Statements from SAFER Residents, Family, Friends, and Supporters on why SAFER must be kept open!
| Name: Saptarshi Bhattacharyya Connection to SAFER: Resident Experience of the program: Excellent shelter transitional sober program. Has given me a safe space to get all my medical needs addressed, legal issues addressed, medications and therapy dialed in. Allowed me to rebuild relationships with my family and loved ones. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Got a Birth Certificate, Social Security card, set appointment to take Drivers License Test, My Probation Officer is proud of me, addressed my many neglected health needs, changed medications to a more workable combination. Rebuilt relationships with my Sister and Mom. Found employment and a training program in a desired field. Why SAFER should stay open: It’s changing people’s lives for the better |
| Name: Sriya Bhattacharyya, PhD, Psychologist Connection to SAFER: Sister of SAFER resident Experience of the program: My brother has been in and out of prison/jail my entire life. He was just incarcerated for 8 years. Since being at SAFER since February of this year, this is the best I have ever seen him doing. He has stability, support, and is staying sober. They provide him housing, case management, therapy, and a nurturing environment. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: My brother has taken care of long standing medical issues, dental issues, and has gotten his first jobs! He worked at PRIDE Fest and Parker Fest selling tickets. We have re-established a relationship and have been spending quality time together. He has missed many of my life events from being in the revolving door of the justice system, and now is taking part of my family and is a cherished member of our community. Why SAFER should stay open: Safer is an EFFECTIVE program, keeping people off the streets, sober, out of jail, and supports them in building a new life. It is so hard to build a life after coming out of jail. Only 1% of SAFER residents have returned to jail after being housed there, compared to Colorado Department of Justice’s recidivism rate of 28%. Support sobriety. Support families. Support SAFER! |
| Name: Wade Nichols Connection to SAFER: current safer participant and currently about to loss housing Experience of the program: health me a ton with my mental health, connected me to resources that I didn’t even know existed. I’ve been at safer for 20 months; if it wasn’t for them I don’t know where I would be in life. Safer helped me open up on a social level because I struggle with depression, anxiety, autism, and other mental help disorders and if it wasn’t for them my life would be still a wreck. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: stable when it comes to meds by referring me out to medical doctors that can help me. Making friends at safer even with autism as a major barrier to socializing. Why SAFER should stay open: If safer didn’t exist people would be on the street, or in jail or still suffering from untreated mental conditions. |
| Name: LaRae Goldsmith Connection to SAFER: Beloved of SAFER resident Experience of the program: Transformative! The people I love, the community I care for and the ecosystem we create together are stronger, more resilient, and more alive with love when folx are being sheltered and tended to in spaces like SAFER. I have witnessed Steve become more present, more outgoing, and more engaged since being a part of the SAFER community. This is HUGE because Steve’s presence and gifts are essential parts of our greater community, so a space that allows him to be nurtured and encouraged in that expression in safe and healthy ways literally ripples in positive changes far beyond SAFER. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Steve has been showing up more fully and vibrantly in the community since joining the program. I have seen him at community dinners connecting with new people, at work events supporting his own financial stability, and in general showing up for his relationships with family and friends more consistently and with a greater ability to both offer and receive. Why SAFER should stay open: Safe shelter is a basic human need and should be a basic human right. It is our community’s most basic level of responsibility to ensure we are sheltered and cared for in environments where we can thrive. That is what SAFER has been to Steve. And the magic is, that when we have our basic needs met, when we are sheltered and nourished and celebrated in our homes and communities we can offer the best of ourselves to each other. Steve has been able to offer his love and creative gifts, his full self, because of SAFER. We need each other, and we need each other well, and we need spaces that enable us to do that. Unfortunately, spaces that can effectively support folx in transitions like Steve’s are rare and need to be held up as the pillars in the community that they are. |
| Name: Rachel Gregg Connection to SAFER: Participant Experience of the program: Stayed clean and sober for 2 years. Have had excellent care for my schizophrenia. Was really looking forward to an approach in Employment and housing. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Stayed in a safe environment. Learned about Mental Health skills and various tools to cope with anxiety. Made a place to start over. Why SAFER should stay open: Reliability to have Safer stay open for the people/participants and construct a better pathway. |
| Name: Luke Sample Connection to SAFER: 5 years Homeless after moving out of apartment. Completed sober living and mental health therapy for 3 months with Safer. Also completed needed primary care visits while in the program. Started reemployment and housing voucher applications as well and court. Experience of the program: Great experience completed need treatment to successful living Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Sober living mental health therapy primary care employment housing voucher court appearance Why SAFER should stay open: Mental Health has always been needing more focus for a number of people. Safer is a great program for successful mental health treatment of patients to successful living |
| Name: D’Andre Thompson Connection to SAFER: Risk of eviction and my apartment became inhabitable so they helped me by providing shelter and resources that would be necessary to resolve my eviction demand. They have provided countless group sessions that teach how to behave, how to manage oneself, and other things that are helpful. Experience of the program: Excellent outcome on organization skills and managing priorities. I’m better as a person when dealing with this program and being a part of it. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Medication management, organization, priority managing, employment seeking, group attending. Why SAFER should stay open: Individuals that take part of this program are most likely to achieve an outcome that affects their future in positive ways. The program of SAFER helps individuals with their needs and also with future needs and that just shows how helpful the program is. |
| Name: barbara mellott Connection to SAFER: current participant about to lose housing Experience of the program: they helped me out when i didn’t understand the classes are amazing and i learned a lot i have a TBI they were gonna help me Achievements resident(s) have made since the program:they have helped me how to function better with my TBI of how i was struggling before Why SAFER should stay open: they have more people than me and I heard and I know they are great at what they do and it’s a learning place for help with the people who are needing the help because they have helped me in a lot of areas. |
| Name: Lakshmi Nair Connection to SAFER: Friend of SAFER resident Experience of the program: Steve has been able to stay sober and out of prison with the support of the program at SAFER. He is really thriving with the stability that the program provides. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Steve has been participating in community events, working at festivals, detailing cars, and getting excited about plans for his future. Why SAFER should stay open: This is such an important program that really transforms people’s lives. It has been so successful in reducing recidivism. |
| Name Colin Schneider: Connection to SAFER: former participant and community partner, peer support specialist with safeside recovery. Experience of the program: This program was crucial in saving my life and helping me to find my path to successfully becoming a peer support specialist and working for several other non-profit agencies and community partners. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: I personally successfully gained housing, stayed sober, engaged in Trauma therapy and services and went on to earn my certification and become employed as a peer support specialist. I can not count how many people I have seen have their lives saved and completely transformed by this program. Why SAFER should stay open, there is no other program offering truly wrap around services like this program. This is not another treatment program or sober living. This program is truly unique and transforms the lives of individuals such as myself who traditional programs and a broken system had left to die or spend a life institutionalized. This program being shut down is more criminal than any offense committed by any of its participants. This program was the first real answer to homelessness and lowering recidivism I have seen. |
| Name: DJ Ida PhD Connection to SAFER: Lifelong family friend of Steve who has been a resident at SAFER since February. Experience of the program: I have known Steve since he was very young and it made me sad to see how lost he seemed to be. I always knew he had a good heart but he continued to make decisions that got him into trouble throughout his life. He couldn’t find a way to turn things around until he came to SAFER. I can honestly say this changed and probably saved his life. There he found stability, a place that was not just safe but also gave him an opportunity to be productive, and most importantly feel like he was more than the difficulty he got into. The staff at SAFER worked with all of Stever, not just his problems. They helped with his medical needs and helped him feel better physically as well as emotionally. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Steve was finally able to take responsibility for his behavior without losing sight of the fact that he is worthwhile. He has been productive and successfully working at PRIDE Fest and Parker Fest and can see that he has a future and he can survive outside the legal system which is so important. His newfound belief in himself and change in behavior was key to having a genuinely healthy relationship with his sister which was so important to both. Most importantly, he knows that he has earned this relationship and is grateful for those who have helped him on his journey. Why SAFER should stay open: It is imperative to keep SAFER open. It is critical for Steve and others to be in a sober house as a condition of his probation. If he doesn’t he will most likely end up going back to jail or being on the streets – either could be devastating and undo all he has worked so hard to accomplish. More often than not, individuals who have had legal problems are not given a second chance. They are forgotten and unfortunately get caught up in the revolving doors of our legal system. SAFER actually costs less than jail both in the short and long term. Safer helps people get their lives back and become productive members of society. The staff, residents, and families have all worked too hard to let it disappear. |
| Name: Sarah Wright Connection to SAFER: Resident Experience of the program: I have lived here for a total of three years. I have grown so much in so many ways with SAFER,s help i have survived and thrived through the following: I have got out of a serious domestic violence situation, gotten all my teeth pulled out and got a set of dentures, i have combated my chronic depression and anxiety through the help of doing Neuro (one of the groups we’ve been lucky enough to have), able to get through 30 days/nights of the Serenity program to get sober off of maijuana- knowing that i had a place safe and sober place to come home to- really makes a difference when you don’t have anyone to help,able to graduate from IOP program-which, lasted 3 months, 3 times a week- again, knowing i had a safe place to reside after these 3 hour meetings-made a huge difference. I do not know where i’d be without the help of SAFER and our staff. This program is considered home, not just a shelter to lay your head for the night. It has been a saving grace for me and many others through the time i have been here. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: i have not only maintained sobriety, i have been able to work on my physical health issues including the following: disc degenerative disease, polyneuropathy, and spinal stenosis. Not to mention getting my meds right for my mental issues. These are all things that I could never have accomplished without the help of SAFER. Why SAFER should stay open: SAFER should stay open because most, if not all of our residents rely on this place as a constant place to call home and feel like i belong to a successful part of society, not a lost soul on the streets, with no family or anyone to count on for help and hope. |
| Name: MooHong (Peter) Kim Connection to SAFER: Participant Experience of the program: Last good thing i have left Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Person Pending Why SAFER should stay open: |
| Name: Roland Jargba Connection to SAFER: Resident Experience of the program: Housing Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Got a job. Why SAFER should stay open: Provide safe housing. |
| Name: Andrew Morris Connection to SAFER: Participant Experience of the program: Helping me to get off the street PERMANENTLY Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: GOT ALL MY CASES TAKEN CARE OF, NOW JUST ON PROBATION Why SAFER should stay open: ITS HELPING PEOPLE GET OFF THE STREET PERMANENTLY |
| Name: KENJI SHOEBOOT Connection to SAFER: PARTICIPANT Experience of the program: I CAME ACROSS SOME LEGAL ISSUES IN THE PAST 2024 YEAR AFTER BEING HOMELESS, BI-POLAR, AND DRUG USE..I ALSO EXPERIENCED BETRAYAL AND BEING OSTRACIZED BY MY FAMILY WHO I TRUSTED …ANYWHO SAFER GOT ME OUT OF JAIL EVEN WHEN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY WAS AGAINST ME…BECAUSE I AGREED/WAS ACCEPTED TO THE PROGRAM…AGAINST THE D.A.’S REQUEST THE JUDGE BEING FAMILIAR WITH THE PROGRAM RELEASED ME INTO THEIR CARE…THIS PLACE IS DEFINITELY NECESSARY TO HELP PEOPLE REGAIN THERE LIFE ON ALL LEVELS… IF IT WASN’T FOR THIS PROGRAM I DON’T KNOW WHERE MY PLACE IN THE WORLD WOULD BE…SAFER HAS TRULY GIVEN ME A 2ND CHANCE AT LIFE…FOR THAT I’ EVER GRATEFUL…. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: MANY RESIDENTS WORK VERY HARD ON BATTLING MENTAL ILLNESSES OR LIFE STRESSORS. THROUGHOUT THE 4 YEARS I’VE BEEN HERE..I’VE MANY PEOPLE COME OUT MANY SUNKEN PLACES EXHIBITING EXPONENTIAL GROWTH. I’VE BEEN UNSTABLE ON MANY LEVELS OF LIFE (FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS). I’VE LIVED IN COLORADO….NOW THAT I’VE BEEN INN THE SAFER PROGRAM FOR 5 MONTHS MY LIFE HAS TOTALLY CHANGED…I’VE REGAINED MY SELF CONFIDENCE, SOBRIETY, EXPONENTIAL MENTAL FORTITUDE, AND MOST OF ALL MY SOUL !!! Why SAFER should stay open: SAFEF SHOULD STAY OPEN BECAUSE I’VE FIRST HANDEDLY WITNESSED THE TRANSFORMATION OF NOT ONLY MYSELF BUT MANY OTHERS |
| Name: Jimmy Ernst Connection to SAFER: Previous resident Experience of the program:Fantastic program that really helped me stay grounded in my recovery Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Stayed clean and sober, became a productive member of society, working steps with my sponsor, and praising God Why SAFER should stay open: It would be a shame to close this down. There are too many people that need this program for one reason or another. |
| Name: Allyson Goto Connection to SAFER: Family Member of SAFER resident Experience of the program: this program is so important for creating a network of care for our community and investing in programs that help individuals heal and get build a life after prison. As both a family member of someone who has benefitted from this program and a former county public health employee I have learned the importance of programs such as SAFER to address the failures that exist in the systems of incarceration and drug rehabilitation in this country. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: I have seen my brother have the housing and structural stability needed to address health problems that were not addressed in prison, have the support to find a job, have access to resources such as therapy, and most importantly have the community support to stay sober. These may seem like small milestones for individuals who have not faced the challenges my brother has faced but they are truly monumental in helping him build the life he wants and deserves to have. Why SAFER should stay open: without this housing option many folks will not have the support needed to stay sober, have access to mental health care, or stable living which is essential for ending recidivism and investing in the healing of our community. |
| Name: Ananas Mustafa Connection to SAFER: Friend of a SAFER Resident & Friend of 2 Family Members of a SAFER Resident Experience of the program: It’s been incredible to witness the support and stability that SAFER provides, not just for individual residents, but for their families too. My friend Steve’s journey is a powerful example. Having safe and secure housing has given him the foundation to rebuild his life after incarceration. It’s allowed him to focus on healing, reconnect with loved ones, and move forward with confidence. That kind of stability isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Without it, people are left vulnerable, and the risk of falling through the cracks grows. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Since joining the program, my friend Steve has become a deeply valued member of our community. He consistently shows up with positivity and a strong desire to participate in events and gatherings. He’s secured a job and recently worked at Denver Pride Weekend selling tickets, a great example of his growing independence and engagement. Steve is truly leading his own life with confidence and purpose, and I believe the stability and support provided by SAFER has played a major role in making that possible. Why SAFER should stay open: SAFER must stay open because it works. The risk of recidivism for SAFER residents is just 1%, a staggering contrast to Denver’s citywide rate of 28%. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a testament to how powerful stable, supportive housing is in breaking the cycle of incarceration. SAFER provides more than a roof over someone’s head; it offers dignity, structure, and a real chance at rebuilding a life. Without it, residents are left with few, if any, safe options. Closing SAFER wouldn’t just destabilize the people who live there; it would ripple outward, harming families, loved ones, and the broader community. This program is life-saving. We can’t afford to lose it. |
| Name: Alma Arteaga Connection to SAFER: Friend of a SAFER Resident (Steve) & Friend of Two Family Members of a SAFER Resident, Mental Health Advocate Experience of the program: As a friend of Steve and his family and an advocate for community based mental health, I have seen first-hand what a difference SAFER has made by providing stable housing and a supportive environment where Steve can focus on his healing, recovery, repairing relationships — where he can build a good life and loving community.Steve’s time at SAFER has allowed him to prioritize his health and tend to medical needs that went unaddressed when he was incarcerated. SAFER has provided critical support around the essential human needs of housing and health, so Steve can rebuild confidence and connection in our community. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Since joining the program, Steve has made meaningful strides to strengthen his social fabric, adjust to things outside, learn new skills, and work toward greater interdependence. He has worked hard to rebuild trust in important family relationships by showing up consistently. He’s also been involved with our broader community events, and recently contributed by working at Denver Pride Weekend, selling tickets to the event. It’s clear that Steve is taking more and more responsibility for his life with gaining confidence and direction, and the support and stability offered by SAFER have been instrumental in his progress. Why SAFER should stay open: SAFER is not just a shelter — it’s a lifeline. It’s one of the only places where people coming out of incarceration or homelessness can finally breathe, heal, and begin again.Residents have reconnected with family, gotten jobs, addressed long-neglected health issues, and found sobriety and purpose. For many, SAFER is the first stable home they’ve had in years — a place where they are treated with dignity, not judgment.The impact is undeniable: only 1% of SAFER residents return to jail, compared to Colorado’s 28% recidivism rate. That’s not just a statistic — it’s dozens of people rebuilding their lives, staying out of jail, and becoming part of their communities again.Closing SAFER would rip away critical support from people who have worked hard to turn their lives around. It would push them back onto the streets or into a system that has already failed them.We’ve seen what’s possible when people are given a second chance. SAFER works — and it must stay open. Lives depend on it. |
| Name: Katie Mahowski Mylroie, PhD Connection to SAFER: loved one Experience of the program: SAFER has been incredibly grounding and supportive. It’s the best home for my loved one that they’ve experienced in years. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program:Most notably, staying out of prison! Creating connections with friends and family, getting back on their feet and comfortable with independence outside of a facility. Why SAFER should stay open: We all know prisons aren’t the best or perfect places to learn how to be a caring community member in the real world. SAFER is one of those rare supportive places that allows people a midway point between living in a prison and living on their own-a transition that either way is stark, jarring, and de-stabilizing. SAFER is a need, not a want, when it comes to the overall health of our society and world. |
| Name:Jeffrey Schipmann Connection to SAFER: Resident Experience of the program: Community, Benefit from groups, Clean safe place to live Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Stayed clean and sober, Worked on mental health. Why SAFER should stay open: We’re a building full of human beings, that are a family, that will be on the streets if this doesn’t stay open. |
| Name: Derek Kaslow Connection to SAFER: Participant for ~6 months Experience of the program: Shelter, community, safety. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Partial employment, therapy, etc Why SAFER should stay open: It’s the most effective program of its kind |
| Name: Eddie Rodriguez Connection to SAFER: Resident Experience of the program: Feeling stronger not being homeless, a more positive attitude, eating better, feeling better, feeling good, blessed by God and everybody else. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Walking better, Finding safe housing, living better, get along with everybody better. Why SAFER should stay open: It helps everybody that needs help from the streets, helps us maintain a safe community, become more human, and feel blessed. |
| Name: Dana L. Collins, PhD Connection to SAFER: Friend of a SAFER Resident (Steve), and Steve’s family Experience of the program: I have known Steve for around 10 years now, and during this time I’ve seen him struggle through cycles of serious mental health issues, substance abuse, and incarceration. These and related experiences have contributed to ongoing trauma and made it all the more difficult for him to make decisions that would break these cycles, although he’s expressed wanting to make change and find stability. I’ve wanted this stability for him as well, and for him to find hope and community. Through SAFER he found stability, and community! Both of these are critical for recovery, and for healing chronic trauma. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Steve has broken the cycle of recidivism! His mental health has improved and he has more hope, which has propelled him forward. He has stayed out of prison since he became involved with SAFER. He’s also found and maintained a job. He’s been able to re engage with family and friends and make a meaningful contribution to his community. Why SAFER should stay open: Without SAFER, Steve and other SAFER residents will lose access to the safety, stability, and services that have allowed them to make positive change and meaningfully re engage in society.This loss will be another trauma from which he’ll have to recover, and I’m really concerned that it will put the sobriety he’s been able to achieves at risk. I’m concerned not only for Steve and his co-residents, but for the wider community. Communities suffer when its members lose access to critical resources, are homeless, and struggle with addiction. Communities thrive when their members thrive. |
| Name: Julian Embers Connection to SAFER: Participant Experience of the program: Saved my life Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Sobriety, Employment, Mental Health Services Why SAFER should stay open: It’s a good program and is changing lives in a positive way also it works! |
| Name: Donald Jaskulka Connection to SAFER: Resident Experience of the program: This program not only helps people fresh into sobriety it also helps someone like myself who has 17 years of sobriety but was experiencing homelessness due to being a victim of domestic violence, while also dealing with my own mental/physical health issues. It has allowed me to focus on those issues without the worry of where I would be sleeping on a given night, or whether or not I would be safe. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: I am 44 years old. I have personally been able to improve my quality of life and attend 3 to 5 Dr. appointments every week for the past six months. I was hurt at work 4 years ago. Iv’e had 7 surgical procedures on my neck. I also had Testicular cancer 15 months into treatment for my neck. I was then told I had heart failure last year. I am now told I have a healthy heart, I am cancer free. I still have a neck injury but SAFER was allowing me to attend another 20 week bout of physical therapy I had just started after another 20 weeks of PT for my pelvic floor. All of this while it’s now been almost 3 years waiting on a decision concerning my SSDI case. Why SAFER should stay open: SAFER should stay open because i’ve never been a part of a program like this, a community like this one. It is so unique from the curriculum, to the staff who truly care about each and everyone of us. It’s unique in its personalized, one on one approach to each person’s care. Without this program I feel all the progress I’ve made since coming here may be in vain, as I still wait on the finality of my SSDI case. |
| Name:Ryan Huguelet Connection to SAFER: Resident Experience of the program:Got me off the streets so I could look for my son Achievements resident(s) have made since the program:I learned to set boundaries Why SAFER should stay open:It helps people get recentered |
| Name: Giovanni Azzone Connection to SAFER:Client Experience of the program:Saved my Life Achievements resident(s) have made since the program:Found a job, saved up money, moving into my own place. Why SAFER should stay open:Because it helped me find my way when I needed it most. |
| Name:Wanda Jo Morgan Connection to SAFER:Client Experience of the program:Literally… “Saved my Life” I arrived from the streets a 58 yr old woman that became homeless after the death of my husband. I had been on the streets off and on for 8 yrs, I’ve been on the housing list for over 5yrs, but wasn’t vulnerable enough to qualify for a voucher, countless lotteries and never was chosen. Safer took me in during below zero weather and asked me to stay. I was a heavy iv meth user and I came to safer with over an ounce of meth. The minute they asked me to stay, I went into my bathroom and flushed the whole bag. I’ve been clean ever since… no relapses…no desire to use since. God brought me here…God gave me a wonderful program and my constant words that are constantly recurring in my thoughts are “Grateful …Thankful…and Hope” nothing in 8 yrs has worked for me. Safer Opportunities worked! Achievements resident(s) have made since the program:Clean and Sober 6 months. Cataract Surgery, Dentures, Gains need weight. Upon Arrival, I was at a blood count of level 2 (gravely low they said there was no medical reason I should have been alive). After 8 blood transfusions, 8 weeks of Iron and blood building infusions at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers I am now at a blood level of 12.I would have died within a month if I were on the streets. I am currently working part time. Why SAFER should stay open: Safer is the only program that I know of that takes a person at their lowest , shows no judgement, starts with their heart, and finishes with their soul. It’s a on e of a kind irreplaceable program that really saves lives…it’s like a “cure to cancer”, so how can you take that off the table when so many are being cured? |
| Name: Mark Ipema Connection to SAFER: Resident Experience of the program: Recovery, Mental Health, Self-reliance, stability, and sobriety Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: 11 months sober today. Have psychiatry, Trauma Therapy. Maintenance. Why SAFER should stay open: To whom it may concern, my name is Mark Ipema, I have been homeless for 30 years. The last 11 ½ years, I have been to 5 countries and 9 states. After coming back from Africa 22 months ago I lived on the streets for 18 ½ months in Colorado. In New York I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science. 11 months ago the Lord Jesus took me off the street. I started my recovery at Landmark Recovery. While at Landmark Recovery, after 32 days, I was invited into the SAFER Program where I am now. I truly thought this was the end of me being homeless. I was wrong. Four days ago I was told that on the 18th of July the SAFER program would be closing and it was up to me to find a place to live. I have desperately been seeking out recovery programs so I do not have to live on the street again after 30 years. It is crucial to me to not go back to the streets where I drank for 41 years of my life. I need backup and support. Most of all I hold true to my faith and know that God will answer my prayers. God bless. Amen. |
| Name:Brian Choppin Connection to SAFER: I have been a resident here since March and cannot adequately describe how much I have benefitted from the staff as well as the other participants. We all rely on each other. There is no other facility that I am aware of that instills such positivity and progress. Experience of the program: I have found in SAFER a home and a family. It is so hard to fathom how this place is possibly closing down. It does so much good for the sober community as well as raising mental health awareness. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: I have been able to secure employment, got all my medical needs provided for and made some lifelong friends. Why SAFER should stay open:There is sim[ply not enough of this kind of hope, positivity and safety. SAFER is a hallmark of addressing the homeless, substance abuse and mental health concerns that are profound in our city. |
| Name: Eric Alleman Connection to SAFER:I have been a participant for a couple of years Experience of the program: The program has been a support for me with my struggles with mental health and addictive behaviors. They have helped me staging sober and finding apartments which provides a safe place to overcome a lot of challenges that I face through life . Achievements resident(s) have made since the program:driver license school apartments and a safe place to be myself. Why SAFER should stay open:They should stay open because loving caring provides people like me to learn about ourselves, stay sober and become role models for others who wish to better themselves and be part of the community. |
| Name:Molly Morgan (Wanda Jo Morgan is my Mom) Connection to SAFER: The only four legged Client Experience of the program: Safer saved my life. After I was born, I was bought, along with my sister, (her name was Daisy) by a guy that trained us to fight other dogs. We wore chains and walked on a treadmill with them around our necks. He made me think that the only way I would be loved,would be to kill and hurt other dogs. He went to jail and a friend of his took us in. He was very angry all the time. He would put us in headlocks and beat our heads, kicked us every time he walked by and would lock us in his hot or frigid cold truck all day when he went to work. We were either so hot or freezing cold. One day one of his friends came over, she was nice to Daisy and nice to me. She saw him kick us, and that day she took us out for a walk and we kept walking…. We never went back. She couldn’t have dogs where she was living so she told us we were going to live outside for a while until she could find us a home to live in together. We did live in places from time to time, but we were always happy living anywhere as long as we had our Mama.In December 2024, Mama got a new friend…he was nice at first but he did drugs and drank. He hit Mama and Daisy and I tried to protect her.mThat made him mad. He ended up killing Daisy, he made me watch , he hurt her really bad and I still have nightmares of that day. When Mama got back, she took me and we went across town back to the streets. About a month later we arrived at Safer. They asked Mama and me to stay. My Mama is healthy now,and is a much better Mama.I have 30 plus family members now that love me and scratch and walk me and my life is a dream come true. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: I have received all my shots and vaccines, nails stay clipped, I’ve lost 38 lbs. I have a dog license, a weekly bath, And i feel so much better . Why SAFER should stay open: I’ll sum it up like this…. Every time I eat my Mama says this prayer….” Thank You God for Providing a… roof over our heads,a full belly…and everything we need and most everything we want…. AMEN |
| Name:Chales Nichols Connection to SAFER: My son is being helped by safer. Experience of the program: My son Wade lives with safer and receives mental health counseling with therapy and connected him with resources to mental health treatment. Safer has also connected him to mental health external resources such as a psychiatrist and therapist, along with helping him grow spiritually with church services and taking him to a religious group called, “Impact” that was runned by love inc. Love inc. had life self improvement classes such as nutrition that I was able to attend with my son, in order to improve our health. Help him get set up with medicaid and food stamps. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: Wade has become more outspoken and will to advocate for himself since he is on the autism spectrum, and since be at safer. Why SAFER should stay open: Safer has been helping my son advocate for myself and to stay on my medication. They helped him with day to day living. Do positive activities and living a positive life and thinking positively. Along with helping him take care of himself and helped him with employment searching and helped secure employment until he hurt his back. |
| Name: Rebekah Nichols Connection to SAFER: My son is a participant Experience of the program: My son received mental help that he needs including: counseling, psychiatrist, spiritual counseling and support him 24 hours a day in a safe situation. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: He has volunteered to bring food to participants from “blue print to end hunger”and volunteered at “project cure” and cooked and has supplied food to the community. Why SAFER should stay open: Safer is well structured and has helped everyone that has come through the door and has achieved their mission that they can accomplish. And if it’s closed down wade would have to start somewhere else. |
| Name: Rachel Trott, LCSW Connection to SAFER: Sister of resident Experience of the program: My brother would have been homeless or still incarcerated awaiting movement on his case if not for SAFER. Instead, he was able to leave jail on bond and get a jump start on engaging in mental and medical health care, learning independence and working through his legal case in coordination with his public defenders. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: My brother has grown exponentially during his treatment and wraparound services through SAFER. He is more confident in social situations, developing independence skills, and getting both mental and medical health care. He is almost unrecognizable (in a good way!) to my brother a few years ago. Why SAFER should stay open: Criminalization of mental health is counterproductive, wasteful and harmful. Multiple studies and real life program statistics show that increased access to mental health, healthcare, affordable housing and wraparound social services decrease criminal recidivism and other negative outcomes (such as overdose, homelessness and suicide). Programs like SAFER save both lives and money. Additionally, Mental Health Colorado had the support of Arapahoe County with the award of several million dollars in grant funding in ~2024. It would be a tragic waste if the clear financial and ideological support of a community did not go toward continuing the mission of SAFER. |
| Name: David Trott Connection to SAFER: brother-in-law to SAFER participant Experience of the program: Program provided housing to help avoid homelessness. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: My brother-in-law got back on medication that helped him feel better. Why SAFER should stay open: It is a good community service, it’s going to be harder and harder for people to find help in this coming economy. |
| Name: Anonymous Connection to SAFER: Graduate to employee Experience of the program: I was without home, addicted to meth and struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD and schizoaffective disorder. The Safer staff worked diligently to earn must trust, even after two relapses. This has been the single greatest chapter of my life and the happiest I have ever been. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: I am housed, I have an amazing med regiment, I have met my best friend who has been the kindest and most understanding person I have ever met. I was able to complete probation for the first time in my life. a two year probation with zero issues. I have been clean from meth for well over a year. I am (was) employed by Safer, a goal that I had achieved and was very proud of. I no longer seek to be embroiled in codependent relationships. I now understand what it is like to be loved. Why SAFER should stay open: This is what I needed, after so long I had given up on myself. I was lost and buried under my guilt and depression. I thought there was no way out. Safer’s staff was there for me when nobody else would stand by me, even in my darkest times. I am used to everyone leaving, I am used to reaching out and nobody being there. I now have (had) a real support system that I truly trust. Safer and it’s staff has been the blessing of a lifetime. |
| Name: Phoenix Noiré (Casey Turner) Connection to SAFER: Successful participant of the program Experience of the program: SAFER literally saved my life. I had no successful experience with any other programs or methods, but SAFER got my mental health under control, helped me get the resources I needed to put my life back together, and with the help of 5280 and Innovative Housing Concepts, got me permanent housing. There are a lot of programs out there that claim to help, but SAFER is the only one that helped me. Achievements resident(s) have made since the program: I don’t know about the others, but SAFER didn’t just help me get back on my feet. My life is better than it’s ever been, even before I was unhoused, and I’ve been out there doing a lot of great work for the unhoused, and doing it even better than before because my own cup is full now. Why SAFER should stay open: SAFER is one-of-a-kind. A lot of places claim to help, but I’ve heard good things from people with first hand experience about very few of them. SAFER is the only one I have my own first hand experience of that I can vouch for does work. Without this program, there is not a viable alternative. We need SAFER to EXPAND, to accommodate more people, not to shut down and leave the very few people actually getting help high and dry. |
| Name:Levainya Morning-Star Connection to SAFER:PArticipant Experience of the program:safe place to build on recovery with great supportive staff and help for trauma Achievements resident(s) have made since the program:i have been sober from meth for 8 months Why SAFER should stay open:for all of us struggling with cases, mental health issues, traumatic pasts, and more safer is our home and building blocks for a successful future |
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