By Renata Hill, Moodfuel
Mental Health Colorado bought a vacant hotel to provide shelter and services for those with mental health and substance use challenges
Mental Health Colorado (MHC), a statewide advocacy organization, has acquired an empty hotel in Arapahoe County, stated a recent press release. The goal is to provide support services for unhoused people living with mental health and substance misuse challenges.
This move bolsters MHC's SAFER Housing Initiative, a locally focused model for disentangling mental health and the criminal legal system. More specifically, SAFER supports people released into homelessness from the Arapahoe County Detention Center or who are unhoused and in contact with first responders. At the new hotel site, program participants will connect with peer support services, on-site mental health care, case management, employment assistance and other wraparound services.
MHC President and CEO Vincent Atchity said in an email that ownership of the property will allow for additional emergency shelter access, increased supportive services and stronger community partnerships.
According to the MHC website, the SAFER program has assisted 219 individuals in the community.
Moodfuel will continue to monitor this story as it develops.
