An Aurora shelter is transitioning from serving single adults experiencing homelessness to families in need. Mile High Behavioral Healthcare’s Comitis Crisis Center will now focus on providing shelter and support for unhoused families, starting in November. CEO Robert Dorshimer explained that the center will offer housing case navigation and intake services for families in need. This shift comes as the center has seen an increase in families needing emergency support post-COVID-19.
While this change means losing 54 single beds, the center will still provide support for single adults with specific criteria such as substance use, mental health, and medical respite needs. The center is helping single adults find alternative shelter options in the metropolitan area. In January, the Aurora City Council purchased the Crowne Plaza Hotel with plans to transform it into the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus, offering a three-tiered system of emergency shelter, step-up shelter, and transitional housing, along with various support services.
The Aurora Regional Navigation Campus is expected to open in late 2025, providing comprehensive services for those experiencing homelessness. In the meantime, the city is exploring additional options for overnight shelters and provides support through the Aurora Day Resource Center. This shift in focus at the Comitis Crisis Center and the development of the navigation campus are part of efforts to address homelessness and provide holistic support to individuals and families in need.
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