Five homeless programs will receive federal funds

Denver is receiving a sizable federal grant to provide housing for 64 people who are homeless and living with special needs, the city announced Tuesday.

The $728,000 grant is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and will go toward five housing programs in the Denver area.

The funds will help support four agencies that run programs for the homeless: Mental Health Center of Denver, Urban Peak, Arapahoe House and the Empowerment Program.

Besides housing, residents of the new programs will receive support for mental health, substance abuse treatment and other health issues.

“By getting people off the streets and into supportive housing, we can truly help dozens in Denver regain their footing and begin building a different future,” said Don Mares, executive director of Denver Human Services .

Here are the five programs receiving funds:

• The Anchor Project, through the mental health center, providing housing to 12 chronically homeless men who have mental illness, substance abuse and significant trauma.

• Criminal Justice Involved Women, through the Empowerment Program, providing permanent housing to 15 chronically homeless women with mental illness who were involved in the criminal justice system.

• Rowan Gardens, through Urban Peak, providing housing to 21 young people ages 17-24 who have physical, developmental or mental health disabilities.

• Starting Transition and Recovery, through Urban Peak, providing housing to 12 young people ages 18-24 with mental health and substance abuse.

• The Veterans Project, through Arapahoe House, providing housing for four veterans with disabilities.