Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) works collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. CCH advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being and stability of those it serves.

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless also plays a vital role in Mayor Hickenlooper’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness.  The Plan, Denver’s Road Home, is a partnership between the City and County of Denver and Mile High United Way.  Since its inception in 2005, Denver’s Road Home is reporting amazing successes including an 11 percent decrease in overall homelessness, and a 36 percent decrease in chronic homelessness.  In addition, panhandling on the 16th Street Mall has dropped by 92 percent.  

Since its founding over 20 years ago, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has empowered thousands of people in impossible situations to reclaim their lives. 

Bipolar disorder has colored Rhonada’s life for 25 years.  Her fiancé was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and his medications made him increasingly angry and violent.  Their arguments grew red hot, culminating in a domestic violence report.  In turn, he filed a restraining order, and she was evicted from her apartment.  Rhonada was homeless, her prescription supply was dry, and her manic state was “off the Richter Scale,” said Rhonada. 

A domestic violence safehouse referred Rhonada to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ Stout Street Clinic, supported by Mile High United Way.  Stout Street Clinic’s mental health program provided Rhonada the medication, individual counseling and group therapy she needed to get back on her feet.  Today, Rhonada has gone from homeless to self-sufficient.  She takes pride in her community garden plot where she has planted 18 rows of vegetables.

James Ginsburg, Director of Substance Treatment Services/Housing First for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, has been with the organization for nearly seven years.  He believes the system has failed people who are homeless, and points to the lack of affordable housing and rising health care costs as evidence.

“Ideally, we want to prevent homelessness from ever happening to someone, but, we are here to reach out and help these vulnerable people recover,” Ginsburg said.  “Whatever they are suffering from, whether it’s mental illness, substance abuse, a medical need, or housing issue, we are here to empower the homeless to create lasting solutions for their lives.”

To donate to Mile High United Way’s Adult Self Sufficiency initiative, click here or dial United Way’s 2-1-1 to give or get help.