Denver considers $1 million contract with Denver Health for homeless response

On Monday, the Denver City Council will consider a $1 million contract to better utilize the city’s hospital system for homeless response efforts.

If approved on second reading Monday, Denver Health will receive $990,900 from the city to become more involved in homeless response efforts and Pathways to Recovery work through at least Sept. 30, 2026.

City officials said the money is slated for “the Pathways to Recovery project to support and strengthen existing domestic infrastructure focused on partnerships with Denver’s homelessness partners and better align housing and health supports for some of the most at-risk individuals experiencing homelessness.” Request for decision of the Council.

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, homeless patient treatment, and turnover to Department of Public Health and Environment case management. resolution.

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

The resolution stated that Denver Health will use some of the $990,900 to connect people to the city’s Pathways to Recovery Program. The program is designed to help people outside of the criminal justice system who are struggling with mental health or drug addiction. This effort focuses on those most vulnerable to homelessness and gives them the chance to receive intervention, treatment and rehabilitation support.

In February, Mayor Mike Johnston promised to move 200 people to the Pathways to Recovery program by the end of the year. The program is expected to cost the city $3.7 million.

In further action on Monday, the council will consider:

24-1453: First reading for approval of Johnston’s proposed 2025 budget.

24-1365 And 24-1366: Two contractor agreements totaling $30 million over three years to provide mechanical services for deferred maintenance projects throughout Denver. Many of these projects involve equipment replacement or improvement of city facilities. The two $15 million contracts were with US Engineering Construction and Murphy Company Mechanical Contractors and Engineers.

24-1374: An $800,511 contract with the Village Exchange Center for food distribution and delivery to immigrants and other eligible individuals in the Denver Refugee Program.

24-1296: Second reading of a $2.5 million agreement with the 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 Department of Criminal Justice for the “East Colfax Safer Streets Collaborative,” an effort to curb crime by adding street lighting and staffing to the East Colfax corridor by June 30, 2026.