Secretary Carson Visits Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

For Immediate Release

Cathy Alderman

Vice President, Communications and Public Policy

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

Office (303) 312-9638

calderman@coloradocoalition.org 

Secretary Carson Visits Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ Stout Street Health Center and Lofts

Integrated Housing and Healthcare called “Spectacular” by Carson

Denver, Colorado—The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) welcomed Secretary Ben Carson, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to the Stout Street Health Center Monday afternoon. He was greeted by the Coalition’s President and CEO John Parvensky and Medical Director Joe Ladika who gave the Secretary an inside look at integrated housing and healthcare. Secretary Carson called the health center “state-of-the-art” noting updated equipment and CCH’s model of care.

His tour included visits to the medical, dental, vision, pharmacy and mental health services departments, all housed under one roof. He was pleased with the health center, saying it was a “simple gift often taken for granted”. As a doctor himself, he asked important questions about tuberculosis testing [which the health center offers daily], and costs of health services versus access to emergency services.

Last stop was to the Renaissance Stout Street Lofts, 78 units of permanent supportive housing which sit above the Stout Street Health Center and are partially funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. An integrated part of the construction, the Lofts offer housing for people experiencing homelessness with close access to the health center. Secretary Carson was pleased with the integration of health services and housing saying, "This bolsters my argument that we can eradicate homelessness. We have the will and know how."

About Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

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 homeless and at-risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. The Coalition 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 over 30 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 15,000 individuals and families each year. Learn more at www.coloradocoalition.org.

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