A nonprofit that has raised red flags for other cities will begin operating one of Denver’s homeless shelters after the City Council approved a $30 million contract with the group Monday.

Urban Alchemy, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, has been accused of fiscal and data mismanagement, leading one city to drop the organization as a partner this year.

Nine of the 13 City Council members ultimately voted to approve the contract after over an hour of discussion on those concerns in which council members also expressed their exasperation with Mayor Mike Johnston’s office.

“The other option appears to be putting people back out on the street in the middle of winter,” said Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer in explaining her “yes” vote.

Jeff Kositsky, the deputy director of shelter and stability i

See Full Page