bpx energy, which is headquartered in Denver, has covered the electric and gas utility costs for a dozen homeless shelters throughout the city since 2018. With their utility costs paid for, the shelters can focus on providing their residents with daily essentials and keeping their facilities safe.
“With the unforeseen rising expenses associated with COVID-19 including additional staff, cleaning supplies and PPE for staff and residents, it was comforting to know that natural gas and electric utilities at Smith Road and Samaritan House were already covered, and that we could continue to provide shelter to the women, families, veterans and individuals seeking shelter, food and clothing,” said Cheryl Tally, director of marketing and communications, Catholic Charities.
As the coronavirus slowed the economy, job losses left many people unable to afford housing, causing an increase in Denver’s homeless population. To help the city meet this surge in demand, bpx energy made an additional donation to Denver Rescue Mission to support a temporary shelter set up at the National Western Complex.
“When organizations like bpx come alongside the Mission, they too come alongside men and women in need,” said Brad Meuli, president and CEO, Denver Rescue Mission. “We continue to serve the critical needs of our guests because of dedicated partners like bpx."
The shelter, which was stood up in April, allowed up to 750 residents to practice safe social distancing. Denver Rescue Mission and the City of Denver recently closed the facility and are now using two other temporary locations to shelter guests.
In addition to supporting local shelters, bpx energy made a donation to the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation’s Emerging Needs Fund, which over the summer provided meals to families in need of food assistance.
“The Emerging Needs Fund not only allows us to come together as a community to support our most vulnerable families during this time, it is also gives us the ability to be nimble in our approach as we work closely with DPS to monitor new needs as they continue to arise,” said Verónica Figoli, president and CEO, DPS Foundation.
As the new school year gets underway, the foundation is working with the district and educators to identify the greatest areas of impact to ensure students are best supported as they go back to school.
To help the wider community recover from COVID-19, bpx energy supported the Colorado COVID Relief Fund, which was established by the State of Colorado and Mile High United Way to provide prevention, impact and recovery aid for organizations working with groups who are disproportionately affected by the outbreak.
“There has never been a more important time to support one another and lend a charitable hand to our community,” said Megan Alexander, community representative, bpx energy. “No one is certain how long this pandemic will continue, but our communities' needs are rising. I am proud to work for a company that helps ensure those needs are met and aims to help minimize the pandemic’s impact where we can.”