated the first Safe Parking Site, it currently accommodates only cars and trucks, leaving RVs in a bind.
Recently, Denver has made it increasingly difficult for large vehicles to park overnight on the streets.
Within just the past year, there have been 343 complaints regarding large vehicle parking, with a significant number likely targeting RVs parked in residential neighborhoods.
As RVs have become more visible symbols of homelessness since the pandemic, legislation enacted by the city has gradually made it easier for officials to ticket or tow RVs deemed inoperable.
This includes altered requirements under which RV dwellers must move their vehicles after being contacted by city officials.
Critics like the ACLU of Colorado argue that these new laws can be misused to further marginalize the homeless population, which includes individuals like Draper and Turner.
“The city is very aware of the issues RV dwellers face,” said Cole Chandler, a senior advisor to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.
He shared that the city is working on launching an outreach program designed specifically for RV residents to connect them with essential services and support.
Additionally, Chandler mentioned that Denver is coordinating with shelter providers to update the policies concerning parking RVs on-site, signaling a potential shift towards inclusive practices.
While some officials have indicated that changes are forthcoming, detailed plans remain uncertain.
Draper’s plight resonates deeply—as the couple navigates the complexities of their situation, they remain cautiously hopeful.
“After months of bouncing between shelters, the news of a possible permanent housing placement seems almost too good to be true,” Draper reflected.
“We don’t want to deal with them continuing to torture and torment us just because our vehicle happens to be a motorhome,” she added, capturing the frustration many RV dwellers feel in the face of systemic challenges.
The couple’s story exemplifies the invisible struggles faced by many who live on the fringes of society, battling prejudice, inadequate resources, and bureaucratic obstacles.
In the face of adversity, Draper and Turner continue their fight for dignity, safety, and a place they can truly call home.
image source from：https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/28/denver-rv-street-parking-homelessness-all-in-mile-high/
