Purple Cliffs shelter & warmth

The Purple Cliffs encampment is situated on a hillside just off of La Posta Road (CR213) south of downtown. As the region grapples with an affordable housing crisis, a reeling economy, and a shortage of services to address homelessness and its root causes, the Purple Cliffs camp serves a vital purpose for a significant portion of Durango’s unhoused population, ensuring that our neighbors sheltering outdoors have their basic needs met. 

FOOD SECURITY

Residents of Purple Cliffs are provided with a reliable supply of food and potable water. A donation bin is located at a central location near the road, allowing for organizations such Manna Soup Kitchen, St. Columbia Catholic Parish, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and the Durango Food Bank to arrange for regular food drop-offs that are distributed among the camp’s 70+ residents. 560 gallons of potable water are delivered each week via Commercial Water Service.

With support from funds from the City of Durango, La Plata County, and NINA, the residents designed and built a primitive kitchen within the camp. The kitchen is heated, enclosed, and outfitted with a working gas stove, a well-stocked pantry, and other amenities that facilitate the preparation of filling, nutritious meals.

SHELTER AND WARMTH

The tents throughout the camp provide shelter from the elements and warmth during the winter months. Some residents bring their own tents, and some have been donated to the site. Local business Ellis Canvas Tents has generously donated 7 of their large tents to Purple Cliffs. NINA has also donated small tents, blankets, and sleeping bags to ensure all of the residents have ample warmth throughout the winter.  

Propane heat also plays a key role in providing warmth to Purple Cliffs residents. Durango Vineyard Church in partnership with NINA coordinates regular delivery of propane tanks. Propane is also used to heat the common areas, including the kitchen and the two community tents.

OTHER AMENITIES

There are five portable restrooms onsite that receive weekly servicing, as well as a trash dumpster with weekly pickup. Additionally, residents of Purple Cliffs are given gift cards as stipends to help ensure the camp facilities are kept clean and in good working order.

Solar-powered phone charging stations are located at several locations throughout the camp so that residents can charge their devices. A router provides WiFi for residents who wish to use the internet. One of the more recent additions to the camp is an enclosed shower stall that allows residents to bathe without leaving the camp using water heated in the nearby kitchen.  

Two large community tents serve as central hubs where residents gather to read, socialize, and relax. A community bulletin board allows for communication regarding onsite activities and services. There’s even a basketball hoop near the center of the camp!