The Right to Housing and Survival
One of the most basic needs a person has is the need for personal safety, security, and shelter. If a person is experiencing homelessness, it is next to impossible for them to effectively address any other issue in their life. We take on a housing first strategy and aim to address housing needs first. The underlying issues that so often lead to incarceration - such as complex trauma, substance use disorder and/or mental health concerns - cannot effectively be addressed with a person who does not have a safe, secure and stable place to live.
For many of our participants, particularly those who are transitioning out of homelessness or the criminal legal system, securing housing is a barrier to living a safe and healthy life. To expand access to housing options, we work in partnership with the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) to provide a continuum of care and improve access to housing options in the area. All referrals go through the One Home (VISPDAT) system (see more information below).
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Housing with Empowerment: Beldame Apartments, Bainbridge Apartments, Lowry Apartments, Mariposa House, Odyssey Apartments, and coming this Summer 2023: Empowerment Apartments at Greyhound Park!
Currently, we do not have any vacancies in our housing. The majority of our housing is filled through Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) as part of a program called OneHome VI-SPDAT system. If you are a current participant at Empowerment, talk with your Care Manager to evaluate whether you qualify for a VI-SPDAT to be completed. If you are in need of housing and meet the criteria below, please contact one of the resources below. |
Need Help? FIRST CALL 2-1-1
This is Colorado’s statewide database for community resources. If you’re looking for shelter information, food banks, rental assistance, & other resources:
This is Colorado’s statewide database for community resources. If you’re looking for shelter information, food banks, rental assistance, & other resources:
- Call 2-1-1 (or Toll Free: 888-217-1215) to speak with a person at the call center on weekdays
- Text your zip code to 898-211 and follow the prompts to get information on resources
- Visit their website to search for resources by area or chat with a live representative
The VI-SPDAT* can be completed by staff at St. Francis Center, CCH, or Salvation Army Connection Center. To find a list of agencies that are a part of MDHI's OneHome VI-SPDAT program, go to their website: https://www.onehomeco.org/partner-agencies
*It should be noted that anyone who completes a VISPDAT will not have housing immediately, it could take months and often years.
Some requirements for housing through OneHome VI-SPDAT...
St. Francis Center: 2323 Curtis St. They have CMs available Monday—Friday from 8am- 12:15pm to complete the forms.
CCH (Colorado Coalition for the Homeless) Their Community Resources hours are a first come, first served basis Monday – Friday at 8am. They only take the first 10 people in line (no lottery)
Salvation Army Connection Center can compete VISPDATs for Coordinated Entry into housing. Please give us a call at 303-295-3366 or have your client call us to schedule one. The Connection Center also provides resources for the entire Metro Denver area. We are open 7am – 8pm Monday to Friday and Weekends 8am -12pm. Case managers always available for appointments.
*It should be noted that anyone who completes a VISPDAT will not have housing immediately, it could take months and often years.
Some requirements for housing through OneHome VI-SPDAT...
- Currently living outside or in a place not meant for human habitation* for 12 months in the last 3 years.
- Currently living in a shelter or motel paid for by an agency* for 12 months in the last 3 years.
- Currently exiting a health or mental health institution where you resided for up to 90 days and were in a shelter or a place not meant for human habitation for 12 months in the last 3 years before entering that institution* .
- Young adults (age 18-24) who are at-risk of homelessness, as defined by HUD, and have been in foster care at least one day on or after their 16th birthday. Can include young people in institutional placement or department of youth services. We recommend going to Urban Peak or TGTHR if you meet these criteria.
St. Francis Center: 2323 Curtis St. They have CMs available Monday—Friday from 8am- 12:15pm to complete the forms.
CCH (Colorado Coalition for the Homeless) Their Community Resources hours are a first come, first served basis Monday – Friday at 8am. They only take the first 10 people in line (no lottery)
Salvation Army Connection Center can compete VISPDATs for Coordinated Entry into housing. Please give us a call at 303-295-3366 or have your client call us to schedule one. The Connection Center also provides resources for the entire Metro Denver area. We are open 7am – 8pm Monday to Friday and Weekends 8am -12pm. Case managers always available for appointments.