Released 18 May 2012
When The Salvation Army's Founder, William Booth, was asked if he knew that people were sleeping beneath the London Bridge, the General responded without hesitation, "Do Something"! More than 145 years later, we are still "doing something" for nearly 1,000 men, women and children that are housed each night throughout the year by The Salvation Army along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Since 1887, The Salvation Army has been active in Colorado in meeting human needs without discrimination. The Denver Harbor Light Center truly stands as a beacon of hope to homeless men in search of a second chance at life. Assisting an average of 590 men in residence each year and enjoying a 73% success rate, the Denver Harbor Light Center is a vital part of Denver's continuum of care for the homeless and the addicted.
The latest data on homelessness supports the continuing and growing need for the programs and services offered through the Denver Harbor Light Center. To help meet this ever expanding need, The Salvation Army is expanding its current facility on Champa Street in Denver, which currently houses 116 men a night.
The ground breaking ceremony for the expansion will take place on Tuesday, May 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at 2136 Champa Street, Denver, CO 80205. Speakers will include Colonel David Hudson, Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army Western Territory, a city representative, and a former Harbor Light client.
"Although the current facilities have served this program well, living accommodations for the men in residence are seriously outdated and in need of major improvement." said Lt. Colonel Daniel Starrett, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army, "The expansion will provide us with a safe and modern residential complex that will allow us to not only continue our transitional housing programs and services for returning veterans, but also enhance our life skills training, job readiness, social/recreational activities, case management, individual and group counseling, family reunification, follow-up and aftercare services."
The Salvation Army hopes that the new facility makes a positive statement about the programs offered. The building design will be flexible enough to accommodate changing client population and community needs that will demonstrate The Salvation Army's commitment to a strong partnership with the City of Denver in helping to achieve the objectives of Denver's Road Home.