The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) has been dedicated to addressing the healthcare needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Denver since 1985. This commitment culminated in the establishment of the Stout Street Health Center, a leading Federally Qualified Health Center that opened its doors in 2014. The Stout Street Clinic is specifically designed to provide comprehensive and specialized health services to adults and children in Denver who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by this vulnerable population, Stout Street Clinic offers an integrated healthcare model. Patients can access a wide range of essential services all within one convenient location. These services include medical and behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, dental and vision care, and on-site pharmacy services. Furthermore, case management is integrated into the clinic’s services to help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and access other needed resources. By consolidating these services, Stout Street Clinic effectively reduces barriers to care, ensuring that patients can readily access the support they need.
The Stout Street Health Center, along with its five satellite locations, plays a crucial role in serving a large number of individuals annually. Collectively, these facilities provide care to over 14,000 patients each year, demonstrating the significant reach and impact of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in addressing the healthcare disparities faced by the homeless population in Denver and surrounding areas. The services offered encompass preventive and primary medical care, comprehensive dental and vision services, mental health support, and specialized substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, the clinic assists patients with Medicaid enrollment and provides medical respite care.
Beyond immediate healthcare needs, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless addresses the systemic issues contributing to homelessness. They offer permanent supportive housing and affordable housing options, alongside outreach programs, case management, benefits acquisition assistance, a children’s center, vocational services, residential services, and rental assistance. The Coalition’s commitment extends to advocacy and education at the state level in Colorado. They actively engage in lobbying efforts to secure funding for housing and healthcare, advocate for renters’ protections and criminal justice reform, and champion the needs of vulnerable subpopulations experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through housing development initiatives, the CCH has created over 1,900 housing units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, further solidifying their comprehensive approach to tackling homelessness in Colorado.
Key Statistics:
- Estimated Homeless Population in Colorado: 10,857 (Point in Time Count)
- Patients Served Annually: 14,154
