About This Project

This website, homelessdenver.com, along with homelessboulder.com, are projects under the umbrella of homelesscolorado.com. Our aim is to provide centralized resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness across Colorado, starting with dedicated sites for Denver and Boulder. We strive to offer clear, accessible information on shelters, food assistance, healthcare, job support, and other essential services to help connect people with the support they need. These projects are maintained by volunteers and rely on community input to stay updated and relevant.

Resources for Homeless Individuals & Families in Denver

Find essential services and support available in the Denver area, including shelters, food assistance, healthcare, job services, and legal aid. Select a category below to view specific resources, or see some key examples listed here.

Shelters & Housing

Find information on emergency shelters, temporary housing, and overnight accommodations in Denver.

For Men: Denver Rescue Mission (Lawrence St), 2222 Lawrence St, (303) 294-0157. Arrive early (check site for current process). Visit Site Map
For Women: Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St, (303) 294-0241. Arrive early (check site for current process). Visit Site Map
For Families: Family Promise of Greater Denver, (303) 675-0706. Provides temporary shelter and support for families. Visit Site
For Youth (15-20): Urban Peak, 1630 S Acoma St, (303) 777-9190. Shelter and services for young people. Visit Site Map
General Info & Referrals: 211 Colorado: Dial 2-11 for real-time availability & comprehensive info across various shelter types. Visit Site
View All Shelters & Housing →

Food Assistance & Free Meals

Access details about food banks, soup kitchens, and free meal programs in the Denver area.

Food Bank of the Rockies: Use 'Find Food' tool at foodbankrockies.org/find-food/. Provides locations for pantries and mobile distributions. Visit Site
Hunger Free Colorado Hotline: Call 855-855-4626 for immediate needs, SNAP help, and food resource referrals. Visit Site
Denver Rescue Mission: Serves meals at their shelter locations (Lawrence St, The Crossing). Check their website for meal times. Visit Site
Catholic Charities Denver: Operates food markets at locations like Marisol Services. Check website for details and hours. Visit Site
Food for Thought Denver: Provides weekend food bags for students at partner schools. Visit Site
Find All Food Assistance →

Healthcare & Mental Health Support

Locate medical clinics, mental health services, and substance abuse support for homeless individuals.

Stout Street Health Center (Colorado Coalition for the Homeless): 2130 Stout St, (303) 293-2220. Provides integrated medical, dental, mental health, and substance use care specifically for people experiencing homelessness. Visit Site Map
Denver Health: Main hospital & various clinics. Call (303) 436-4949 for appointments. Ask about discounted care options and services for those experiencing homelessness. Visit Site
Colorado Crisis Services: 24/7 confidential support for mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis. Call 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255. Walk-in centers available. Visit Site
Mental Health Center of Denver: Offers a range of mental health services. Locations vary. Call (303) 504-7900. Visit Site
Get All Healthcare Info →

Job Services & Employment Support

Find resources for job training, resume building, and employment opportunities in Denver.

Denver Workforce Services: Offers job search assistance, training programs, and career counseling. Check denvergov.org for locations and specific services available to those experiencing homelessness. Visit Site
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: Provides employment support services, including job readiness training, resume writing, and job placement assistance, as part of their integrated services. (303) 293-2217. Visit Site
Crossroads Success (Denver Rescue Mission): Offers employment programs and coaching to help individuals find and maintain employment. Visit Site
Find All Job Services →

Legal Aid & Assistance

Connect with organizations providing free or low-cost legal assistance for those in need.

Colorado Legal Services: Provides free civil legal aid to eligible low-income Coloradans. Areas include housing, public benefits, and more. Check coloradolegalservices.org for intake information and locations. Visit Site
DU Sturm College of Law Clinics: Offers various legal clinics, some of which may assist individuals experiencing homelessness with specific legal issues (e.g., civil rights, housing). Check law.du.edu/clinics for current clinic offerings and contact information. Visit Site
Legal Night at Denver Rescue Mission: Provides free legal consultations. Check DRM's website or call for schedule and details. More Info
Get All Legal Aid →

Additional Support & Essential Services

Explore other resources like clothing banks, transportation, harm reduction, and recovery services.

DRM Clothing Bank: 3501 E 46th Ave. Provides clothing with a referral (e.g., from a shelter or case manager). Contact MARC@denrescue.org for info. More Info Map
Harm Reduction Action Center: Syringe access, naloxone, wound care, and resource referrals. 112 E 8th Ave, (303) 572-7800. Visit Site Map
Step Denver: Residential recovery program for men overcoming addiction and homelessness. (303) 295-7837. Visit Site
Project Homeless Connect Denver: Periodic events offering multiple services in one location (healthcare, IDs, veterans services, etc.). Check their site for upcoming events. More Info
Showers & Laundry: Various organizations offer access to showers and laundry facilities. Check with shelters or resource centers like the Delores Project (for women/transgender individuals) or St. Francis Center. Details often found via 211 or direct contact.
More Support Options →

Get Involved & Make a Difference in Denver

We rely on the support of our community to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Denver. Your time, voice, and financial contributions are invaluable. Here's how you can help:

  • Volunteer: Donate your time and skills to local shelters and service providers.
  • Advocate: Raise awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness and support policies that create positive change.
  • Educate: Learn more about the root causes of homelessness and share your knowledge with others.
  • Donate: Your financial contributions directly support essential services and programs.
Find Volunteer Opportunities

Homelessness in Denver: Facts & Figures (2024 Data)

Understanding the scope and demographics of homelessness in our community is crucial for effective solutions. Data helps inform initiatives and track progress. The primary source for this data is the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count conducted by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI). The figures below are from the 2024 PIT Count and represent the seven-county Metro Denver area.

9,065
Individuals Tallied
(Metro Area Total, 2024 PIT Count)
2,661
Individuals Unsheltered
(Approx. 29% of total, 2024 PIT Count)
2,170
Chronically Homeless
(2024 PIT Count)
41%
Experiencing Homelessness for First Time
(2024 PIT Count)
539
Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
(Metro Area, 2024 PIT Count)
1,567
People in Families with Children
(Metro Area, 2024 PIT Count)

Important Note: The Point-in-Time count provides valuable data but is widely understood to be an undercount of the total number of people experiencing homelessness. This data reflects a snapshot in time. Please refer to the official MDHI PIT Count reports for full methodology and detailed findings.

Racial Disparities: While data varies slightly year to year, the 2024 PIT count showed that Black/African American individuals constituted approximately 18% of the homeless population in Metro Denver, despite being only about 6% of the general population. American Indian/Alaska Native individuals were also overrepresented at about 2% of the homeless population vs. less than 0.5% of the general population.

Economic Factors: High housing costs and lack of affordable housing remain primary drivers of homelessness in Denver.

Health Needs: A significant portion of individuals experiencing homelessness report co-occurring challenges related to physical health, mental health disorders, or substance use.

Causes of Homelessness: The most frequently cited reasons for homelessness among survey respondents in 2024 included loss of job, alcohol/drug use, and conflict with household members.

View Latest Official MDHI Reports →

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find a shelter in Denver?

You can find information on emergency shelters, temporary housing, and overnight accommodations in our Resources section, specifically under 'Shelters & Housing'. We also strongly recommend dialing 2-1-1 for real-time availability and comprehensive information specific to your needs.

Where can I get free meals or food assistance?

Visit our Resources section under 'Food Assistance & Free Meals' for details about food banks, soup kitchens, and meal programs in the Denver area. The Hunger Free Colorado Hotline (855-855-4626) is another excellent resource for immediate needs and SNAP help.

How can I volunteer or donate to help the homeless community in Denver?

Our Get Involved section provides ways you can donate your time and skills. You can also find information on making financial contributions on our Donate section. Every form of support makes a difference!

Our Blog

Stay informed about the latest news, stories, and insights on homelessness in Denver. Our blog features updates from local organizations, personal narratives, policy discussions, and ways you can stay involved.

Understanding the Challenges of Finding Housing

Explore the systemic barriers and daily struggles individuals face when seeking stable housing in Denver...

Read More →

Volunteer Spotlight: Making a Difference Together

Highlighting the incredible work of volunteers and their impact on the Denver homeless community...

Read More →

Navigating Resources: A Guide to Essential Services

A breakdown of key resources available in Denver for food, shelter, healthcare, and more...

Read More →

The Impact of Mental Health on Homelessness

Examining the strong link between mental health challenges and experiences of homelessness, and available support...

Read More →

Housing First: A Proven Approach to Ending Homelessness

Exploring the principles and success of the Housing First model in providing stable homes for individuals...

Read More →

Community Solutions: How Local Initiatives are Making a Difference

Highlighting innovative programs and community efforts addressing homelessness in Denver...

Read More →
View All Blog Posts →

Contact Us

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, suggestions, or inquiries about homelessdenver.com. While we strive to provide comprehensive resources, please understand that we are primarily an informational website and do not offer direct services like shelter or food. For immediate assistance, please refer to the resources listed on our site or dial 2-1-1. You can also contact us via email at info@homelesscolorado.com or use the form below.