Denver Considers $1 Million Contract with Denver Health for Homeless Relief

The Denver City Council on Monday will consider a $1 million contract to better utilize the city’s hospital system to serve the homeless.

If approved on second reading Monday, Denver Health will receive $990,900 from the city to increase its involvement in homelessness relief and Roads to Recovery through at least September 30, 2026.

The funds are intended to “support and strengthen existing internal infrastructure focused on partnerships with homelessness solutions partners in Denver and the Roads to Recovery project to better align housing and health care for some of the most at-risk individuals experiencing homelessness,” city officials said in the council’s decision request.

Among Denver Health services, the hospital screens homeless patients, enters information into the city’s homeless management system, and provides homeless data entry and results, housing referrals, treatment of homeless patients, and transfers to the Department of Health and Environment’s case management, the resolution said.

“If Denver Health is the first point of contact for patients experiencing homelessness and existing corrections, Denver Health will medically evaluate and treat these patients in the most appropriate setting,” city officials said.

The resolution stated that Denver Health would use some of the $990,900 to connect people with the city’s Roads to Recovery program. The program is designed to help people struggling with mental health or drug addiction get out of the criminal justice system. Efforts target those most vulnerable to homelessness, giving them the opportunity for intervention, treatment and rehabilitation support.

In February, Mayor Mike Johnston pledged to have 200 people enrolled in the Roads to Recovery program by the end of the year. The program is expected to cost the city $3.7 million.

In other action Monday, the council will consider:

24-1453: First reading to approve Johnston’s proposed 2025 budget.

24-1365 And 24-1366: Two contractor agreements worth a combined $30 million for three years to provide mechanical services for deferred maintenance projects in Denver. Most of these projects involve replacing equipment or improving city facilities. The two $15 million contracts were signed with US Engineering Construction and Murphy Company Mechanical Contractors and Engineers.

24-1374: An $800,511 contract with the Village Exchange Center to distribute and deliver food to immigrants and other individuals eligible for Denver’s Asylum Seeker Program.

24-1296: Second reading for a $2.5 million agreement with Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (Mile High Flood District) for the design and drainage of Weir Gulch Reaches 2, 3 and 6.

24-1240: An $869,384 grant agreement with the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice for the “East Colfax Safer Streets Collaborative,” an effort to curb crime by adding street lights and staffing along the East Colfax corridor through June 30, 2026.