Parker Road is the home of restaurants and stores, such as Starbucks, TJ Maxx, Five Below, Share Tea, and many more; however, the community has many homeless in the area, and many Overland students who work in this area encounter problems.
According to “Homeless Encampments Along Aurora’s Highways Reveal Growing Unsheltered Population,” within the city of Aurora, there are many Homeless Encampments along the highways, Parker Road being one of them. Aurora has spent more than two million dollars on regulating the homelessness problem; however, it cannot remove encampments unless the people have a place to be. In 2022, the estimate of homelessness in Aurora is 612, which is significantly less than in Denver. However, it is still a problem.
Nyria Delph: As an employee at Starbucks since January 2023. My experience working on Parker Road is fun because I have seen most of the Overland community stop by but become scared of the high drug problem. From my experience, our homeless customers use the bathroom for extended periods. Our store has a sensor that turns blue when a customer is in the bathroom for more than ten minutes. There are also clothing and toiletries left inside our bathroom and store.
The homelessness problem occurs in other areas of Parker RD as well.
Five Below is located in the middle of a shopping center often visited by people looking for quality items for a low price. They sell toys, electronics, beauty products, school supplies, and more. The purpose of Five Below is to provide an affordable and fun experience for both the employees and customers, but frequently, that experience is erupted by theft.
Donya Ray, a student employee at Five Below, described, “There is no particular issue with the homeless, but there is a high theft at the store, and it makes the homeless population targeted when they enter the store.”
Wendy’s is a fast food chain noted for its quick drive-thru times for a Biggie Bag, Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, and Frosties. It is favored on Parker Road.
Queren Mabongo, a student employee at Wendy’s, says, “Around the fall and winter, there have been smashed windows, homeless people sleeping in the booths and selling items to customers. I feel bad, but by law, we cannot keep them there.”
The general problem is the lack of resources for the homeless population within Colorado. There should be more action and legislation to protect them and prevent an increase in homelessness.