For those in our community who are experiencing homelessness, life is especially difficult. Helplessness is a daily struggle. Feelings of loneliness, desperation, and fear are often overwhelming,
The Irving Street Women’s Residence, located at 601 South Irving Street in Denver, is one of VOA of Colorado’s programs that aims to provide a respite from that cycle of despair.
According to Courtney Fischer, the facility’s senior residential manager, Irving Street is Colorado’s only remaining Safe Haven program, a designation that allows it to serve chronically homeless women (which is defined as being homeless for one continuous year or four times in three years) who are disabled or experience mental health issues. The facility houses 25 women in 15 sleeping rooms, provides 24/7/365 access, and there is no maximum length of stay.
“Most of our residents have complex histories with homelessness,” Fischer explained. “It didn’t take them a year or two to become homeless, and it won’t take them a year or two to get out (of the cycle).” Which is why the fact there is a no limit to how long someone can stay is so important, she added.
“These women have to unlearn survival behavior and relearn life skills,” she said. “We want to address all the factors that led to the homelessness and provide a continuum of care and connection so that when they are permanently housed, they can stay permanently housed.”
The programs and services include mental health resources, job assistance, and a focus on family reunification. This approach saves the system a great deal of money in the long-term.
The women at Irving Street are empowered to care for themselves by maintaining their living space in a healthy and sanitary manner, as well as participating in food preparation, planning their daily activities and providing support to one another in the community living environment. The facility is staffed 24/7 with a project manager, residential coordinators, case managers and a part-time mental health worker/consultant.
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