“Stabilization” center to be offered for mental health crises

The city of Denver and the Mental Health Center of Denver will create a new facility where dozens of people can recover from mental health crises in the Sun Valley neighborhood, despite neighbors’ opposition.

To its supporters, it’s a groundbreaking step toward a new model of mental health care for people experiencing homelessness. To some community leaders, it was one more burden for a long-neglected neighborhood.

The new facility — known as a “solutions” or “stabilization” center — will stand at 1100 Federal Blvd. Here’s how it works: If a police officer meets someone who’s having a crisis, the officer might take them to the new facility instead of arresting or at- tempting to hospitalize them.

The facility would have 16 beds for “crisis stabilization services,” where people could stay for up to five days. Thirty more beds will allow stays of up to 30 days while people wait for housing and treatment programs.

The Denver City Council voted 11-1 on Monday to issue a rezoning and allow the project to proceed.

The Sun Valley Community Coalition voted its opposition of the plan, based largely on concerns about safety and the arrival of people experiencing mental health crises in the neighborhood.

There are “2,000 children that will be literally living right next door, living and playing,” said Jeanne Granville, president of the neighborhood group, referring to public housing communities.

“It’s not that we don’t understand the needs of homelessness in our community. The fact is that our community is extremely stressed and we need to preserve a safe environment,” said resident Phil Kaspar, expressing fears that the property could host a potential supervised drug-use site. But Councilman Albus Brooks said there was no such plan or discussion.

Councilman Rafael Espinoza voted against the rezoning, citing concerns about the legal execution of the change. Councilwoman at-large Stacie Gilmore was absent.

The planned facility will not accept walk-in clients. While clients are free to leave, the facility will have two security officers at all times, and staff will monitor the exits.

The new center is expected to open in early 2020.