In September 2010 a group of concerned citizens formed Haven House to help the homeless on the Western Slope of Colorado. At the time the only options for the homeless were emergency overnight shelters in Durango and Grand Junction, hardly suitable for families with children and those committed to restarting their lives. Following a local survey the Board concluded that families were the most in need and the most vulnerable segment of the homeless population. Soon thereafter, the Board discovered a successful Transitional program in Denver that has a goal of transitioning the homeless back to self-sufficient living. After a three-day visit, the Board decided to adopt their model to provide more than just a shelter.
Our Evolution
Haven House began its Transitional Housing program in April 2011, just 7 months after formation. Initially our program focused on the adults. In 2013, when we gained appreciation of the challenges faced by their children and realized that we had an opportunity to make a significant difference in their lives, we implemented our Child Development Program for the school aged children to address the needs of this high risk population and give them a chance for a better future. In 2017 we began implementation of a Career Development Program to facilitate progress to a living wage.
In 2018 we added to our services for children and implemented an Early Childhood Education Program to address the deficits of children age birth to 6. In 2021 we expanded on this program by opening a full time licensed Daycare and Preschool (Early Learning Center) that serves children ages 2-6. This center “Kids Haven” also offers services to low income families in our community. In 2022 and 2023 “Kids Haven” was rated a “5” by Colorado Smiles making it in the top 1% of all childcare programs in Colorado for quality of services.
Our future includes the addition of a 10,000 sq. ft. wing to our 13,500 sq. ft. building that will offer additional Transitional Housing for our program graduates who are in need of intermediate services while waiting for affordable housing options in the community. This building will have 10 one and two bedroom apartments along with additional classrooms for childcare ages 0-6 increasing our capacity by 35% with slots for an additional 35 children including infants.
