About the Program
The vendor program is designed to give individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or those in need of an immediate income the opportunity to work. Vendors might be physically living on the streets, or they might be housed but out of a job or in need of additional living income.
Our vendor program provides homeless and/or impoverished individuals with a chance to take their first steps towards a more stable life. The issues that often underlie homelessness tend to make it very difficult for someone experiencing homelessness to obtain and keep a regular job. The combination of income-earning opportunities, job-flexibility, and job-training offered by our vendor program give a struggling individual the chance to work a flexible schedule, learn (or re-learn) workplace expectations, and earn sufficient income to move off the street.
How it Works
Each new Denver VOICE vendor gets a temporary ID badge and ten free papers. After vendors sell those first ten papers, they purchase additional newspapers from the Denver VOICE for 50 cents each—essentially investing in their own micro businesses. The money the Denver VOICE takes in from vendors goes toward a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want, and they set their own hours. Vendors sell their papers for a suggested donation of $2. Any donation vendors collect in exchange for a newspaper—including any amount over the suggested $2 donation—is theirs to keep.
Vendors are expected to abide by the Denver VOICE rules, guidelines, and code of conduct. Vendors may not vend while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and aggressive behavior or aggressive selling is prohibited. Vendors must interact with the public in a respectful and professional manner.
Resources for Those experiencing Homelessness or poverty
Click here to view our list of free meals, career services, medical services, and drop-in centers for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Denver area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Denver VOICE vendors?
Men and women experiencing homelessness, low income, or a lack of income. Men and women who have worked their way out of homelessness but are committed to their work as a Denver VOICE vendor and wish to continue their employment with us.
Does my donation go to the Denver VOICE? Who does the Denver VOICE help?
A donation given for a copy of the paper goes directly to the vendor. A vendor’s initial investment for each paper is 50 cents. Any donation vendors collect in exchange for a newspaper—including any amount over the suggested $2 donation—is theirs to keep. Vendors are not contracted or hired to collect donations for our organization and should never have a donation box.
Is the Denver VOICE a nonprofit? How does the Denver VOICE work?
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that publishes a local monthly newspaper sold by trained vendors. Our vendors must wear their official Denver VOICE badge at all times while vending. Vendors earn their income based on the donations they receive per paper after they are purchased from our office.
How many vendors work for the Denver VOICE?
Currently, we have an average of 50 Vendors working each month.
Become a Vendor of the Denver VOICE
How to Become a Vendor
Vendor orientation is offered Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Prospective vendors must arrive no later than 10 a.m. Orientation takes place at the Denver VOICE office located at 989 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204.
Steps to Orientation
Complete a new vendor survey.
Watch the orientation video to learn about our publication and the rules of vending.
Answer a brief questionnaire about what you viewed in the orientation video.
Meet with the program director to review your questionnaire and receive additional information on the vendor program and office guidelines.
Sign our Code of Conduct.
Receive your temporary badge and ten free papers.
Start vending!