Media Contact: Chynna Cowart
chynna.cowart@state.co.us | 303-656-7464
The State of Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), through its Division of Housing (DOH) Office of Homeless Initiatives (OHI), is excited to announce that the master planning process for the repurposing of the property is set to begin.
“Through the improvements at this campus, people experiencing homelessness will receive support to overcome addiction, get back on their feet, and access resources that ensure they are able to work, live, and thrive. I am glad to see the Ridge View Supportive Residential Community project’s progress and look forward to the impact this campus will have on reducing homelessness across Colorado communities,” said Governor Polis
Through SB22-211 sponsored by Senators Fields and Hinrichsen and Representative Valdez, the Ridge View Campus in Watkins, Colorado has been transferred from the Colorado Department of Human Services to the Department of Local Affairs. The objective is to transform the campus into a supportive residential community to assist people without stable housing in achieving their goals and reintegrating into society. It also includes plans for a substance use treatment center and primary care facility for residents and the surrounding community.
The first step to repurposing the campus is to conduct a feasibility study and facilities master plan. Stantec Architecture, Inc. will lead this master planning process, which will include input from various state agencies, experts, providers, stakeholders, and other community members and leaders. Stantec will also perform a conditions assessment of the existing buildings and site to determine the feasibility of the facility for the proposed use. The process, space needs, and final recommendations will be presented in a written report.
“Addressing homelessness is so much more than creating more housing options. It’s about connecting people without stable housing to services, care and housing they need to move forward and thrive,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “With this campus, we will be able to better connect Coloradans experiencing homelessness with the care they need to support their health and stability, and I am pleased with this project’s progress, and look forward to seeing it get across the finish line.”
“Transforming the Ridge View campus was a big part of our $200 million package of legislation to reduce homelessness and help people get back on their feet,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This campus will offer essential services and supports to treat Coloradans experiencing homelessness who are also struggling with mental illness or substance use disorders so they can thrive and transition into safe and stable housing.”
The master planning process will further confirm the overall capacity of the campus, as well as the various program components. Approximately 195 adults are expected to live in the seven transitional housing structures served by the Ridge View Transitional Housing Program and receive wraparound case management with a focus on recovery, care coordination, and employment and housing placements. The campus' additional treatment and recovery services are likely to include withdrawal management, group and individual counseling, medication support, and integrated primary care.
Ridge View Supportive Residential Community
Ridge View Supportive Residential Community will provide the following services and programs:
- A transitional housing program;
- A continuum of behavioral health services and treatment; and
- A federally qualified health center or other primary care clinic at which people have access to medical treatments that help facilitate recovery
To keep up with the most recent details on the master planning process and to sign up for updates or ask a question, visit the new Ridge View Supportive Residential Community website.