Safehouse Denver

The non-residential program at the cac offers services to those outside a shelter environment to adult and teen survivors of domestic violence. Services include individual advocacy-based domestic violence counseling, information and referrals, case management, and support groups. During the fiscal year ending march 31, 2023, 328 adult survivors received advocacy- based or support group domestic violence counseling. An additional 357 adults received domestic violence education, crisis intervention, safety planning, and advocacy-based counseling via telephone or video sessions. Through the youth-focused advocacy area of the organization, 10 youth were served. Safehouse Denver facilitated 28 survivor-led support groups. The program staff provided counseling and advocacy services via a video platform, which is encrypted, giving clients the safety and confidentiality they need and desire. Youth-focused groups occurred also after a hiatus for a large portion of the year.

The extended stay program ("esp") provides safe, independent housing for shelter services residents who are out of acute crisis but in need of additional time to access long term housing and other resources related to self-sufficiency. An esp case manager assists in this process. Esp residents also have access to the full range of services from the cac program. The average length of stay increased from just under 110 days to 125 days due to fewer housing options available and longer wait times for accessing appointments for services and delays due to staffing shortages.

The residential services program (aka emergency shelter) provides safe, temporary emergency shelter in a secure 31-bed facility for men, women, nonbinary survivors and their children. Additionally, the residential program provides emotional support, advocacy-based counseling, support groups, education and resources, and case management services to assist survivors in developing safety plans and setting goals within a trauma- informed residential environment. Weekly support groups, individual advocacy sessions and family meetings are all available to survivors residing in the residential facility. The 24/7 crisis and information line offers crisis intervention and information and referral assistance. Nearly 9,600 calls were received from april 1, 2022 through march 31, 2023. Approximately 3,650 callers were referred to other facilities because Safehouse Denver's beds were full. During that same period, 109 adults and 86 children received services at the emergency residential facility. A total of 4,145 nights of shelter were provided. The residential services program combines the family program and emergency housing into one. The cost of the two prior programs referenced in the previous sentence are now reflected in residential (or shelter) services. Due to the impact of covid-19 limitations, Safehouse Denver served fewer survivors than in recent years. The emergency residential facility operated at half-capacity to maintain social distancing. Approximately 1,900 total individual counseling or advocacy interactions occurred between residents and staff, with about give referral on average per client to external (community) resources. Group support was reconfigured in a safe, socially-distanced way with "grab and go" materials for residents to complete in their own personal space with advocate support.

The children's program at the emergency residential facility includes personal advocacy, educational assistance, supportive play, art therapy, and intervention groups that assist children in developing safety plans, conflict resolution skills and healthy relationships.