A Williams Compass directory & overview
Denver, Colorado — 20262. Directory Summary Table The following table summarizes key entities involved in Denver's homelessness response system, based on the provided materials. Organization/Agen Type Primary Key Population Website/Contact cy Name Focus/Services Served (if specific) (Primary Phone/Email if available) Colorado Coalition Non-Profit Integrated General coloradocoalition.o for the Homeless Healthcare Homeless/At-Risk, rg / (303) (CCH) (FQHC), Housing Veterans, Families 293-2217 / (Supportive, info@coloradocoal Affordable), ition.org Supportive Services, Advocacy Denver Rescue Non-Profit Emergency General denverrescuemissi Mission (DRM) (Faith-Based) Shelter, Homeless, Men on.org / (303)
Organization/Agen Type cy Name
St. Francis Center Non-Profit (SFC)
The Gathering Place (TGP)
Primary Focus/Services
Key Population Website/Contact Served (if specific) (Primary Phone/Email if available) (Rehab), Families 297-1815
Rehabilitation (Addiction), Transitional Housing, Community Outreach (Food, Clothing) Daytime Shelter, Adults sfcdenver.org / Social Services, (303) 297-1576 Health/Wellness, Housing/Employm ent Assistance, Street Outreach Shelter, Housing, Youth (12-24) urbanpeak.org / Outreach, Drop-in (303) 974-2900 Center, Support Services (Edu/Employ), Case Management Day Center, Basic Women, tgpdenver.org / Needs (Food, Transgender/Non- (303) 321-4198 Shower, Laundry), Binary, Children Housing Asst., Health Access, Case Management, Family Program Builds/Maintains General homeaidcolorado. Housing & Homeless/At-Risk org / (303) Facilities for (via partners) 691-0104 / Non-Profits, info@homeaidcolo Community rado.org Engagement, Education/Advoca cy Homelessness Families, thefamilytree.org / Helpline, Individuals, Youth Helpline: (303) Prevention, Case 467-2604 Management, Housing Navigation, Shelter (House of Hope, GOALS)
Organization/Agen Type cy Name
Housekeys Action Advocacy Group Network Denver (HAND)
Primary Focus/Services
Key Population Website/Contact Served (if specific) (Primary Phone/Email if available) Houseless housekeysactionn Individuals etwork.com / (701) 484-2634 / info@housekeysa ctionnetwork.com
Houseless-led Advocacy, Housing as Human Right, Research (Surveys, Reports) Homeless Advocacy Research on Houseless University of Advocacy Policy (Academic) Criminalization Individuals Denver Sturm Project (HAPP) Laws, Rights College of Law Advocacy Denver Joint Task Coalition/Network Collaboration General Homeless Via Partner Force on (Govt/Non-Profit), Agencies (HOST, Homelessness Advocacy, DDPHE, Denver Coordination, Health, CCH, Public Health HLC) Focus Denver Business Coalition/Network Business Sector General Homeless Via Downtown Coalition on Engagement, Denver Homelessness Advocacy, Partnership Funding, Research, Collaboration Metro Denver Coalition/Network Regional General Homeless mdhi.org / Homeless Initiative (CoC) Coordination info@mdhi.org (MDHI) (7-county), Coordinated Entry System (CES), Data (HMIS, PIT Count), Funding Coordination City/County of Government (City) Lead Agency: Denver Residents (https://www.denve Denver - HOST Policy, Funding, rgov.org/Governm Partnerships, ent/Agencies-Dep Rent/Utility/Evictio artments-Offices/A n Help, Shelter gencies-Departme Coordination, nts-Offices-Directo Affordable ry/Department-ofHousing Dev. Housing-Stability) / (720) 913-1534 / housingstability@d envergov.org Mayor's Office - All Government Rapid Rehousing Unsheltered Via Mayor's Office In Mile High Initiative from Individuals, / HOST
Organization/Agen Type cy Name
CO Division of Housing - OHI
Government (State)
US Dept. of Government Housing & Urban (Federal) Dev. (HUD) 2-1-1 Colorado Referral Service (Mile High United Way)
Primary Focus/Services
Key Population Website/Contact Served (if specific) (Primary Phone/Email if available) Families
Encampments, Temporary Shelter (Hotels, Micro-Communitie s), Wraparound Services, Roads to Recovery State-level General Homeless doh.colorado.gov/ Coordination, (via partners) ohi / (303) Funding (Grants, 864-7810 / Rental Asst.), dola_doh_helpdes Program Oversight k@state.co.us (Fort Lyon), Technical Assistance Funding (CoC, General Homeless hud.gov/colorado / Vouchers, PHAs), (via local entities) (800) 569-4287 Policy, Oversight (Counselor Search) Centralized General Public Dial 2-1-1 / Text Information & ZIP to 898-211 / Referral (Shelter, 211colorado.org Rent Asst., Food, Health, etc.)
3. Major Non-Profit Service Providers Overview: Non-governmental organizations form the backbone of direct service delivery for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Denver. These organizations provide a wide spectrum of support, ranging from emergency shelter and basic needs to long-term housing, healthcare, and comprehensive case management. A notable characteristic among several major providers is the adoption of an integrated care model, recognizing that homelessness is often intertwined with challenges related to physical health, mental health, substance use, and economic stability. By offering multiple services, often under one roof or through close coordination, these agencies aim to provide holistic support. Furthermore, the Denver service landscape includes organizations specializing in serving specific populations, such as youth or families, necessitating collaboration across the network to meet diverse needs effectively. Many providers also emphasize low-barrier access and trauma-informed care, reflecting a shift towards meeting individuals where they are and acknowledging the impact of past experiences on their current situation. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) ● Mission and Approach: CCH operates under the mission to work collaboratively toward preventing homelessness and creating lasting solutions for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness throughout Colorado. Central to its philosophy is the belief that safe,
adequate housing and quality healthcare are fundamental human rights. CCH has gained state and national recognition for its integrated approach, combining housing, healthcare, and supportive services to address both the causes and consequences of homelessness. Former President and CEO John Parvensky, who led the organization for over 36 years, was instrumental in developing this model and building CCH into a major force, growing it from a small advocacy group to an organization serving over 22,000 people annually with a staff of 750 and a $100 million budget by 2022. ● Key Services: CCH provides a comprehensive continuum of care. ○ Housing: Services include navigation assistance, resources for rent and utility payments to prevent eviction, management of affordable and supportive housing properties (over 2,500 units built or acquired, plus administration of around 2,000 vouchers), and permanent supportive housing programs demonstrating high success rates (99% remained housed after one year in 2023). ○ Healthcare: CCH operates the Stout Street Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and satellite locations, providing integrated medical, dental, vision, behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, pharmacy services, and medical respite care. In 2023, they served over 17,000 patients. ○ Supportive Services: Wraparound support includes employment assistance, affordable childcare resources, Native American services, veteran services, street outreach, case management, benefits acquisition assistance (like Medicaid enrollment), and the Recovery program at Fort Lyon. ● Advocacy and Leadership: CCH maintains a strong public policy and advocacy arm, focusing on local, state, and federal legislation related to housing funding, renters' protections, healthcare and substance use funding, and criminal justice reform. They operate an Advocacy Network to engage citizens through lobbying, voter registration, and events like Day at the Capitol. Key staff, like Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer Cathy Alderman, are prominent voices in policy discussions. John Parvensky's legacy includes significant advocacy and innovative financing for supportive housing development. ● Partnerships: CCH is a key partner in collaborative efforts, including the Denver Joint Task Force on Homelessness , the Mayor's All In Mile High initiative , and the state's PATH program for individuals with serious mental illness. ● Contact Information: Main Office: 2111 Champa Street, Denver, CO 80205; Phone: (303) 293-2217; Email: info@coloradocoalition.org. Stout Street Health Center: 2130 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80205; Phone: (303) 293-2220. Specific contacts are available for housing inquiries (individuals: crinfo@coloradocoalition.org or 303-312-9679; families: fssintake@coloradocoalition.org), donations (303-312-9640), and HR. Denver Rescue Mission (DRM) ● Mission and Approach: DRM aims to end homelessness in Metro Denver and Northern Colorado "one life at a time," guided by Christian principles. They work to create lasting change in the lives of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. ● Key Services: DRM provides a range of services focused on meeting immediate needs and fostering long-term change: ○ Emergency Services: Invites people off the street to meet immediate needs (like shelter) and build relationships with staff. Operates the Lawrence Street Community Center, a primary "front door" access point for single men needing shelter. ○ Rehabilitation: Offers programs, particularly for men with addiction, focusing on work readiness, overcoming destructive habits, finding permanent housing, and
spiritual support. ○ Transitional Programs: Provides case management, life skills development, and support for saving towards permanent housing for families and individuals. ○ Community Outreach: Assists people struggling in the community with food, clothing, furniture, household items, and holiday meals. They reported providing over 1.2 million meals in their impact summary. ● Advocacy and Engagement: While policy advocacy appears less central than at CCH based on the provided materials, DRM actively engages the community through volunteer opportunities, donation drives, reporting on their impact (e.g., annual reports, success rates), and sharing stories of changed lives. They encourage community involvement through volunteering and monthly giving programs like Pathways of Hope. ● Partnerships: DRM is a member of the Homeless Leadership Council and thus a partner in the Denver Joint Task Force on Homelessness. They are also listed as a recommended organization by Denver Council District 10. ● Contact Information: Main Phone: 303-297-1815; Administrative Address: 6100 Smith Road, Denver, CO 80216. Lawrence Street Community Center (Men's Shelter Access): 2222 Lawrence St, (303) 294-0157. The website offers multiple online contact forms for specific inquiries. St. Francis Center (SFC) ● Mission and Approach: SFC serves as a "transformation hub" for adults experiencing homelessness in the metro Denver area. Their mission is to provide shelter and a myriad of services enabling people to meet basic survival needs and transition out of homelessness. A core tenet is hospitality, treating everyone with dignity and respect, referring to service users as "guests". The organization explicitly commits to striving for a more just, diverse, equitable, and inclusive society in its service delivery and internal operations. This focus on dignity and trauma-informed principles is increasingly recognized as vital in effectively serving populations who have experienced significant hardship. ● Key Services: SFC's programs are tailored specifically for adults and include: ○ Daytime Shelter: Providing a safe refuge during the day. ○ Social Services: Connecting guests with specialists based on individual needs. ○ Health and Wellness: Access to health-related services. ○ Housing and Employment: Assistance in finding housing and employment opportunities. ○ Street Outreach: Engaging with individuals living unsheltered. ○ Practical Needs: Services like showers, mail access, and storage are also mentioned in resource lists. ● Advocacy Role: The provided materials emphasize SFC's direct service role and internal commitment to equity. Explicit external policy advocacy work is less detailed compared to other organizations in these documents. ● Partnerships: SFC is a key service provider partner in Mayor Johnston's All In Mile High initiative, managing services at some of the temporary housing sites. They are also listed as a recommended organization by Denver Council District 10. ● Contact Information: Address: 2323 Curtis St, Denver, CO 80205; Phone: (303) 297-1576. Note: While some resource materials provide this contact information, other sources suggest it might not be readily available on the organization's main website , so verification may be beneficial. Urban Peak
● Mission and Approach: Urban Peak focuses exclusively on youth aged 12 through 24 experiencing homelessness in Denver, aiming to "ignite their potential" to exit homelessness and create self-determined, fulfilled lives. They operate under values including the transformational power of acceptance, compassion, guidance, and support. They are described as the only non-profit in Denver providing a full convergence of services specifically for this vulnerable population. This specialization is critical, as youth experiencing homelessness often face unique challenges and require developmentally appropriate support systems distinct from those designed for adults. ● Key Services: Urban Peak offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to youth: ○ Outreach: Teams meet youth on the streets, building trust and offering basic necessities and referrals. ○ Drop-in Center: Provides a safe haven with hot meals, lockers, laundry, showers, case management, and resource access. ○ Shelter: Operates Denver's only licensed shelter specifically for youth (ages 12-24). Their new 136-bed "Mothership" campus significantly expanded capacity and includes the first designated beds in the region for the 21-24 age group. ○ Housing: Offers transitional housing programs in apartment buildings and scattered-site units, coupled with flexible supportive services. ○ Support Services: Assists youth with education (GED, high school completion, college prep) and employment (job readiness training, resume help, interview practice). ○ Case Management: Provides foundational support through trusting relationships with case managers who help youth navigate services and work towards stability. ○ Health Access: Facilitates access to physical, mental, and behavioral healthcare, often through partnerships. ● Advocacy Role: Urban Peak advocates for the specific needs of youth experiencing homelessness, highlighting challenges related to foster care transitions and the disproportionate impact on LGBTQ+ youth. They engage with policymakers and partners to improve services and resources for this population. ● Partnerships: Urban Peak is part of the Homeless Leadership Council and the Denver Joint Task Force. They partner with organizations like WellPower (formerly Mental Health Center of Denver) for mental health services, volunteer doctors for medical care, and Comcast for internet access at their facilities. They are listed as a resource by JeffCo Human Services and Denver Council District 10. ● Contact Information: Main Line: 303-974-2900; Shelter Direct: 303-974-2908; Day Services Direct: 303-974-2928; TTY/TDD: 800-659-2656. "Mothership" Campus Address: 1630 S. Acoma St., Denver CO 80223. The Gathering Place (TGP) ● Mission and Approach: TGP operates as a community of safety and hope, specifically serving women, transgender and non-binary individuals, and their children who are facing homelessness or instability. They utilize a low-barrier, trauma-informed care model, aiming to remove obstacles to accessing services and address the root causes of poverty, marginalization, and oppression. Their values emphasize empowerment, inclusivity, hope, community, and safety, creating a welcoming space where members choose the services they need, free of charge. This focus on specific populations often marginalized within the broader homeless service system, combined with a low-barrier approach, fills a critical niche. ● Key Services: TGP provides a wide array of programs centered around the pillars of
health, home, purpose, and community: ○ Basic Needs: Offers daily meals (breakfast, lunch, snack), a food pantry (Betsy's Cupboard), showers, laundry facilities, phone and mail access, a nap room, and a clothing bank (Bridget's Boutique). ○ Family Program: Provides a safe, kid-friendly space with resources, navigation, and referrals specifically for parents/caregivers with children (0-18). ○ Health Services: Partners with various organizations to offer physical, mental, and sexual health services in their Wellness Area, including access to a mobile clinic. ○ Personal Growth: Includes job readiness support (resume assistance, interview prep, job seeking), a computer lab, and previously, High School Equivalency classes (currently seeking a new partner). ○ Case Management & Support: Offers housing-focused case management and a Peer Recovery Program providing trauma-informed support and service navigation. ○ Economic Equity: Provides financial assistance for essential expenses related to housing, healthcare, transportation, etc.. ● Advocacy Role: TGP actively advocates for social justice and works to dismantle systems contributing to poverty and homelessness. They engage publicly on issues affecting their members, such as the impact of shelter closures or policies affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Their leadership, including CEO Heather Beck, emphasizes stability, community impact, and staff wellness as key organizational priorities. ● Partnerships: TGP is a service provider partner in the Mayor's All In Mile High initiative, operating a micro-community site. They collaborate with various health partners to deliver services. They are listed as a resource by JeffCo Human Services, Denver Human Services, and GreatNonprofits. ● Contact Information: Address: 1535 High Street, Denver, CO 80218; Phone: (303) 321-4198. Note: They state services are not provided via phone or email; individuals needing help must visit during operating hours. HomeAid Colorado ● Mission and Approach: HomeAid Colorado focuses on "Building A Future Without Homelessness" by constructing and maintaining safe, dignified housing and programmatic facilities for reputable non-profit organizations serving those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Their unique model leverages relationships within the building industry to secure in-kind donations of labor and materials for these projects. ● Key Services: Their primary service is the physical construction and renovation of facilities for partner non-profits. Examples of completed projects include Inspire Home for Girls (Denver Children's Home), Cottage #6 (Mountain States Children's Home), and a kitchen remodel for Third Way Center. They also engage the community through basic necessity drives and focus on education and advocacy to raise awareness about housing insecurity. ● Advocacy Role: Education and advocacy regarding housing insecurity and homelessness are explicitly part of HomeAid's mission, aiming to inform the community about the challenges faced by individuals and families. ● Contact Information: Address: 7721 W. 6th Ave., Unit A; Email: info@homeaidcolorado.org; Phone: (303) 691-0104. Family Tree ● Mission and Approach: Family Tree works with individuals and families in the Metro Denver area who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, aiming to help them achieve economic independence.
● Key Services: They offer a Homelessness Helpline for resource information, homeless prevention services, case management, education and employment services, housing navigation and placement assistance, and other supportive services. Specific programs include: ○ House of Hope: Located in Englewood, this is the only residential facility of its kind in Arapahoe County providing safe shelter and support for women with children experiencing homelessness (serves the entire Metro Denver region). ○ Homelessness Program: Based in Wheat Ridge, this program provides comprehensive support services to families, individuals, and youth. ○ GOALS: A Two-Generation (2Gen) housing program in Aurora/Arapahoe County providing families with private rooms for 4-9 months plus follow-up support. ● Advocacy Role: The provided materials focus on their direct service and program delivery aspects, with less detail on specific policy advocacy efforts. ● Partnerships: Listed as a resource by JeffCo Human Services. ● Contact Information: Homelessness Helpline: (303) 467-2604. Homelessness Program (Wheat Ridge): 3805 Marshall Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033; Phone: (303) 467-2604; Housing Inquiries: Email link provided on their site. House of Hope (Englewood): (303) 762-9525. GOALS (Aurora): (303) 693-1241. Other Mentioned Non-Profits The research materials also list numerous other non-profit organizations contributing to the homelessness response network in Denver and surrounding areas, often through directory listings or brief mentions. While detailed profiles are not available from the snippets, their inclusion highlights the breadth of the ecosystem: ● Housing & Shelter Focused: Mercy Housing (affordable/supportive housing) , Catholic Charities (Samaritan House shelter, housing programs) , The Delores Project (shelter for women/transgender individuals) , Providence Network (transitional housing) , Step 13 (addiction recovery/transitional housing) , Colorado Village Collaborative (tiny homes, safe outdoor spaces, micro-communities partner) , The Salvation Army (shelter, services, House1000 partner). ● Population Specific: Warren Village, Inc. (single-parent families) , Kavod Senior Life & Eaton Senior Communities Foundation (seniors) , DRY BONES DENVER (homeless youth/young adults) , Senior Support Services (seniors 60+) , Ronald McDonald House Charities (families with hospitalized children) , Servicios de la Raza & Organizacion Papagayo (likely culturally specific services). ● Support Service Focused: Energy Outreach Colorado (energy assistance) , Bayaud Enterprises (employment services, House1000 partner) , Vive Wellness (health/wellness) , KARIS COMMUNITY (mental health). ● Regional/Broader Scope: Jeffco Action Center, Inc. & Growing Home & Mean Street Ministry (services in adjacent counties or broader metro area). This diverse array underscores the necessity of coordination and referral systems, as no single organization addresses every need or population group. The collaboration seen in initiatives like the Denver Joint Task Force and the Mayor's All In Mile High program attempts to harness this diverse capacity towards common goals.
4. Key Advocacy Groups and Collaborative Networks Overview: Beyond direct service provision, a crucial component of Denver's homelessness
response involves organizations and networks dedicated to advocacy, policy influence, research, community organizing, and coordinating efforts among stakeholders. These groups work to address the systemic causes of homelessness, protect the rights of unhoused individuals, and promote effective, equitable solutions. The advocacy landscape features diverse approaches, from grassroots organizing led by those with lived experience to academic research, provider collaborations, and business community engagement. A recurring theme is the tension between punitive approaches like criminalization (e.g., camping bans) and solution-oriented strategies focused on housing and support services. There is also a notable emphasis across several groups on incorporating the perspectives and leadership of people who have directly experienced homelessness. Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND) ● Mission and Focus: HAND is a non-profit established in 2022 specifically to promote advocacy led directly by unhoused neighbors. Its core message is that housing should be a human right, not a commodity, and it aims to demand, develop, and build housing based on the priorities identified by houseless people themselves. This model centers the voices and experiences of those most directly impacted. ● Activities: HAND engages in direct advocacy and research from the perspective of the unhoused community. They conduct surveys and interviews at shelter sites (e.g., All In Mile High Hotel Shelters Survey) to gather feedback on service needs and effectiveness. They produce reports based on data and experiences related to issues like cold weather shelter access and desired housing characteristics (cost, process, location, rules, supports), drawing on input from hundreds of houseless individuals. They hold regular community meetings to foster engagement and organize efforts. HAND also collaborates with other advocacy and legal entities, such as the Homeless Advocacy Policy Project (HAPP) at DU Law. ● Contact Information: Email: info@housekeysactionnetwork.com; Phone: (701) 484-2634. Community meetings are held at the Emerson School Building, 1420 N Ogden St. Homeless Advocacy Policy Project (HAPP) ● Mission and Focus: Based at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, HAPP is a student-driven project dedicated to researching laws that criminalize homelessness and advocating for the rights of homeless individuals in Colorado. ● Activities: HAPP examines the legal landscape affecting homeless residents, particularly the enactment and enforcement of local ordinances that criminalize necessary life-sustaining activities like panhandling, camping, or sitting/lying in public spaces. They collaborate with community partners to explore these legal issues. Past and present partners mentioned include Denver Homeless Out Loud, Western Regional Advocacy Project (WRAP), Colorado Safe Parking Initiative, Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND), ACLU of Colorado, and the Denver Municipal Public Defender's Office. This legal and policy research provides critical analysis supporting broader advocacy efforts against criminalization. ● Contact Information: Associated with the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Specific contact details are not provided in the source material. Denver Joint Task Force on Homelessness (DJTF) ● Mission and Focus: The DJTF is a collaborative body formed initially in response to the COVID-19 emergency in March 2020, now addressing broader issues related to homelessness. Its mission is to collaboratively create and advocate for trauma-responsive, person-centered systems and services that promote health, equity,
and choice among people experiencing homelessness. ● Activities: The Task Force brings together key institutional partners: Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), Denver Department of Housing Stability (HOST), Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH), and the Homeless Leadership Council (representing major shelter/service providers like Catholic Charities, Denver Rescue Mission, Urban Peak, Volunteers of America). Its strategic goals include advocating for health, housing, and other needs; coordinating efforts among partners; increasing situational awareness (especially regarding emerging threats); establishing and sharing effective approaches; and promoting equity. Specific planned activities involve community health needs assessments, advocating for affordable housing policies and supportive services funding, addressing top causes of death (like overdose), assessing shelter needs and advocating for improvements, disseminating information to providers, engaging stakeholders (including those with lived experience), advancing low-barrier healthcare strategies, and developing public health emergency plans. The inclusion of lived experience perspectives is an explicit goal. ● Contact Information: Coordinated through its member agencies. Denver Business Coalition on Homelessness ● Mission and Focus: Founded in 2019 by the Downtown Denver Partnership and business leaders, this coalition aims to leverage the resources, leadership, and voice of the business community to collaboratively find and deliver solutions to homelessness, working with public and private sector partners and the City. It is chaired by Walter Isenberg, President and CEO of Sage Hospitality. ● Activities: The coalition focuses on seven key areas: ○ Advocacy: Analyzing and creating policy proposals, monitoring progress, and promoting accountability. ○ Funding: Raising and distributing funds to support initiatives, projects, innovative approaches, and city efforts. ○ Research: Benchmarking best practices, coordinating field trips, and bringing in experts. ○ Education: Informing the community and businesses about issues and progress, hosting town halls. ○ Engagement: Creating channels for broader engagement, connecting people to providers, engaging partners (providers, policymakers, foundations). ○ Cocreation: Providing a platform for advocacy groups, community, business, and philanthropy to collaborate on solutions. ○ Initiatives: Identifying key focus areas and driving them forward. ● Contact Information: Associated with the Downtown Denver Partnership. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) Advocacy Network ● Mission and Focus: This is the dedicated advocacy arm of CCH, designed to empower community members to participate in shaping public policy related to homelessness and housing insecurity. ● Activities: The Network engages individuals through various activities, including citizen lobbying at events like Day at the Capitol, voter registration drives, educational events (e.g., 2020 Education Series), support for special projects like the Point-in-Time Survey, and participation in campaigns like HousingNow!. CCH provides training for advocates and disseminates Advocacy Action Alerts via email to mobilize support on specific legislative issues.
● Contact Information: Individuals can join via the CCH website or by signing up for their email list. Homeless Leadership Council (HLC) ● Mission and Focus: The HLC appears to function as a coordinating body or council comprising leaders from major homeless service provider organizations in Denver. ● Activities: It is explicitly named as a partner entity within the Denver Joint Task Force on Homelessness. Members mentioned include Catholic Charities of Denver, Denver Rescue Mission, Urban Peak, and Volunteers of America Colorado. The HLC played a role in facilitating a collaborative response among shelter providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its existence points to structured efforts among providers to coordinate and potentially advocate collectively. ● Contact Information: Likely accessed through its member organizations. National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) ● Mission and Focus: While a national organization, NCH is relevant due to connections with local advocates like John Parvensky, who served on its board and as interim director. NCH envisions a world with safe, decent, affordable, and accessible homes for everyone, working to prevent and end homelessness while protecting the immediate needs and civil rights of those experiencing it. They assert that housing is a human right. ● Activities: NCH advises federal, state, and local governments; addresses underlying causes of homelessness (e.g., racist housing policy, lack of affordable housing investment); provides resources and directories for those needing help; runs advocacy campaigns (e.g., Bring America Home Now); and operates as a membership organization, notably with significant representation from people with lived experience on its staff and board. ● Contact Information: National contact information is provided in the source material. The presence of these varied advocacy groups and networks indicates a dynamic environment where different strategies—legal challenges, policy research, grassroots organizing, provider coordination, business engagement—are employed to influence Denver's approach to homelessness. The tension between enforcing public space ordinances and providing rights-based housing solutions is a clear fault line addressed by many of these advocates. Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on including and empowering individuals with lived experience suggests a move towards more grounded and potentially more effective solutions.
5. Government Agencies and Initiatives Overview: Government entities at the city, state, and federal levels play critical roles in addressing homelessness in Denver through policy creation, funding allocation, program administration, direct service provision (in some cases), and coordination. The City and County of Denver, particularly through its Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and the Mayor's Office, drives local strategy and implementation. State agencies provide funding streams and technical support, while federal agencies like HUD and the VA offer significant resources and regulatory frameworks. Recent years have seen a highly visible, resource-intensive effort led by the Mayor's office focused on resolving street homelessness. City and County of Denver ● Department of Housing Stability (HOST): Established in 2019, HOST is the lead city agency tasked with creating a "healthy, housed, and connected Denver". Its mission involves investing resources, creating policy, and building partnerships to prevent
involuntary displacement, quickly resolve episodes of homelessness, and create/preserve affordable housing opportunities. HOST's work is explicitly guided by values of equity and employs person-centered, trauma-informed, and data-driven approaches. Its creation signifies a strategic consolidation of the city's efforts. HOST oversees implementation of major initiatives like All In Mile High and manages programs offering rent and utility assistance, eviction prevention support (including legal aid), shelter information and coordination, and resources for affordable rental and homeownership. The department is led by Executive Director Dr. Jamie Rife, who previously headed the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative. ○ Contact: Main Line: 720-913-1534; Non-Emergency Assistance: 720-913-2000; Email: housingstability@denvergov.org; Address: 201 W. Colfax Ave., 6th Floor, Denver, CO 80202. Mayor's Office - All In Mile High (AIMH) Initiative: Launched in July 2023 under Mayor Mike Johnston via an emergency declaration on unsheltered homelessness, this initiative (initially named House1000) represents a major city focus. Its primary goal is to move individuals experiencing street homelessness indoors and permanently close encampments, utilizing temporary housing options like converted hotels and micro-communities. The initial goal of housing 1,000 people by the end of 2023 was met, and the 2024 goal of 2,000 was surpassed, with a 2025 goal of bringing another 2,000 indoors and connecting 2,000 to long-term housing. AIMH provides residents with access to comprehensive wraparound services, including mental and physical healthcare, substance misuse treatment, peer navigation, and workforce training, delivered by contracted non-profit partners (CCH, SFC, TGP, Salvation Army, Bayaud Enterprises, Colorado Village Collaborative are named partners). The initiative includes the "Roads to Recovery" component, diverting individuals with complex behavioral health needs from the justice system into treatment. Funding comes from a mix of city budget allocations, state grants (e.g., DOLA funding for a regional navigation campus), federal sources (including significant one-time pandemic relief funds), and philanthropic contributions via the All In Mile High Fund managed by The Denver Foundation. The high visibility and resource allocation demonstrate this initiative's centrality to the current administration's homelessness strategy. ○ Contact: Information available through the Mayor's Office website and HOST. The All In Mile High Fund can be accessed via The Denver Foundation. Denver Human Services (DHS): DHS plays a role in connecting residents to resources and support, maintaining a Shelter and Housing information page on the city website that directs users to HOST's resources and the 2-1-1 help line. DHS also provides a channel for the public to make donations specifically to support people experiencing homelessness. ○ Contact: General city information via 3-1-1. Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE): DDPHE is a key partner in the Denver Joint Task Force on Homelessness, focusing on public health aspects, including communicable disease response in shelters (highlighted during COVID-19) and contributing to strategies addressing health needs and substance use among the homeless population. They may also investigate habitability issues in housing. ○ Contact: Via DDPHE main contacts or the DJTF. Denver Police Department (DPD) / STAR Program: DPD provides security support at AIMH sites and is involved in downtown safety initiatives that include outreach components. The Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program, a collaboration
involving DPD, DDPHE, Denver Health, and WellPower, deploys Emergency Medical Technicians and Behavioral Health Clinicians to respond to crises related to mental health, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse, offering an alternative to a police-only response. This represents an effort to decriminalize responses to certain situations involving vulnerable populations. ○ Contact: STAR is accessed by calling 9-1-1 or the DPD non-emergency line (720-913-2000). State of Colorado ● Division of Housing (DOH) - Office of Homeless Initiatives (OHI): Situated within the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), OHI works with statewide partners to build collaborative approaches aimed at making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. OHI does not provide direct services but manages and administers rental assistance programs, funds and evaluates supportive housing solutions (like the Transformational Homelessness Response Grant Program), oversees the Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community, and provides technical assistance on best practices (Housing First, coordinated referrals). They direct individuals needing immediate help to 2-1-1. OHI provided significant funding ($24.4 million) for Denver's Regional Navigation Campus, supporting the AIMH initiative. ○ Contact: 1313 Sherman Street, Suite 320, Denver, CO 80203; Phone: 303-864-7810; Email: dola_doh_helpdesk@state.co.us. Specific line for voucher/homeless programs: 303-864-7852. ● Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) - PATH Program: The BHA administers federal Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) grant funds in Colorado. These funds support services for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk, who have Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI), potentially with co-occurring Substance Use Disorders (SUD). PATH funds support outreach, treatment, case management, and housing assistance provided by community mental health centers and other organizations, including CCH in Denver County. ○ Contact: Via BHA website/contacts. Federal Government ● Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD is the primary federal agency overseeing housing assistance and homelessness programs. It provides significant funding to local communities through mechanisms like the Continuum of Care (CoC) program (supporting MDHI in Denver), Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Public Housing funding for local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), and specialized programs like Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH). HUD also funds Federally Qualified Health Centers serving homeless populations, like CCH's Stout Street Health Center , and provides resources like housing counseling referrals. Federal funding, including one-time COVID-19 relief funds administered through HUD and other agencies, has been crucial for recent large-scale initiatives in Denver. ○ Contact: hud.gov/colorado; Housing Counselor Search: (800) 569-4287. ● Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA provides specialized services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Key is the HUD-VASH program, combining HUD rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services. The VA works with local CoCs like MDHI to connect veterans to housing and services. Denver recently announced success in ending the cycle of street homelessness for veterans through close partnership with the VA and other providers. ○ Contact: Aurora/Denver VA Homeless Coordinator: (720) 857-5988; National
Homeless Veteran Call Center. The interplay between these government levels is evident. Federal funding often flows through state or local entities to non-profit providers. City initiatives rely heavily on this intergovernmental funding and collaboration with state agencies and non-profits. The creation of HOST demonstrates Denver's commitment to local strategic leadership, while the prominence of the AIMH initiative highlights the current administration's focus on rapidly addressing unsheltered homelessness through targeted interventions.
6. Centralized Resources and Referral Points Overview: Navigating the complex network of services available for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness can be challenging. Several centralized resources and referral points exist in Denver to help connect people with the appropriate assistance, acting as gateways into the broader system of care. Understanding these entry points is crucial for both individuals seeking help and those trying to assist them. 2-1-1 Colorado (Mile High United Way) ● Function: 2-1-1 Colorado serves as the primary statewide, confidential, and multilingual information and referral service. Operated by Mile High United Way in the Denver metro area, it connects callers or web users to a wide range of community resources, including emergency shelter, rental and utility assistance, food banks, healthcare services, counseling, substance abuse treatment, childcare, and more. Numerous agencies, including the State Division of Housing, Denver Human Services, HUD, MDHI, and JeffCo Human Services, recommend contacting 2-1-1 as a first step for individuals seeking immediate assistance or resource information. ● Access: Individuals can connect by dialing 2-1-1, texting their ZIP code to 898-211 (standard message rates may apply), or visiting the website 211colorado.org to search resources or chat with an agent. Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) - Coordinated Entry System (CES / OneHome) ● Function: As the designated Continuum of Care (CoC) for the seven-county Denver metro region, MDHI operates the OneHome Coordinated Entry System (CES). The purpose of CES is to provide a standardized and equitable process for assessing the needs of individuals and families experiencing literal homelessness (defined generally as living outside, in shelters, or exiting short institutional stays after being homeless) and connecting them to the most appropriate housing resources based on vulnerability and specific subpopulations (Individuals, Families, Veterans, Young Adults). This system aims to prioritize limited housing resources for those with the greatest need. ● Access: Entry into the CES requires an assessment conducted at designated "Access Points" located throughout the metro area. A list of these access points is available through MDHI. Specific access points may be recommended for certain populations, such as Urban Peak or TGTHR for young adults (18-24). Veterans seeking housing through CES must first verify their eligibility with the VA. The existence of this structured system, while aiming for equity, adds a layer to the navigation process beyond immediate emergency help. Denver Housing and Homelessness Guide (DenverGov.org) ● Function: The City and County of Denver provides an online guide designed as a comprehensive resource hub. It organizes information and links to resources based on specific needs, categories include Housing (long-term, eviction/foreclosure prevention,
rent/utility aid), Shelter Assistance, Children and Parents, People With Disabilities, Financial Resources, Health & Medical, Food Assistance, Jobs & Employment, Older Adults Assistance, Pet Needs, Veterans, and Other Resources (storage, domestic violence support, etc.). This serves as a city-managed portal to navigate various available supports. ● Access: Available on the City and County of Denver website, often linked from HOST and DHS pages. FindHelp.org ● Function: This website is mentioned by both MDHI and JeffCo Human Services as a searchable database for finding various social service programs locally. Users can search for assistance related to food, housing, transit, family support, healthcare, employment, financial aid, and legal help in their specific area. ● Access: Through the findhelp.org website. Shelter "Front Door" Access Points ● Function: For individuals needing immediate, urgent shelter, Denver's Department of Housing Stability (HOST) designates specific facilities as "front door" access points. These locations generally have walk-up access during specified hours and can provide direct shelter entry or referrals (sometimes including transportation) to other appropriate shelter facilities based on the individual's or family's situation (e.g., single men, single women, youth, families). This system attempts to streamline immediate shelter access compared to contacting multiple individual shelters. ● Access: Key designated front doors include: ○ Individual Men: Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center (2222 Lawrence St). ○ Individual Women: Samaritan House (2301 Lawrence St). ○ Youth (Ages 12-24): Urban Peak (1630 S. Acoma St.).. ○ Families with Minor Children: Access is primarily through calling The Salvation Army Connection Center at 303-295-3366 for intake and placement on waitlists for various family shelters, including Samaritan House. A walk-up intake point is also listed at 11701 E 33rd Ave. These centralized points illustrate an effort to create clearer pathways into a complex system. However, the existence of multiple primary entry points (2-1-1, CES Access Points, Shelter Front Doors) suggests that users may still need guidance to determine the most appropriate starting point based on their specific circumstances and urgency of need. MDHI's role in operating the Coordinated Entry System positions it as the key entity aiming for system-level coordination and equitable distribution of longer-term housing resources, functioning as a crucial, albeit less publicly visible, backbone for the regional response.
7. Supporting the Effort: Engagement and Strategic Directions How to Engage: The provided materials highlight several ways community members, businesses, and other organizations can support the work of Denver's homeless advocates and agencies: ● Donations: Financial support is frequently solicited and essential for the operations of non-profit providers. Organizations like CCH, Denver Rescue Mission, St. Francis Center, Urban Peak, The Gathering Place, and HomeAid Colorado rely on monetary
contributions. The Mayor's All In Mile High initiative also has a dedicated fund managed by The Denver Foundation for philanthropic support of wraparound services. In-kind donations of goods like food, clothing, hygiene items, and furniture are accepted by organizations such as Denver Rescue Mission, The Gathering Place, and HomeAid (via necessity drives). Some organizations, like TGP, now accept cryptocurrency donations , and DRM accepts vehicle donations. ● Volunteering: Opportunities for direct involvement through volunteering time and skills are available at many organizations, including Denver Rescue Mission, St. Francis Center, The Gathering Place, Urban Peak, and CCH. Volunteer roles can range from serving meals and sorting donations to assisting with specific programs or events. ● Advocacy: Individuals can engage in policy advocacy by joining networks like the CCH Advocacy Network, contacting elected officials, participating in organized events like Day at the Capitol, and engaging in voter registration and education efforts. Supporting or participating in grassroots advocacy groups like Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND) is another avenue. Business advocacy is channeled through the Denver Business Coalition on Homelessness. ● Education and Awareness: Learning about the complexities of homelessness and the work being done is encouraged. Resources include reports and videos from CCH, educational materials from HomeAid, updates from Denver Rescue Mission, and blogs from The Gathering Place. Sharing accurate information within personal networks can help combat stigma and build support for solutions. Simply acknowledging individuals experiencing homelessness with respect is also suggested as a meaningful action. This variety of engagement options allows for participation at different levels, catering to diverse interests and capacities within the community. Key Strategic Directions and Challenges: Several recurring themes regarding effective strategies and persistent challenges emerge from the materials: ● Housing First Philosophy: A dominant theme, particularly articulated by CCH leadership and reflected in national best practices, is the Housing First approach. This philosophy prioritizes moving individuals experiencing homelessness into stable housing as quickly as possible, and then providing voluntary supportive services (healthcare, mental health, employment, etc.) as needed to help them maintain housing and improve well-being. This contrasts with older "treatment first" models that required sobriety or program compliance before housing access, which are critiqued as less effective and potentially punitive. ● Need for More Affordable and Supportive Housing: There is a clear consensus across providers, government agencies, and advocates that the fundamental solution to homelessness is safe, stable, affordable housing combined with appropriate support services. However, a major challenge is the significant gap between the need for such housing and the available supply in Denver. Efforts like HOST's goals and the Mayor's initiatives aim to increase supply , but the scale of the problem remains immense. Community resistance (NIMBYism - "Not In My Back Yard") to siting affordable housing and shelters is also noted as a significant obstacle. ● Importance of Integrated Wraparound Services: Hand-in-hand with housing is the recognized need for comprehensive, integrated supportive services tailored to individual needs. These services – including physical and behavioral healthcare, substance misuse treatment, case management, benefits navigation, and workforce training – are seen as essential for helping people achieve long-term stability and preventing returns to homelessness. Major providers like CCH and initiatives like AIMH explicitly incorporate this model.
● Addressing Systemic Issues: Several sources acknowledge that homelessness is deeply intertwined with broader societal issues, including poverty, lack of access to affordable healthcare, systemic racism and oppression, and trauma. Effectively addressing homelessness requires tackling these root causes through systemic change, not just providing individual services. Advocacy groups like TGP, HAND, and HAPP focus on these larger structural factors. ● Collaboration and Coordination: Given the complexity of the issue and the diversity of actors involved, effective collaboration and coordination are paramount. Initiatives like the Denver Joint Task Force, MDHI's role as the CoC, the Homeless Leadership Council, and multi-partner efforts like AIMH demonstrate attempts to foster this collaboration between non-profits, government agencies, healthcare providers, and the business community. ● Funding Challenges: A persistent challenge is securing adequate, sustainable funding at a scale commensurate with the problem. While significant resources have been mobilized, particularly through recent federal pandemic relief funds and local initiatives , reliance on time-limited grants, fluctuating donations, and potentially insufficient base budgets creates uncertainty. The push for new local funding streams, like proposed sales tax increases, reflects this ongoing need for greater investment. While there is broad agreement on the need for housing and services, tensions remain regarding specific implementation methods, particularly concerning the management of public spaces and encampments versus rights-based approaches. The rapid deployment of temporary shelter options under AIMH addresses immediate needs and visibility but underscores the ongoing challenge of transitioning individuals into permanent, stable housing solutions.
8. Conclusion The response to homelessness in Denver involves a complex and extensive network of non-profit organizations, government agencies, advocacy groups, and collaborative initiatives. Major non-profits like the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Denver Rescue Mission, St. Francis Center, Urban Peak, and The Gathering Place provide a wide range of essential services, often employing integrated care models and specializing in specific populations. Advocacy efforts are diverse, ranging from grassroots organizing led by individuals with lived experience (HAND) to legal research (HAPP), provider collaborations (DJTF, HLC), and business engagement (Denver Business Coalition). Government entities, spearheaded locally by Denver's Department of Housing Stability and the Mayor's All In Mile High initiative, play crucial roles in funding, policy, coordination, and implementing large-scale programs, heavily reliant on intergovernmental partnerships and funding streams. Centralized resources like 2-1-1 Colorado and MDHI's Coordinated Entry System attempt to streamline access to this multifaceted system. Key strategic directions emphasize the need for more affordable and supportive housing based on a Housing First philosophy, integrated wraparound services, and robust collaboration across sectors. However, significant challenges persist, including insufficient housing supply, community resistance, the need to address underlying systemic issues like poverty and inequity, and securing sustainable funding at the scale required. Continued community engagement through donations, volunteering, advocacy, and education remains vital to supporting these organizations and advancing efforts to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in Denver.
Appendix A: Detailed Contact List This table consolidates specific contact information found within the provided research materials. Verification directly with the organization may be advisable as details can change. Organization/Agen Address Phone Email / Website Notes cy Name Non-Profits Colorado Coalition 2111 Champa St, (303) 293-2217 info@coloradocoal Fax: (303) for the Homeless Denver, CO 80205 ition.org / 293-2309 (CCH) - Main coloradocoalition.o rg CCH - Stout Street 2130 Stout St, (303) 293-2220 coloradocoalition.o Pharmacy Refills: Health Center Denver, CO 80205 rg/healthcare (303) 293-6516; Med Records Fax: (303) 296-8826 CCH - Housing N/A (303) 312-9679 crinfo@coloradoco Inquiries alition.org (Individuals) CCH - Housing N/A N/A fssintake@colorad Inquiries (Families) ocoalition.org CCH - Donations P.O. Box 1560, (303) 312-9640 coloradocoalition.o Denver, CO rg/giving-opportuni 80201-1560 ties CCH - Cathy 2111 Champa St, (303) 312-9638 / calderman@colora Chief Comms & Alderman Denver, CO 80205 (303) 293-2217 docoalition.org / Public Policy cocoalitionfortheho Officer meless@gmail.co m Denver Rescue 6100 Smith Road, (303) 297-1815 denverrescuemissi Multiple online Mission (DRM) - Denver, CO 80216 on.org contact forms Admin available DRM - Lawrence 2222 Lawrence St, (303) 294-0157 N/A Men's Shelter Street Comm. Denver, CO 80205 Access Point Center St. Francis Center 2323 Curtis St, (303) 297-1576 sfcdenver.org Phone from ; verify (SFC) Denver, CO 80205 if needed Urban Peak - Main N/A (303) 974-2900 urbanpeak.org TTY/TDD: 800-659-2656 Urban Peak 1630 S. Acoma (303) 974-2908 N/A Shelter Direct St., Denver CO ("Mothership") 80223 Urban Peak - Day N/A (303) 974-2928 N/A Services Direct Urban Peak N/A (303) 974-2950 donate@urbanpea Donations k.org The Gathering 1535 High Street, (303) 321-4198 tgpdenver.org Fax: (303)
Organization/Agen Address Phone cy Name Place (TGP) Denver, CO 80218 HomeAid Colorado 7721 W. 6th Ave., (303) 691-0104 Unit A, Lakewood, CO Family Tree N/A (303) 467-2604 Homelessness Helpline Family Tree 3805 Marshall (303) 467-2604 Homelessness Street, Wheat Program Ridge, CO 80033 Samaritan House 2301 Lawrence St, (303) 294-0241 (Catholic Denver CO 80205 Charities) Senior Support 846 E 18th Ave, (303) 832-1622 Services Denver, CO 80203 Advocacy / Networks Housekeys Action Meetings: 1420 N (701) 484-2634 Network Denver Ogden St, Denver (HAND) Homeless University of N/A Advocacy Policy Denver Sturm Project (HAPP) College of Law Denver Business c/o Downtown N/A Coalition on Denver Homelessness Partnership Metro Denver 711 Park Ave W, N/A Homeless Initiative Suite 320, Denver, (MDHI) CO 80205 National Coalition National Org. (202) 462-4822 for the Homeless (NCH) Government Agencies City/County of Denver - HOST
201 W. Colfax (720) 913-1534 Ave., 6th Floor, Denver, CO 80202
Notes 321-0679
info@homeaidcolo rado.org / homeaidcolorado. org thefamilytree.org/h omelessness Housing Inquiries: Email link on website ccdenver.org/denv Women's Shelter er-samaritan-hous Access Point e/ seniorsupportservi Serves ages 60+ ces.org
info@housekeysa ctionnetwork.com / housekeysactionn etwork.com law.du.edu/happ
downtowndenver.c om/homelessness/ info@mdhi.org / mdhi.org info@nationalhom eless.org / nationalhomeless. org
housingstability@d Non-Emergency: envergov.org 720-913-2000 /(https://www.denv ergov.org/Govern ment/Agencies-De partments-Offices/ Agencies-Departm ents-Offices-Direct
Organization/Agen Address cy Name
City/County of N/A Denver - General Info
ory/Department-ofHousing-Stability) denvergov.org TTY: (720) 913-8479
3-1-1 (within Denver) / (720) 913-1311 (outside Denver) CO Division of 1313 Sherman St, (303) 864-7810 dola_doh_helpdes Homeless Housing (DOH) / Suite 320, Denver, k@state.co.us / Programs Line: OHI CO 80203 doh.colorado.gov 303-864-7852 US Dept. of N/A (800) 569-4287 hud.gov/colorado Housing & Urban (Counselor Dev. (HUD) - CO Search) US Dept. of N/A (720) 857-5988 va.gov Veterans Affairs (VA) Aurora/Denver Homeless Coord. Referral Services 2-1-1 Colorado N/A Dial 2-1-1 Text ZIP to Operated by Mile 898-211 / High United Way 211colorado.org in Denver FindHelp.org N/A N/A findhelp.org
Appendix B: Glossary of Terms ● AIMH: All In Mile High. Mayor Mike Johnston's initiative (evolved from House1000) focused on moving unsheltered individuals into temporary housing (hotels, micro-communities) with wraparound services and permanently closing encampments. ● BHA: Behavioral Health Administration (Colorado State agency). ● CCH: Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. ● CES: Coordinated Entry System. A standardized process managed by the CoC (MDHI in Denver) to assess needs and connect individuals experiencing homelessness to appropriate housing resources. ● CoC: Continuum of Care. A regional or local planning body designated by HUD to coordinate housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. MDHI is the CoC for Metro Denver. ● Criminalization (of Homelessness): The enactment and enforcement of laws and ordinances (e.g., camping bans, sit/lie laws, anti-panhandling ordinances) that disproportionately affect individuals experiencing homelessness by penalizing life-sustaining activities performed in public spaces. ● DDPHE: Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. ● DHS: Denver Human Services. ● DJTF: Denver Joint Task Force on Homelessness. ● DOH: Division of Housing (Colorado State agency, part of DOLA). ● DOLA: Department of Local Affairs (Colorado State agency).
● DPD: Denver Police Department. ● DRM: Denver Rescue Mission. ● FQHC: Federally Qualified Health Center. Community health centers receiving federal funding to provide primary care services in underserved areas, often serving low-income and uninsured populations. CCH's Stout Street Health Center is an FQHC. ● HAND: Housekeys Action Network Denver. ● HAPP: Homeless Advocacy Policy Project (at DU Law). ● HLC: Homeless Leadership Council (Denver provider council). ● HMIS: Homeless Management Information System. A local information technology system used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families and persons at risk of homelessness. ● HOST: Department of Housing Stability (City and County of Denver). ● House1000: The initial name for Mayor Johnston's initiative, aiming to house 1,000 unsheltered individuals by the end of 2023. Now part of the broader All In Mile High (AIMH) initiative. ● Housing First: An approach to ending homelessness that centers on providing people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing as quickly as possible – and then providing voluntary supportive services as needed. ● HUD: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ● LGBTQ+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and others. Used in relation to specific services or disproportionate impacts. ● Low-Barrier: Service models designed to reduce or eliminate requirements (like sobriety, income, program participation) that might prevent individuals from accessing help. ● MDHI: Metro Denver Homeless Initiative. ● Micro-Community: Small communities typically comprised of individual, hard-sided temporary shelters (like tiny homes or pallet shelters) and shared facilities (restrooms, laundry, community center), often used as transitional housing within initiatives like AIMH. ● NCH: National Coalition for the Homeless. ● OHI: Office of Homeless Initiatives (within Colorado DOH). ● PATH: Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness. A federal grant program administered by SAMHSA (via state BHAs) supporting services for homeless individuals with SMI/SUD. ● PHA: Public Housing Authority. Local government agencies that administer public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs funded by HUD. ● PIT Count: Point-in-Time Count. An annual count, coordinated locally by the CoC (MDHI), of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. ● SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Federal agency). ● SFC: St. Francis Center. ● SMI: Serious Mental Illness. ● STAR Program: Support Team Assisted Response. Denver program deploying EMTs and Behavioral Health Clinicians to certain 911 calls involving mental health, homelessness, etc.. ● SUD: Substance Use Disorder. ● TGP: The Gathering Place. ● TGNB: Transgender and Non-Binary. ● Trauma-Informed Care: An approach to service delivery that recognizes the prevalence
and impact of trauma, seeking to create safe environments and avoid re-traumatization. ● VA: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. ● VASH: Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing. A collaborative program combining HUD Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans. ● Wraparound Services: Comprehensive and individualized support services (e.g., case management, healthcare, mental health support, substance use treatment, employment assistance) provided alongside housing to promote stability.
Works cited 1. Housing and Homelessness Guide - City and County of Denver, https://denvergov.org/Community/Housing/Housing-Homelessness-Guide 2. Homeless Advocacy Policy Project | Sturm College of Law - University of Denver, https://www.law.du.edu/academics/projects-centers/homeless-advocacy-policy-project 3. All In Mile High Fund - Denver Foundation, https://denverfoundation.org/allinmilehigh/ 4. Mayor Johnston's All In Mile High - City and County of Denver, https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Office s-Directory/Mayors-Office/Programs-and-Initiatives/Homelessness-Initiative 5. Advocacy Network - Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, https://www.coloradocoalition.org/advocacynetwork 6. ACTION PLAN - Denvergov.org, https://denver.prelive.opencities.com/files/assets/public/v/1/housing-stability/documents/6.21-edi t_host_2024actionplan_c6-eng.pdf 7. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: Home, https://www.coloradocoalition.org/ 8. St. Francis Center: Home, https://www.sfcdenver.org/ 9. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless - Opportunity Starts at Home, https://www.opportunityhome.org/partners/colorado-coalition-for-the-homeless/ 10. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Cathy Alderman Vice President of Communications and Public Policy Colorado Coalition for the Home, https://www.coloradocoalition.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/CCH%20Ltr%20to%20Mayor%20a nd%20Governor_press%20release.pdf 11. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless – Stout Street Clinic, https://nhchc.org/grantee-directory/colorado-coalition-for-the-homeless-stout-street-clinic/ 12. Architecture of Care: Colorado Coalition for the Homeless's Integrated Clinic, https://www.coloradohealthinstitute.org/blog/architecture-care-colorado-coalition-homelesss-inte grated-clinic 13. Contact: John Parvensky President/CEO, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless 303-285-5204, jp@coloradocoalition.org Cathy Alderman, https://www.coloradocoalition.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/John%20Parvensky%20Retirement %20Announcement.pdf 14. John Parvensky figured out how to solve the homelessness crisis. Now he's out of time. - The Colorado Sun, https://coloradosun.com/2022/08/25/homeless-coalition-john-parvensky/ 15. Housing | Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, https://www.coloradocoalition.org/housing 16. The Life's Work of John Parvensky L'79: Helping the Homeless - Penn Law Journal, https://journal.law.upenn.edu/issue/spring-2024/the-lifes-work-of-john-parvensky-l79-helping-the -homeless/ 17. Contact Us | Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, https://www.coloradocoalition.org/contact 18. homeless - 2-1-1 Colorado, https://search.211colorado.org/search?location=Colorado&page=1&service_area=colorado&ter ms=homeless 19. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless - Trinity Health of New England, https://www.trinityhealthofne.org/location/colorado-coalition-for-the-homeless-1 20. Meet Cathy Alderman- Champion for Preventing Homelessness | The Centre for Conscious Design, https://theccd.org/blog-post/meet-cathy-alderman-champion-for-preventing-homelessness/ 21.
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Housing Stability - City and County of Denver, https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-DepartmentsOffices-Directory/Department-of-Housing-Stability 74. About Us - City and County of Denver, https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-DepartmentsOffices-Directory/Department-of-Housing-Stability/About-Housing-Stability 75. Tiny Home Micro Communities Helping to Shelter Denver's Unhoused Population, https://www.planning.org/blog/9306990/tiny-home-micro-communities-helping-to-shelter-denver s-unhoused-population/ 76. It's been one year since Mike Johnston became Mayor. What has he done? - Denverite, https://denverite.com/2024/07/17/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-campaign-promises/ 77. The Denver Foundation is running the fund for one of the mayor's biggest housing initiatives, https://denverfoundation.org/2023/12/the-denver-foundation-is-running-the-fund-for-one-of-themayors-biggest-housing-initiatives/ 78. New Downtown Safety Plan will Provide Expanded Police and Outreach Resources, https://www.downtowndenver.com/newsroom/new-downtown-safety-plan-will-provide-expandedpolice-and-outreach-resources/ 79. Denver mayor introduces new affordable housing initiative 9News, https://www.9news.com/article/money/denver-new-affordable-housing-initiative/73-855c299c-5a 0f-4072-a188-14aa606b30d5 80. Denver Pursues Third Property for House1000 Initiative - Mile High CRE, https://milehighcre.com/denver-pursues-third-property-for-house1000-initiative/ 81. Office of Homeless Initiatives | Division of Housing, https://doh.colorado.gov/office-of-homeless-initiatives 82. Immediate Housing Assistance Need Colorado Division of Housing, https://doh.colorado.gov/immediate-housing-assistance-need 83. Colorado | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), https://www.hud.gov/states/colorado 84. Need Help? — MDHI - Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, https://www.mdhi.org/need-help 85. Homelessness Prevention and Housing Stability Mile High United Way, https://unitedwaydenver.org/our-work/affordable-housing/ 86. Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, https://www.mdhi.org/ 87. Support Us — Urban Peak, https://www.urbanpeak.org/support 88. 'I'm not slowing down': Head of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless retires after 37 years, https://www.rmpbs.org/blogs/rocky-mountain-pbs/longtime-president-and-ceo-of-colorado-coaliti on-for-the-homeless-john-parvensky-retiring 89. Colorado housing hero John Parvensky retires after 37 years - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gd0MjuAt_k 90. Denver gives update on how many people the city has moved off the streets and into permanent housing 9News, https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/denver-progress-unhoused-temporary-sh elters-permanent-housing/73-1683b531-f9cb-4197-99b1-7545f0d8b189 91. Denver's House1000 plan in 2024: More hotel purchases, more encampment closures and a push to get folks into permanent housing - Denverite, https://denverite.com/2024/01/24/denvers-house1000-plan-in-2024-more-hotel-purchases-more -encampment-closures-and-a-push-to-get-folks-into-permanent-housing/ 92. House1000 YEAR ONE - Elevating Denver - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7Ja1iIhb0 93. All In Mile High Dashboard - City and County of Denver, https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Office s-Directory/Mayors-Office/Programs-and-Initiatives/Homelessness-Initiative/All-In-Mile-High-Das hboard
Original source document (PDF): denver-advocates-agencies.pdf
