A new housing project in Englewood is giving fresh hope to people facing homelessness in Arapahoe County.
Bridge House, a well-known non-profit organization focused on helping unhoused adults get back on their feet, has opened a new facility at 3425 South Clarkson Street.
The aim is to provide not just shelter, but also job training and support that can lead to long-term stability.
This new facility is part of Bridge House’s “Ready to Work” program, which offers a full-time job, housing, and case management to people who are struggling.
The program lasts for a year and is designed to help people rebuild their lives and eventually move into permanent housing. The Englewood location can house up to 40 people and is already seeing interest from the community.
Bridge House already has similar locations in Boulder and Aurora. These programs have shown strong results, with about 70% of people completing the program and finding housing and jobs afterward.
The hope is that this new Englewood facility will have the same kind of impact in Arapahoe County, where homelessness has been a growing concern.
Officials say the project has been in the works for several years. According to Isabel McDevitt, founder of Bridge House, the team has been working closely with local authorities and the community to make sure the project meets real needs.
She believes the Englewood location is ideal because of its access to public transport and nearby job opportunities.
The site was previously owned by the City of Englewood and used to house a mental health center. The building has now been renovated to include shared bedrooms, common areas, kitchens, and workspaces for residents.
People who join the program will be expected to work in Bridge House’s social enterprises, such as a landscaping business or commercial kitchen, to build skills and earn income.
McDevitt says this model is different from a typical shelter. Instead of just giving people a place to sleep, the focus is on helping them gain independence. The program is structured and requires commitment from participants, but the support system in place makes it easier for them to succeed.
Community leaders have expressed strong support for the project. Many believe it could be a model for how to handle homelessness in a more sustainable way. They say it focuses not just on immediate needs, but also on long-term solutions like employment and life skills.
The opening of this new location comes at a time when cities and counties across Colorado are facing rising numbers of people experiencing homelessness.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness across the state has increased in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic put additional stress on housing and employment.
Programs like Ready to Work are gaining attention for their results. Bridge House reports that participants not only find housing and jobs after completing the program but are also less likely to return to homelessness later on.
The success of the Boulder and Aurora locations has encouraged expansion to Englewood, which leaders say was the right next step.
Bridge House is now working on building community partnerships to help the Englewood location grow.
This includes working with local employers, city officials, and volunteers who want to support the mission. They are also accepting donations and looking for ways to involve residents in the neighborhood.