John Alexander, A Hero of the Denver Community

If you have ever rode the light rail to Colfax at Auraria, chances are you would recognize John Alexander, a hero of our community. This friendly and caring gentleman distributes the Denver Voice Newspaper, available for $1, on the corner of Main Street and Colfax. The proceeds for this non-profit business benefit the homeless by telling the stories of real local homeless people. The newspaper also provides important job opportunities to 1500 people annually. A version of this local newspaper is available in major cities in nearly all 50 states and internationally.
By helping to personify the homeless, Johnny, as he likes to be called, is doing valiant work for our local Denver citizens. The monthly paper tells the stories of people who are unfortunately homeless in our local community; just because a person is homeless does not mean they are helpless. Johnny is one of the foremost leaders providing for those who are down on their luck and suffering through hard times. As the number one “salesman” for the North American Street Paper Organization in the not only our state but the entire nation, Johnny is literally leading the charge to combat homelessness. But Mr. Alexander is not doing his important work for any type of recognition, as he told me “I do not consider myself a salesman because I do not have clients or customers. Instead I know that we are all one big family and my work goes to helping my brothers and sisters who are struggling.”
Johnny’s work in the community is invaluable and selfless. Indeed his only condition for allowing me the privilege to interview him, was for me to print him a copy of the article for placement into his scrapbook. He also wanted ensure that a special thanks was given to Rick Barnes, the passionate man who re-started The Denver Voice in the mid 2000’s, after it temporarily went under for a short time. The paper, which was initially launched in 1997, provided employment to 1600 people in 2010, so Rick Barnes contributions are felt by many.
I call Johnny a hero because without people like him our community would be immeasurably more fragile. God has placed people like John A. and Rick B. in our community. These local heros are not subject to much praise or accolades in this life, but it can be certain that a spot reserved for them in the highest heavens. Nearly every time I come to campus I see the approachable Johnny speaking with the many friends he has made, and I always hear people saying “thank you.” His valiant work is an important community service and has touched many lives.