Background Statement
Network Coffee House informally began in 1978 when the founder, John Hicks, and a few friends who met for a Bible study began spending time among the poor in Capitol Hill, Denver. In 1982, Network became an official 501(c)(3) and purchased a building on 13th Avenue. From day one, Network has worked in conjunction with St. James Urban Church (SJU), which met in the same space. Over the years, many members of the SJU congregation have served as staff or volunteers of the Coffee House.
In 1990, Network moved to its current location one block south of East Colfax on 14th & Pearl. In this three-story Victorian home, we have been able to house two formerly homeless tenants who call the 120+ year old house home and help with the daily duties around the Coffee House.
In 2013, John Hicks retired, entrusting Network to Ryan Taylor, the second Executive Director of Network, and the Pastor of Urban Mercy, a church community that gathers in the chapel above the Coffee House. Just as John did before him, Ryan spends many hours with staff, volunteers, and other leaders in the city who experience the disorientation and depth of encountering the difficult work of ministering to the poor.
Network sees anywhere between 70 and 150 people come through our doors each day. In the past fifteen years, Network has realized the need to be an increasingly nimble organization, as homelessness in Denver has increased by over 300%. This increase in individuals experiencing homelessness, and the dramatic rise in Denver's drug overdose crisis, have led to an increase in the deaths of those experiencing homelessness. Network has become one of the only agencies in Denver to facilitate funerals and memorials for members of the community who pass away.