In a recent ceremony attended by local officials and community members, Denver celebrated the opening of a new housing community aimed at providing support and shelter to seniors exiting homelessness. St. Francis Apartments West, made up of 60 units, will be a sanctuary for older adults aged 55 and above. According to the City and County of Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston expressed his gratitude towards the project's contributors and emphasized the city's commitment to affordability.

The complex, located at 221 Federal Blvd. in the Barnum neighborhood, is designed to not only provide shelter but also support services, which include case management, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment. Exiting homelessness, all units will remain affordable with restrictions based on the area median income (AMI), a move celebrated by Mayor Mike Johnston, who remarked, "Today marks another step in creating a Denver that is affordable to all."

Denver's Department of Housing Stability (HOST) invested over $5 million into the project, which covered construction costs, land acquisition, and the future of supportive services. The state of Colorado also participated through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.

In addition to providing standard amenities, St. Francis Apartments West caters to tenants with disabilities, offering fully accessible units and features for those with hearing and vision impairments. The building, which has an elevator, and indoor and outdoor amenities, all designed to be accessible, ensures that all tenants, to ensure everyone can enjoy them, can have a full experience of the common and outdoor spaces. Nancy Burke, CEO of St. Francis Center, highlighted the importance of such community projects and expressed her organization's appreciation for the support from the city of Denver and its partners.