Metro Denver Chronic Homelessness Collaborative

A Collaborative Program of MDHI, CCH and SAMHSA

MDCHC PROGRAM• $1.5 million SAMHSA Grant through

national competitive process

• Only 1 of 9 awarded nationally

• 4 counties participating in Collaborative– Boulder Mental Health Partners– Jefferson Center for Mental Health– Aurora Mental Health Center– Denver Center for Mental Health

MDCHC PROGRAM• Collaborative focuses on chronically

homeless individuals with disabilities who are unable to access other programs

• Combination of direct referrals from counties and outreach

• Uses Critical Time Intervention approach to connect individuals to housing and services

MDCHC PROGRAM• Program leveraged 32 new scattered site

permanent housing units through HUD SHP program

• CIRT Team provides intensive case management, housing counseling, and connection to mental health centers

• Peer mentor services and benefits acquisition

MDCHC PROGRAM• Program started in February 2012• Currently, 29 clients enrolled in program• 20 currently housed• 4 in lease-up process• 3 have been moved into shelter awaiting

housing

MDCHC PROGRAM“ An unexpected bonus of this multi-county

collaborative is that we are actually collaborating more with our Boulder partners. We meet regularly with shelter staff and other agencies to collectively select which clients to refer to CIRT. It feels so good to be able to help people who are chronically homeless and offer them something that will help. Capturing them right at the moment when they are ready and asking for help is huge.” -- Barb Guastella, Mental Health Partners of Boulder