RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Annie San Roman, 18, folds one of her work dresses as she puts away her laundry on Aug. 2, 2022, inside the government-owned trailer where she lives as part of a program to house members of the workforce in Salida. San Roman grew up in the area and currently has one job, but she hopes soon to start a second job at grocery store in town. The City of Salida and Chaffee Housing Authority started the program, called “Open Doors”, to help local workers find affordable places to stay. Tenants need to be referred by their employer to apply to the program. 
Blocked from sleeping in vehicles within municipal boundaries, workers in profit-minded Colorado mountain towns now must seek “safe outdoor space” – in Walmart lots, surrounding woods or new designated parking zones with free wi-fi and access to bathrooms.
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