Chapter 13 Shelters and housing

Transcription

1 This information is excerpted from CCJRC s publication, Getting On After Getting Out: A ReEntry Guide for Colorado, 2 nd Edition. To order this guide, go to Chapter 13 Shelters and housing One of the crucial things about being released is setting goals...for example, I want to get an apartment by Christmas, but my immediate goal is to get a job. I m focused on that goal, but I know I can t get the apartment without the job. (person on parole shortly after release from prison) This chapter provides housing-related information and housing resources to help you meet your shortterm and long-term housing needs. The types of housing described in this chapter range from emergency shelters to home ownership. Having a safe place to live supports not only your health and general well being but also your ability to succeed in employment and education. Unfortunately, finding appropriate housing remains one of the great challenges for many people after they re released from prison. Unless you have family or friends you can live with upon your release from prison, your may need to find an emergency overnight shelter. You can then look into transitional or long-term housing options. If you know you are going to be without a place to live when you re released from prison, please read chapter 2 about planning for release. Sometimes a case manager is able to work with a community re-entry specialist and/or your parole officer to make housing arrangements for a shelter or transitional housing before you re released. If you have a parole sponsor in another state and want to apply to serve your parole period through the Interstate Compact, chapter 2 also explains how to work with your case manager to submit an Interstate Compact plan before your release date. The first part of this chapter provides information about organizations that provide emergency overnight shelter, day shelter, transitional housing, and long-term housing. The rest of the chapter provides information about public housing, renting a home, and buying a home. TIP: If you re coming out of prison homeless and on parole, your parole officer or a community transition specialist should tell you where you must stay. You may be given a voucher to cover the cost of a motel for a few days or longer, but the funds are not always available. Shelters, transitional housing, and long-term housing If you parole without a place to live, your parole officer will most likely tell you to go to a particular shelter or transitional housing program. You may also find current information about shelters and other housing opportunities in your community from DOC community re-entry specialists, community re-entry programs and organizations, and case managers in day shelters and emergency shelters. Day shelters are places where you can go during the day to get off the street. They may offer a place where you may pick up mail, get a shower, and perhaps get help with other needs such as getting an ID. Day shelters do not have restrictions about who they will accept.

2 Emergency overnight shelters Several different types of organizations manage emergency overnight shelters. The rules and regulations that a provider expects of guests may differ somewhat, depending upon the type of sponsoring organization. Likewise, what a shelter is able to provide may also vary depending upon its size, staff, and mission. Shelters often charge a weekly rate to stay there; however, some shelters do not charge anything. Mats on the floor are usually free. Some shelters require that you re either employed or seriously looking for a job and/or require you to attend classes and programs. No shelter allows weapons or violence. Meals are usually provided by a shelter, and they may ask residents to help with chores around the shelter. TIP: If you need to find a shelter on your own, try calling 211 or Be prepared to tell the operator your county, zip code, and the type of service you need. Most of the time, people are admitted into a shelter on a first-come, first-served basis through a case manager or through an intake process. Intake time is usually around dinnertime. You can call most shelters to find out intake procedures and hours. At intake you may be asked to submit to a breathalyzer test or urinalysis. Most shelters require a tuberculosis card, but they may give you some time to obtain a current tuberculosis test. Most shelters require a photo ID, but many will accept your DOC photo inmate ID. Some shelters ask for proof of residence in the county where you are staying. When demand for a shelter is greater than its capacity, the shelter may admit people using a lottery system, which means the shelter uses a drawing to admit those who are waiting to get in. Overflow is another means of letting people into shelters that are reaching capacity. Overflow usually consists of mats or cots for people who aren t assigned a bed that night. The time of night when shelters admit people for overflow varies, but sometimes it s as late as 10 pm. Some shelters are part of a county s emergency overflow plan for when the temperature dips down below freezing, usually around 20 degrees. At this point, a county will try to find shelter for anyone seeking relief from the cold, which can vary from a mat on the floor of a nearby church to an empty cell at the county jail to an emergency motel voucher. TIP: When it s really cold outside and if you have been turned away from a shelter because it s full and you re afraid you re going to freeze, ask about the city s cold weather plan and if there is a church or somewhere else you can go for the night. You can also ask the local police department about a city s cold weather plan. Most shelters ask that you not write and ask for a bed before your release. Almost all shelters have no process to accept people beforehand, and case managers in shelters like to conduct intake interviews in person. Most letters sent to shelters by people in prison are not answered. There are some exceptions to this and several shelter managers said they appreciated being able to talk with DOC case managers, pre-release specialists, or parole officers beforehand. Thus, you might be able to work with an emergency shelter before you are released. Check with a prerelease specialist or your case manager to see if this is possible. Most shelters admit people convicted of a nonviolent offense. Many shelters will not admit people convicted of a violent offense, but if a shelter does, this is usually done on a case-by-case basis. Most shelters do not admit people convicted of a sex offense. Sometimes shelters have a don t-ask policy which means they may not ask you about your conviction. Whatever your conviction, be prepared to discuss it with shelter staff if asked. If a shelter accepts people convicted of certain crimes on a case-by-case basis, it s important that you make a good impression.

3 The shelters listed in this chapter will consider people with a nonviolent criminal conviction. If a shelter has a stated policy about any other type of conviction, this information is noted when possible. TIP: Remember, once you are assigned to live at a particular shelter by your parole officer, if you move to another location without permission that is grounds for a technical violation of parole. Obviously, a bed is better than being under a bridge, but be prepared. Sometimes living in a shelter or a motel offers more problems than officials are willing to acknowledge. Several people said that being in a shelter was a traumatic experience. If you have a bad experience, remember that your immediate need is to stabilize your situation. A shelter gives you a place to come back to at the end of the day which is an important first step toward stability. One person who lived for eight months in one of the bigger shelters in Denver said the way he survived was to leave at six, do my business all day, come back at six that night. I stay aloof from everybody. As well as emergency overnight shelter, some shelters also offer a transitional housing program. Sometimes this housing is part of an overall treatment/recovery program. Sometimes it s a housing opportunity that you graduate into after you find a job and begin to establish a stable track record. TIP: In the Denver metro area, you can also call Phone Home, an effort by the People s Leadership Council to connect homeless people to someone who can help them problem solve. The number is Transitional housing & long-term housing Transitional housing provides just what the term describes, a transition from one housing status to another, often from the streets to more stable long-term housing. Transitional housing is temporary housing that varies from a few weeks to a couple of years, depending upon the program. It usually includes case management services that offer help with preparing for and finding employment, applying for benefits (if applicable), and helping you meet other needs. If you are lucky enough to get into transitional housing, make the most of the services provided to help you develop the references (personal, landlord, credit) you will need to successfully move into the private rental market. A number of organizations around the state also work with clients to help them find long-term housing. Some organizations are state-funded, some are nonprofit, and some are faith-based. Some offer both transitional and long-term housing, while others offer only one or the other. There is a high demand for this housing, so it may be unrealistic to think you will find something right away. Be prepared for the application process to take time. Once your application is processed, your name may be placed on a waiting list. Ask for an estimate of wait-time so you can plan for a place to day in the mean time. TIP: Sometimes people resort to living in a motel because the daily or weekly fee is easier to come up with than the cost of getting into an apartment. However, the monthly cost of living out of a motel can be more expensive than monthly rent. An organization listed in the following section may be able to help you find a better option. The following section is arranged in alphabetical order by the name of a community. Under each name, you will find specific information about the type of service and whether the organization provides an emergency overnight or day shelter, transitional housing, or long-term housing opportunity. Read the descriptions carefully so that you understand what an organization offers. Please note that some are for people with specific needs, such as substance abuse treatment, while others are for men or women only. Remember, you must have your parole officer s permission for wherever you live. Alamosa La Puente Home Shelter

4 913 State Avenue, Alamosa, CO for men, women, and families no charge; open 24 hours a day provides all meals, help with IDs, laundry services, and access to other services cannot accept people convicted of a sex offense or other violent offences; if on parole, your case manager or parole officer should contact first veteran services available which will be discussed at intake Arvada Family Tree Housing Marshall St., Wheat Ridge, CO transitional housing for chronically homeless for single men, women and children; must have a physical or mental disability and have been homeless for at least one year does not accept people with a violent or sex offense apartments located in Arvada case management services include life skills, identifying and finding a job if working, contribute 30% of income; no meals contact by phone Aspen Aspen Homeless Shelter Castle Creek Road, Aspen, CO day shelter for men and women open 10 am 8 pm every day of the year offer meals, showers, laundry, employment services, and community referrals cannot accept anyone convicted of a sex offense also operates an emergency cold weather shelter from December thru March Aurora Oxford House, Inc In order to enquire about the houses in Aurora, write to PO Box 1683, Greeley, CO transitional housing for men and women self-run, self-supporting addiction recovery houses majority are single rooms with shared common space zero tolerance for relapse average cost is $ a month write or call for more information St. Andrews Hospitality Center Dallas Street, Aurora, CO day shelter doors open 10:15 to 1:20 only receive a hot meal and a food basket to take can have mail sent to this address and pick it up between 10:15 am and 1:20 pm may provide help to pay for prescriptions and limited bus pass as funding allows Bailey Mountain Peace Shelter (also known as Park County Crisis Center, Inc.) PO Box 836, Bailey CO emergency shelter for women and children; provides hotel vouchers for men and families in rural Park and mountain Jefferson counties acceptance policy is case-by-case basis Boulder

5 Boulder Shelter for the Homeless N. Broadway, Boulder, CO emergency shelter for men and women open Oct 1 thru April 30; may stay up to 90 days doors open from 5-7 pm, lottery is used if over capacity no charge; need TB card within 14 days; provides breakfast and dinner accepts people, regardless of any criminal conviction, who agree to abide by shelter s Conditions of Stay provides information about other resources and transitional housing program Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) Yarmouch Avenue, Boulder, CO provides financial services towards rent deposits, rent, and utilities has temporary housing for families with children (minors) and a source of income must live in Broomfield and Boulder counties only and initially meet with a caseworker Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (crisis line ) 835 North Street, Boulder, CO provides emergency assistance and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence including emergency shelter (6-week stay) and transitional housing also provides legal advocacy, long-term counseling, post-arrest assistance sliding scale fees The Carriage House Community Table ½ Pine Street, Boulder, CO day shelter for men and women provides hot meals, medical and mental health services provides case management to help with employment search and addiction concerns hours are 9 am 3 pm, Monday thru Friday Cañon City Family Crisis Services, Inc PO Box 308, Canon City, CO emergency shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault accepts people with a criminal conviction on a case-by-case basis provides case management and group sessions, access to counseling Castle Rock Women s Crisis and Family Outreach Center PO Box 367, Castle Rock, CO crisis line, counseling emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence (women, men, children) counseling available on a sliding scale accepts people with a criminal conviction on a case-by-case basis Colorado Springs C-C Boarding Home Annex x West Cimarron, Colorado Springs, CO boarding home for homeless men and women; no case management current charge is $60 week cannot accept anyone convicted of a sex offense Greccio Housing W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

6 provides long-term housing (rental) for men and women 18 and older cannot accept anyone whose conviction is a crime of violence or sex offense may not owe more than $500 to previous landlord other qualifications apply: call or stop by or see their website for more details Harbor House Collaborative E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO Harbor House provides transitional supportive housing for chronically homeless adults with a long-term substance abuse disorder Includes Harbor House Clinic (provides counseling and treatment services) and Safe Harbor (provides addiction counseling for women, pregnant women, and women with dependent children) Liza s Place East Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO transitional housing for women offered by faith-based organization first two months focus on skill building and Bible study; after two months must search for employment; requires support group attendance provides all meals, some clothing, life skills training, employment readiness, and other services cannot accept someone who is required to register as a sex offender RJ Montgomery New Hope Center (Salvation Army) S. Sierra Madre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 0903 emergency shelter for men and women transitional housing for men (Hope House) offers case management and referrals to community resources you may write a letter to the Center in advance of arrival but they do not reserve beds Springs Rescue Mission East Las Vegas Street, Colorado Springs, CO provides a residential treatment program for men with any addiction (New Life Program) no charge; may stay up to 18 months in the rehabilitation program provides all meals, clothing, vocational training, medical referrals, religious counseling (Christian), and education (GED) cannot accept anyone who is required to register as a sex offender; intake done on a case-bycase basis Urban Peak Colorado Springs (after hours ) 423 E. Cucharras St., Colorado Springs CO services and shelter for homeless and runaway youth between the ages of 15 to 21 can keep a bed when planning to return the following nights you may be referred to a case manager to discuss transitional housing options if you consistently stay for some time TIP: The Colorado Springs Survival Manual is a frequently updated list of shelters and community resources available for homeless people in the Colorado Springs area. You can find the most recent version of this guide online at Click on Downloads for the link to the Colorado Springs Survival Manual. You can also write to Homeward Pikes Peak and ask for a free copy. The address is Colorado Springs Survival Manual c/o Homeward Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak United Way, 518 N. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO Commerce City ACCESS Housing Colorado Boulevard, Commerce City, CO housing for men and women with children for up to 90 days

7 provides case management, food, clothing, personal hygiene, household furnishings, and transportation support provides transitional housing program during cold weather, provides emergency shelter information accept people on a case-by-case basis with some restrictions for drug and violent crimes Adams County Cold Weather Care emergency shelter for men, women and families; may stay up to 30 days open October thru March provides case management and referrals to community resources cannot accept someone with a violent offense or crime against a child Cortez Colorado Housing, Inc North Madison, Cortez, CO long-term housing opportunity in Archuleta, La Plata, and Montezuma counties mutual self-help home ownership (people help each other build their own home) must be employed and able to qualify for a mortgage (offers free home buyer education) The Bridge Emergency Shelter and Detox Center N Mildred, Cortez, CO emergency overnight shelter for men and women check-in is at 6 pm and must leave the shelter by 7 am open mid-october to mid-april; no charge provides breakfast and dinner, referrals to other services Denver Arapahoe House, Inc Administrative offices: 8801 Lipan Street, Thornton, CO offers residential treatment programs for men and women seeking treatment for substance abuse and/or co-occurring mental health disorders offers STIRRT, a short-term intensive residential remediation treatment program for men and women 18 and older who are referred by probation, parole, community corrections, TASC, or drug court may have housing assistance in the Denver metro area for individuals with a substance abuse diagnosis Archdiocesan Housing, Inc Pecos, Suite A, Denver, CO opportunity for long-term housing: Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) housing with one year lease, income requirements will not accept anyone without previous two years of landlord references will not accept any one whose background check has any evidence of involvement related to a sexual crimes or illegal drug activity within three years will not accept anyone with a drug conviction or sexual offense within seven years will not accept who must register as a sex offender Brandon Center/Theodora House (Volunteers of America) Located in the Denver area emergency shelter for women and children and single women; women veterans initial 30-day stay may be extended must be motivated toward stabilization and alcohol and drug-free no charge: provides all meals and case management call for intake procedure and location; has a strict screening process

8 case managers have information about other housing opportunities and resources call 24 hours prior to release for information; cannot hold a bed for you Center of Hope W. Kentucky Avenue, Lakewood, CO transitional housing for men and women Christian faith-based program that offers highly structured and supervised rehabilitation program must enter the program for a minimum of one year with no outside contact for the first 90 days no charge for the program opportunity for long-term housing upon successful completion of the program offers level I and level II alcohol education and therapy treatment classes, relapse prevention and sobriety monitoring case manager, parole officer, or you should contact the Center of Hope four to six weeks before your release to apply Charities House Ministries Welton Street, Denver, CO transitional housing for men leaving prison or jail private Christian faith-based organization offers shared rooms, common space, and shared kitchens/bathrooms does not accept people convicted of sex offenses and some violent offenses contact Charity s House up to six months before you leave prison to start the application process Charity s House also sponsors a re-entry transitional program for men at the Cheyenne Mountain Reentry Center who will release to one of the following zip code areas: 80204, 80205, 80206, 80207, and Christ Body Ministries Lincoln Street, Denver, CO day shelter for men and women offers meals, clothing, limited shower and laundry facilities hours are Monday 12:30-2:30pm, offer lunch; Tuesday thru Thursday 10am - 2:30pm, offer breakfast and lunch; Friday 8:30-11:30am, offer breakfast; Sunday evening 5:30 8 pm, offer optional church service and hot meal Colorado Coalition for the Homeless Champa Street, Denver, CO long-term housing for men, women, and families; includes case management Coalition case managers can help you apply for housing and access other services housing is in high demand and rarely available immediately; you may write from prison and ask for an application about a year before you re released hours are Monday thru Friday, 7:30am - 5pm Community Resources offers connections with other resources; uses a lottery system; sign in by 8:30am Community Housing Services, Inc Mariposa Street, Denver, CO referrals to emergency, transitional and long-term housing, both subsidized and affordable offers information about landlord/tenant disputes "Senior Housing Locator" has detailed information about housing options for seniors in the area Crossroads Shelter (Salvation Army) (8am-3pm); (after 3pm) th Street, Denver, CO emergency overnight shelter for men open October thru April

9 open only when temperature is below 32 degrees; if raining or snowing, open when temperature is below 42 degrees provides dinner and supper open 5pm 8am Delores Project located in the Denver area emergency overnight shelter for women age 18 and older provides breakfast, sack lunch, dinner, group classes, and other services no charge; for intake and location, call the number above must be working with a DOC community re-entry specialist to be accepted; see chapter 5 for information about re-entry specialists Denver Rescue Mission s Champa House Champa Street, Denver, CO transitional housing for single mothers 18 and older and their children 12 and younger; women waiting to regain custody of their children may also be accepted Christian faith-based program is 18 to 24 months in length; includes spiritual development, case management, Christian counseling, work therapy and life skills and education no charge for the program must attend an orientation session as part of the application process, currently held every Tuesday at 1 pm acceptance is on a case-by-case basis; call or write for more information Denver Rescue Mission s Harvest Farm E. County Road 66, Wellington, Colorado long-term treatment program and rehabilitation center for men (12 to 27 months in length) on a 209 acre working farm in Wellington, Colorado New Life rehabilitation program includes spiritual development, case management, Christian counseling, work therapy and life skills and education classes no charge for the program provides food, clothing and furniture distribution intake hours are Monday thru Friday between 1pm and 2pm, call Denver Rescue Mission s Lawrence Street Shelter Park Avenue West (Park Ave. West & Lawrence), Denver, CO emergency overnight shelter for men; entry point for New Life Program provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week, clothing, health clinic, and chapel services for men, women, and children no charge intake hours are Tuesday thru Saturday from 1:30pm - 5pm. Denver Rescue Mission s The Crossing Smith Road, Denver, CO transitional housing available for individuals and families through STAR Transitional Housing Program New Life Program is Christian faith-based program for people struggling with substance abuse (12 to 27 months in length); not allowed to work the first six months of the program New Life Program includes spiritual development, case management, Christian counseling, work therapy and life skills and education classes. no charge for the program case manager, parole officer, or you may contact The Crossing before your release for information

10 programs are not available to anyone convicted of a sex offense or violent crime also provides respite care for homeless men, women, seniors, and families call or write for more information Empowerment Program York Street, Suite 201, Denver, CO offers transitional housing for women Women in Transition (WIT) is located in central Denver and helps women with life skills education, money management, substance abuse treatment, and mental health care Mariposa House is a room and board facility with group living, community meetings, and support groups Columbine Community at the old Lowry Air Force Base has units for women with qualifying disabilities; involves intense case management must be a client of Empowerment Program to be eligible for assistance with housing; call for orientation times and to see if you qualify your case manager or parole officer may call the housing coordinator at Empowerment before your release to see if bed space is available Family Homestead Decatur, Denver, CO transitional housing program for families; must have a child under the age of 18 in your household and have physical custody of that child when you apply must be employed fulltime provides case management for up to six months criminal convictions are accepted on a case-by-case basis call during business hours, Monday thru Friday, to determine eligibility and to see if space is available Family Tree Housing and Family Services Marshall St. #201, Wheat Ridge, CO provides emergency and transitional housing for men, women, and families throughout the Denver metro area provides case management, food, clothing for clients administrative offices are in Wheat Ridge call number above for more information Father Ed Judy House S. Newton Street, Denver, CO transitional shelter for women age 18 and over who have a child in custody or are in their third trimester of pregnancy must have income or be TANF approved; SSI or SSDI considered income classes include life skills, parenting, and women s support call or write for more information about applying to the house Father Woody s Haven of Hope W. 7th Avenue, Denver, CO day shelter for men and women open Monday thru Friday 7am 1pm offers meals, private showers, bathrooms, haircuts, and laundry service Harbor Light (Salvation Army) Champa Street, Denver, CO day residential drug and alcohol program for men provides meals, counseling, work therapy, substance abuse counseling

11 no charge relapse program: must have been in a program for at least 21 days within the past five years may not leave property for first two weeks cannot accept anyone convicted of arson, sex offense/harassment Harm Reduction Action Center Lipan Street, Denver, CO day shelter for people who struggle with injection drug use open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 am - 5 pm provides HIV/hepatitis C testing, health education classes, case management, community outreach, an on-site psychotherapist, and an active Advisory Committee also provides meals, showers, laundry facility, and Internet access Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO offers information and referrals to housing for veterans enrolled in the program must be homeless to qualify for the program (staying in a hotel or shelter, in a halfway house or transitional housing, living on the street, or staying in a friend s home on a short-term basis) must also be a veteran with at least one day of active duty and not have a dishonorable discharge six-month program offers bus tokens, clothing, haircuts, food, job search assistance and referrals walk-in hours are Monday thru Thursday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm transitional housing program provides case management to people who wish to become self sufficient Hope Harbor (Salvation Army) th Street, Denver, CO transitional housing program for working men; must be employed to be accepted and earning a minimum of $670 per month provides meals, counseling, and church services cannot accept anyone of a sex offense HOPE Program (Homeless Outreach Pharmaceuticals and Education) Race Street, Denver, CO day shelter for men and women who are HIV positive hours are Monday thru Friday, provides lunch, showers, medical tracking assistance Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Denver offers shelter for families with at least one child under the age of 18; family may be a single parent with child, grandparent with child, same sex couple with child call upon release for an intake interview will need a picture ID and Social Security card; birth certificate for the child accepts criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis Joshua Station W. Mulberry Place, Denver, CO offers transitional housing for homeless men, women, and/or couples with children (18 years or younger) please call to find out when the next orientation will be Matthews Center for Excellence Downing Street, Denver, CO transitional and permanent housing program for men and women; veterans only

12 provides case management, construction certification training current charge for this housing is $350 a month (must qualify under HUD standards) your case manager, parole officer, or you may contact the Matthews Center six months before your release to start the application process Network Coffee House Pearl Street, Denver, CO day shelter open Monday thru Friday, 6 pm - 9 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10 am- 2 pm, early Saturday mornings hospitable space for people to hang out, play chess, drink coffee, get a shower worship service on Sunday at 10 am New Genesis or Sherman Street, Denver, CO overnight shelter and transitional housing program for men transitional housing program for single women and women with children currently $49 week for the shelter provides light breakfast and dinner, work counseling, and sobriety meetings residents are required to be substance free and hold a full-time job may accept people convicted of a violent offense on a case-by-case basis; cannot accept people convicted of a sex offense Open Door Ministries Marion Street, Denver, CO Ogden Street, Denver, CO transitional housing for women with children and single women: three boarding houses in the Capitol Hill area (Chayah House for single women, Esther House for women leaving the sex industry, and Treasure House for pregnant women and single mothers of young children) also provides transitional housing for single men at the Lighthouse bedrooms are private with shared bathrooms and common space cost is currently $300 a month for women and $400 a month for men; employment expected after first five weeks of program operated by private Christian faith-based organization provides child care center for preschool and before and after school programs resource centers provide job skill training, counseling, food, and clothing clients expected to follow educational and vocational plans, attend church and Bible study cannot accept people convicted of a violent crime or a sex offense you must attend an orientation after your release; doesn t arrange to accept anyone prior to release (women s orientation is at Marion Street address; men s orientation is at Ogden Street address) Oxford House, Inc In order to enquire about the houses in Denver, write to PO Box 1683, Greeley, CO transitional housing for men and women self-run, self-supporting addiction recovery houses majority are single rooms with shared common space zero tolerance for relapse average cost is $ a month write or call for more information Providence House I Logan Street, Denver, CO 80203

13 transitional housing program for single men and women dealing with drug and alcohol addiction issues: Providence House serves single men and women; Joy House serves abused women with children program is one to two years; includes case management Christian: residents must attend church, participate in counseling and Bible study, help with chores, and attend community activities cannot accept anyone on probation or parole for a crime against a person, sex or violent offense must be able to work and willing to seek employment; current charge is $430 a month must attend an orientation after your release in order to apply to the program; you cannot apply prior to your release provides vocational assistance, life skills training, individual counseling, group therapy, and spiritual nurturing St. Francis Center Curtis Street, Denver, CO day shelter for homeless men and women provides mental health counselor, nurse, social worker, employment specialist also provides showers, clothing, phones, storage space, satellite location for Stout Street Clinic open Monday thru Friday 6am - 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 6am 1pm (open until 6pm Dec. thru. April) referrals to transitional and long-term housing Samaritan House (Catholic Charities) Lawrence Street, Denver, CO emergency overnight shelter with separate facilities for single men, single women and families with children residents receive a bed, food, clothing and various services on site, including case management, medical care, and referrals for employment, social service assistance and educational opportunities no charge must be employed or looking for employment, applying for benefits, etc cannot accept anyone convicted of a sex offense, arson, or violent crime Senior Support Services E. 18th Avenue, Denver, CO day shelter for homeless men and women 55 and older when available, provides clothing, meals, glasses, and hearing aids case management helps people apply with government benefits may be asked to provide documentation of your age open Monday thru Friday 7 am - 7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am - 4 pm helps homeless seniors find long-term housing Step Larimer Street, Denver, CO transitional housing program for men must want to give up addiction to alcohol or drugs must follow house rules and attend in-house meetings current cost is $8 per day; lower weekly and monthly payment options are available employment and long-term housing opportunities The Gathering Place High Street, Denver, CO day shelter for homeless women, their children, and transgender people

14 provides showers, hygiene bags, GED classes, computer classes, a food bank, legal aid, mental health counselor, and other services offers breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30am - 5pm, Tuesday from 8:30am - 1pm Urban Peak Denver S. Acoma, Denver CO emergency shelter for homeless youth between the ages of 15 and 21 provides meals, clothing, a clinic, and mental health evaluations offers GED classes, assistance in post-secondary educational opportunities, job skills training, and career counseling also sponsors The Spot, a drop-in place to hang out, for people 14-24, at 2100 Stout Street TIP: Most shelters admit people on a first-come, first-served basis. This means they can t save a bed for you, even if they know your date of release. If you contact a shelter before you re released, you may receive a form letter in response. This is not a letter of acceptance. Durango Housing Solutions for the Southwest Girard Street, Durango, CO helps low- to moderate-income people find affordable housing in the area funding may be available to help with rent and deposit call for more information and to make an appointment Manna Soup Kitchen Avenida del Sol, Durango, CO may be able to help men and women coming out of prison or jail find emergency or temporary housing can help people with groceries, thrift store voucher for kitchen items Southwest Transitions PO Box 2193, Durango, CO offers help with housing for men and women coming out of prison or jail for the first couple of weeks faith-based organization offers help with employment search case manager or parole officer may contact prior to your release Englewood Family Tree s House of Hope S. Grant Street, Englewood, CO day shelter for women with children up to 18 therapist and medical clinic on premises must leave between 9 am and 2 pm $25/day plus room key deposit accepts people with a nonviolent offense classes for children and women Fort Collins Catholic Charities and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Denver, Inc. Northern Colorado or Linden Center Drive, Fort Collins, CO emergency shelter for single women, women with children, and single men may stay up to 60 days; come at 6 pm for available space

15 no charge, three meals a day, case management cannot accept someone with a violent or sex offense zero tolerance for alcohol, controlled substances or threatening behavior (random UA and BA nightly) also provides a day shelter Open Door Mission Jefferson Street, PO Box 1873, Fort Collins, Colorado emergency shelter for men and women may stay up to four weeks no charge provides all meals, drug and alcohol counseling, educational and job assistance, and religious counseling has a transitional program for former prisoners does not accept people convicted of a violent offense, arson, or sex offense; does not accept active homosexual people send letter care of Reverend Thebo Oxford House, Inc In order to enquire about the house in Fort Collins, write to PO Box 1683, Greeley, CO transitional housing for men self-run, self-supporting addiction recovery houses majority are single rooms with shared common space zero tolerance for relapse average cost is $ a month write or call for more information Fort Morgan Caring Ministries of Morgan County E. Railroad Avenue, PO Box 157, Fort Morgan, CO emergency shelter for single men and women and families stays are for 30-day increments with two-week extensions three meals/day, medical assistance, clothing bank, food pantry, job assistance may provide some financial assistance for utilities and medical care no charge cannot accept someone with a violent or sex offense parole officers may call in advance to determine openings Glenwood Springs Catholic Charities Western Slope Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO assists homeless to gain entry into a housing situation no housing units but provides support and information on Section 8 housing case management services are available for offenders and ex-offenders small grants up to $700 are available to ex-offenders plus six months case management must be from Garfield County originally emergency assistance up to $400 for housing deposit, rental assistance or utilities with imminent risk of homelessness, provides 3 months rental assistance Feed My Sheep Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO day shelter open from April through October offers breakfast and lunch, showers, laundry, and other services for the homeless open Monday thru Friday 8am-3pm, Sunday 2-6pm

16 Grand Junction Freedom House Ministries East Road, P.O. Box 3705, Grand Junction, CO transitional housing for four to six men, including people on parole Christian living center (weekly Bible study, must attend church) support for 30 days, then, once working, contribute 33% of salary for room and board, 33% for savings, and 33% for spending cannot accept anyone with a sex offense contact faith-based volunteer or prison chaplain for information about the application process Grand Junction Rescue Mission S. Avenue, Grand Junction, CO emergency overnight shelter for men (20 beds for parolees, including sex offenders) faith-based mission with Christian services every night breakfast and evening meals are provided; lunch is also available cost is $3/day with no credit given no case management services opportunity for transitional and long-term housing contact the house managers for an application Grand Valley Catholic Outreach Inc S. 1 st Street, Grand Junction, CO transitional housing for men, women, and women with children; must be chronically homeless; may stay months; must have source of income; rent is 30% of income may accept someone with a sex offense on a case-by-case basis long-term housing for chronically homeless men with physical and/or mental health issues (St. Benedict s Place); must have a source of income one-time emergency funding for housing Grand Valley Coalition for the Homeless This organization publishes a list of community resources in the area. You can find this list online by typing Grand Valley Coalition for the Homeless community resources in your search engine (Google it). Homeward Bound North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO emergency shelter for men and women and women with children provides breakfast and dinner; no charge cannot accept someone with a sex offense or arson; violent offense on a case-by-case basis opportunity for transitional housing for families Salvation Army Service Extension North 4 th Street, Grand Junction, CO six-month transitional living program for men and women provide substance abuse counseling $3100 for the first four months; last two months charge is 30% of income for room and board call for additional information and to schedule an interview Greeley Catholic Charities and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Denver, Inc. Northern Colorado st Avenue, Bldg. CB, Greeley, CO emergency shelter for single women, women with children, single men, and couples

17 may stay up to 60 days; come at 6 pm for available space no charge, 3 meals, case management cannot accept someone with a violent or sex offense zero tolerance for alcohol, controlled substances or threatening behavior; breathalyzer tests nightly, random UA tests Oxford House, Inc In order to enquire about the house in Greeley, write to PO Box 1683, Greeley, CO transitional housing for men self-run, self-supporting addiction recovery houses majority are single rooms with shared common space zero tolerance for relapse average cost is $ a month write or call for more information Room at the Inn th Avenue, Greeley, CO shelter for up to five families who sleep at one of 14 churches for a week at a time no stay limit or charge for meals receive case management during the day cannot accept anyone with a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, sex offense, or violent offense; others accepted on a case-by-case basis Victory Outreach th Avenue, Greeley, CO transitional housing for men and women 16-month faith-based program recovery home; first year is spent developing a relationship with God; 24/7 supervision the first year full array of programs no charge for first year; last four months rent is $250 a month (includes food) Lakewood Jeffco Action Center W. 14th Avenue (not shelter s address), Lakewood, CO emergency shelter for men, women and children call before noon for shelter location and bed availability must live in Jefferson County and have proof of identification; may stay up to 45 days does not accept someone convicted of a violent or sex offense no substance abuse; must be stable on medication if prescribed; must develop and implement transition plan no charge; provides all meals and help developing a transitional plan Oxford House, Inc In order to enquire about the house in Lakewood, write to PO Box 1683, Greeley, CO transitional housing for men self-run, self-supporting addiction recovery houses majority are single rooms with shared common space zero tolerance for relapse average cost is $ a month write or call for more information Stride W. Cedar Avenue, Lakewood, CO provides transitional housing for head of household (men and women) with children

18 provides case management cannot accept anyone convicted of a violent offense Longmont OUR Center (Outreach United Resource Center, Inc) Atwood, Longmont, CO day shelter for people to eat, rest, and share company open 9:30 am 3:30 pm Monday thru Friday assists in acquiring birth certificates and identification food and clothing banks on site must live in the St. Vrain School District to receive services Pagosa Springs Colorado Housing, Inc San Juan Street, PO Box 5918, Pagosa Springs, CO long-term housing opportunity mutual self-help home ownership (people help each other build their own home) must be employed and able to qualify for a mortgage (offers free home buyer education) Pueblo Colorado Mental Institute of Pueblo, Circle Program W. 24 th St., Bldg., 116, Pueblo, CO day residential co-occurring treatment program; must have a mental illness diagnosis and a chemical dependency diagnosis sliding scale fee based on income and other factors; accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private health insurance, and military insurance Posada 1008 North Grand Avenue, Pueblo, CO connects homeless families with emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing, and a wide range of services does not provide housing for single men and women but assists with other services provides help getting ID, child care, health care clinic, showers, telephones, laundry, gas vouchers, employment, and mail and message service Hours are Monday thru Friday 8am 4pm; intake is usually from 8-11 am Wayside Cross Gospel Rescue Mission W. 4th Street, PO Box 404, Pueblo, CO provides emergency shelter for single men and women from the age of 19 and up provides a nightly church service, lodging, meals, clothing bank, and employment assistance if employed, asks for $5 a night or $20 a week cannot accept anyone with a sex offense Thornton Oxford House, Inc In order to enquire about the house in Thornton, write to PO Box 1683, Greeley, CO transitional housing for men self-run, self-supporting addiction recovery houses majority are single rooms with shared common space zero tolerance for relapse average cost is $ a month write or call for more information

19 Westminster Growing Home W. 72 nd Avenue, #112, Westminster, CO provides emergency housing for families with children provides food and case management cannot accept anyone with a violent or sex offense, other offenses on a case-by-case basis food pantry open seven days a week, 10 am - noon Oxford House, Inc In order to enquire about the house in Westminster, write to PO Box 1683, Greeley, CO transitional housing for men self-run, self-supporting addiction recovery houses majority are single rooms with shared common space zero tolerance for relapse average cost is $ a month write or call for more information Public Housing Program and the Housing Choice Voucher Program The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds several different types of subsidized housing. These programs are managed by local public housing authorities. Public housing authorities administer the Public Housing Program and also administer the Public Housing Voucher Program (formerly called Section 8). You can find the contact information for the public housing authority closest to where you live online at Click on Colorado on the US map. Scroll down the list. Almost every county has a public housing agency. You can also call the regional HUD office in Denver at to find the public housing authority closest to where you live. To get started with the process of applying for housing, call your local public housing authority and ask if they are currently accepting applications, and if so, for which programs. Many housing authorities will offer preferences to people with disabilities and to those who work or live in a particular area. Be sure to ask about preferences when you call. You may be eligible for either the Public Housing Program and/or the Housing Choice Voucher Program. There is a lot of demand for subsidized housing. If you re approved to apply for housing, there can be a long waiting period before the housing becomes available. By law, the public housing authority may not admit anyone (including his/her household members) for the following reasons: if any member of the household was evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity within three years (someone with a drug conviction who successfully completed treatment may be approved), if the public housing authority believes that a member of the household engages in illegal use of a drug, if any member of the household was convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing, or if any member of the household is subject to sex offender registration requirement. The reality is that HUD subsidized housing may not be an option for most people with a criminal conviction. HUD states on its website that housing authorities will deny admission to any applicant whose habits and practices may be expected to have a detrimental effect on other tenants or on the project s environment.

20 However, if you are approved for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, some private landlords who accept housing vouchers will accept people with a criminal record. Each landlord determines the crimes that disqualify someone from living in his or her rental unit. If you apply for public housing and you are denied, you must be told the process to appeal the decision. If you wish to appeal, gather evidence to indicate why the decision should be overturned and seek the assistance of a local community agency. Letters of support from landlords, employers, mentors, church organizations, family members, etc., could be helpful, as could evidence of successful treatment (e.g., certificate of graduation from a substance abuse program). Be prepared to talk about your case in a positive manner. TIP: If you re not eligible to live in subsidized housing and you stay with a family member or friend who lives in subsidized housing--even for one night, that person could be evicted and lose their housing assistance. Also, if you use their address as a place of residence on any application (e.g., driver s license, parole sponsor), that could be used to evict your friend or family member from public housing. Renting a home Once you have a job and/or benefits that are a steady source of income, renting a home in the private market could be an option. Ask around. Your network of friends and families may know of a place to rent. DOC community re-entry specialists and parole officers may also know of landlords who will rent to someone with a conviction. In addition, the organizations listed earlier in this chapter under long-term housing may offer rental counseling that could be of help. Large apartment complexes almost always require criminal background checks and credit checks, and most of them also charge an application fee. Always ask if an apartment complex has a policy about not renting to people with a criminal conviction before you pay an application fee. It may be easier to rent from a landlord who owns just one or two properties because s/he might rely more on individual judgment than on policy and procedure when selecting a tenant. For example, one landlord said he would rent to someone with a criminal conviction depending upon that person s history, honesty, and attitude about the future. If the landlord felt someone was really trying to turn his life around and had the skills necessary to keep a job and pay rent, he was willing to take a chance with that person. This type of landlord may be more willing to take a chance with you than a large apartment complex that has a blanket policy of not accepting anyone with a felony conviction. If you were to offer to accept a month-by-month lease, a landlord might be more inclined to take a chance with you. An offer to provide your landlord with your parole officer s contact information (if that s okay with your parole officer) could also make a landlord feel more confident about renting to you. A landlord wants to know that his or her property will be taken care of and that the rent will be paid on time. Therefore, if your work is only temporary, your source of income looks insecure and you won t look like a good prospect as a tenant. A landlord wants to know that you have a steady income. Almost every landlord requires a security deposit. This amount is usually the total of one to two month s rent. If you are able to offer a larger security deposit than requested, this could decrease a landlord s concern about renting to you because of a criminal record or low credit score. (See chapter 19 for more information about credit scores.) It s not uncommon for a landlord to ask for a larger security deposit when there is a perception of increased risk. TIP: Bring a copy of your background report from CBI and your credit report (if you have it) to your meeting with a landlord. S/he may be willing to wave the application fee. When you talk to a prospective landlord, you will want to sell yourself just as you would in a job interview. Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately, arriving on time, and bringing the information you