Study after study demonstrates that the national and statewide homelessness crisis is a direct result of a lack of affordable housing, and that the solution to the crisis is simple—provide housing to those in need. Specifically, it is most effective to provide housing that does have any pre-determined requirements, just a key and a door that closes: No requirements that individuals be employed, refrain from substance use, etc. This approach is called Housing First and has been proven effective for decades. More effective in fact than treatment first programs or similar initiatives.  (Read our Housing First Report for more information) 

But Housing First does not mean Housing Only. Housing First is most successful when wraparound services accompany the housing in what is referred to as Permanent Supportive Housing. Some of those wraparound services including onsite case management, counseling, substance use treatment, peer support services, psychiatric care, medical care, landlord relations, employment services, and more.  

Here at the Coalition, all our permanent supportive housing across our 23 Colorado properties comes with onsite wraparound services. Two programs in particular, outlined below in detail, are specially designed to assist individuals in Denver, Colorado experiencing chronic, or long-term, homelessness.  

The individuals selected for these opportunities have been trapped in a homelessness-jail or homelessness-hospital cycle—rotating in and out of jail, detoxification centers, and emergency health care. This cycle doesn’t help people access the assistance they need to find stability, and it comes at a major cost to taxpayers. The Social Impact Bond and Housing to Health (H2H) or SIPPRA Initiatives are described below and showcase how Housing First initiatives are effective for individuals, communities, and taxpayers.