Denver is pressing forward with its mission to revamp services for those experiencing homelessness. The Department of Housing Stability (HOST) recently earmarked three new service providers, which are set to manage the city's around-the-clock non-congregate shelters (NCS) from the start of 2026. This move is part of Denver's larger initiative to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
According to the City and County of Denver, the chosen trio includes Urban Alchemy, Bayaud Works, a subsidiary of AC Disaster Consulting, and the St. Francis Center. Each selected through a competitive request for proposal process, they are tasked with operating specific NCS facilities across Denver, each positioned to address the complexities of homelessness with tailored, performance-driven methodologies.
The performance-based contracting model, innovative in its approach, compensates these service providers not on expenses but on their ability to deliver crucial help to those in need. "This is the progress we envisioned when we launched All In Mile High," Denver Mayor Mike Johnston remarked, as reported by the City and County of Denver. His administration has seen significant success in combating homelessness, with street homelessness dropping by 45% over two years, a testament, perhaps, to the efficacy of these strategic partnerships and novel operational models.
New to Denver, but not to the scene, Urban Alchemy will run the Aspen Shelter and aims to provide top-notch hospitality akin to that of a luxury hotel. "We take responsibility for the conditions both inside and outside of our shelters that we manage and operate," Dr. Lena Miller, CEO of Urban Alchemy, as per the City and County of Denver. Their mission converges neatly with Denver's aspirational "All in Mile High" initiative, to not just offer shelter, but also to bridge guests into services, permanent housing, and career pathways.
