Mission and Philosophy

OUR MISSION

The Mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for families, children, and individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness 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. 

Since its founding 40 years ago, the organization has earned state and national recognition for its integrated healthcare, housing and service programs. The Coalition’s comprehensive approach addresses the causes of homelessness, as well as the consequences, offering critical assistance to over 20,000 individuals and families each year.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe all people have the right to adequate housing and health care. We work to remove the barriers that restrict access to these rights. Society benefits when adequate housing and health care are available to everyone. We create lasting solutions to homelessness by:

1. Honoring the inherent dignity of those we serve, affirming their capabilities and fostering their hope that a better life is possible;
2. Building strong, caring and trauma-informed communities through the integration of housing, health care and supportive services;
3. Advocating for social and racial equity, inclusion and diversity, and challenging the status quo in partnership with our workforce members and those we serve;
4. Achieving excellence through continuous quality assurance, innovation and professional development; and
5. Using resources judiciously and effectively.

HOW WE OPERATE

Trauma-informed care is a non-judgmental technique for providing care to someone who has experienced and may still be experiencing trauma. This skill is important for homeless health care providers as homelessness is associated with previous childhood abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, traumatic brain injury, and a history of military service. Victims of trauma are sometimes left with a sense of betrayal and isolation; therefore, trauma-informed care attempts to provide a safe space for clients to feel heard and supported. Clinicians who employ a trauma-informed approach to care are better equipped to understand the actions of their clients and engage them in treatment planning.

Our Strategic Plan is available to view here.