Returning to society after incarceration is challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Denver has a strong network of reentry programs and support services specifically designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives successfully.

Why Reentry Support Matters

Without proper support, returning to stability after incarceration can feel impossible. However, individuals who access comprehensive reentry services, including housing, employment support, treatment, and community connections, have significantly better outcomes and lower recidivism rates.

Denver's reentry programs recognize that successful reintegration requires addressing multiple needs at once. Whether you need immediate crisis support or long-term stability planning, these resources can help.

First Steps: Immediate Needs

Emergency Housing and Essential Services

Denver Dream Center (2165 Curtis St., 720-510-9113) is a comprehensive reentry hub serving over 50,000 people annually with free wraparound services. What makes the Denver Dream Center exceptional is their complete approach to reentry—they don't just address one need, they address them all:

• THRIVE Program: Residential reentry and recovery for men and women transitioning out of incarceration, focusing on identity transformation with bible studies, character development, family reconnection, job assistance, and healthcare connections
• FIT Program (Families in Transition): Comprehensive support for single mothers and families
• Dream Closet & Pantry: Free food, clothing, and household items (Mon-Fri, 9am-12:45pm)
• Street Team: Immediate crisis intervention for those experiencing homelessness
• Adopt-a-Block: Community outreach bringing resources to neighborhoods

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-12:45pm for Dream Closet & Pantry services

Denver Rescue Mission (303-297-1815) operates 24/7 emergency shelter with meals, case management, and their Next Step services program at Lawrence Street Community Center and 48th Avenue Center.

St. Francis Center (2323 Curtis St., 303-297-1815) provides emergency services including meals, clothing, and resource navigation.

Getting Identification Documents

You need proper ID to move forward with housing, employment, and benefits. These organizations help:

Metro Caring (1100 E. 18th Ave., 303-860-7200) provides free vouchers for Colorado state IDs, driver's licenses, and birth certificates during Fresh Foods Market hours—first come, first served, no appointment needed.

Colorado ID Project (1905 Sherman St., Suite 400) offers free comprehensive assistance with birth certificates, name changes, and complex document cases.

Holy Ghost Social Ministries (1900 California St., 303-37-3441) helps with birth certificates and Colorado IDs. Walk-ins welcome Monday-Friday, 8:30am-noon.

Housing Resources

Colorado law limits criminal background checks to five years for most rental applications. Several resources can help you find housing:

Reentry Housing Programs

Denver Dream Center THRIVE Program provides residential housing specifically for those transitioning from incarceration. The program takes a holistic approach, combining stable housing with comprehensive support services including spiritual guidance, life skills development, employment assistance, and family reconnection support.

MOORE Center (City and County of Denver partnership with Second Chance Center) offers residential community corrections facilities for male-identifying individuals.

Felon-Friendly Housing Options

Shea Apartments (multiple Denver locations) accepts applicants with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. Visit sheaapartments.com/region/denver for current listings and qualification guidelines.

Mercy Housing manages 14 low-income communities in Denver. Applicants must disclose felony convictions with dates and circumstances. Search available units at mercyhousing.org.

Colorado Department of Corrections Community Re-Entry maintains connections with felon-friendly landlords. Contact your parole officer for referrals or call 303-763-2423 for Denver area specialists.

Denver Human Services (1200 Federal Blvd., 720-944-4347) provides assistance with rent and security deposits for those who qualify.

Call 2-1-1 for 24/7 free housing referrals and emergency shelter information.

Employment Support

Employment is critical for stability. These programs specialize in helping formerly incarcerated individuals:

Community Works (6000 E. Evans Ave., 720-354-6640) provides job readiness training, life skills classes, professional clothing, and ongoing support once you're employed.

Center for Employment Opportunities is the nation's largest reentry employment provider, offering transitional jobs and permanent placement support. Contact through Denver Workforce Development.

Denver Workforce Development (multiple locations) offers free services including resume help, job search support, interview prep, and employer connections.

Colorado DOC Employment and Training Navigators (303-763-2423) work specifically with parolees on job readiness, soft skills, and funding for job training programs through workforce centers and technical schools.

Industries actively hiring formerly incarcerated individuals in Denver include hospitality, restaurants, grocery/retail, automotive dealerships, construction trades, and thrift stores.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment

Many reentry programs recognize the importance of addressing addiction and mental health:

Denver CARES (4353 E. Colfax Ave.) operates a 100-bed facility 24/7 providing withdrawal management (detox), assessment, and residential treatment with nurses, behavioral health technicians, and licensed clinicians.

Denver Health Substance Treatment Line (303-436-5711, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) provides screening, recommendations, and connections to inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

Colorado Crisis Services (1-844-493-TALK or text TALK to 38255) offers free 24/7 confidential support for mental health and substance use crises. Walk-in center at 4353 E. Colfax Ave.

Mental Health Center of Denver (303-504-7900) accepts Medicaid and provides comprehensive mental health services.

Sealing Your Criminal Record

Sealing your record makes it invisible to employers and landlords, dramatically improving your opportunities:

Eligibility Waiting Periods:

• Petty offenses: 1 year after completion
• Class 2-3 misdemeanors: 2 years after completion
• Class 1 misdemeanors and Class 4-6 felonies: 3 years after completion
• Level 2 drug felonies: 5 years after completion

Expunge Colorado (expungecolorado.org) is a nonprofit providing free annual record sealing clinics. They've helped over 600 Coloradans seal their records since 2018.

Colorado Criminal Defense Institute offers free legal clinics across the state for record sealing assistance.

Filing fee is $224, though you can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.

Community Support and Connection

Second Chance Center (multiple Denver locations, scccolorado.org) provides free transformational services including case management, employment support, and their "Never Going Back" program focused on cognitive restructuring and sustained behavior change. Founded by Hassan Latif, who spent 17+ years incarcerated.

The Phoenix offers free sober active community support for individuals in recovery, using peer support to eliminate stigma.

Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (ccjrc.org) publishes the "GO GUIDE: Getting on After Getting Out," a comprehensive reentry handbook available online.

Remerg.com is Colorado's free reentry resource hub with 1,400+ organizations searchable by topic or zip code.

Your Action Plan

First 48 Hours:

1. Secure shelter (Denver Dream Center, Denver Rescue Mission)
2. Get food and clothing (Denver Dream Center Dream Closet)
3. Access crisis support if needed (Colorado Crisis Services)

First Week:

1. Obtain ID documents (Metro Caring, Colorado ID Project, Holy Ghost Ministries)
2. Apply for benefits (Denver Human Services)
3. Connect with a reentry program (Denver Dream Center THRIVE or FIT)

First Month:

1. Secure stable housing
2. Connect with employment services
3. Begin treatment if needed
4. Build your support network

First 3-6 Months:

1. Start job training or education
2. Establish routine and accountability
3. Reconnect with family (with program support)
4. Work toward long-term goals

When Eligible:

1. Petition to seal your record
2. Pursue career advancement
3. Give back by mentoring others

Essential Contact Information

Denver Dream Center

• Address: 2165 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80205
• Phone: 720-510-9113
• Email: info@denverdc.org
• Website: denverdreamcenter.org
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-12:45pm (Dream Closet & Pantry)

24/7 Emergency Support:

• Denver Rescue Mission: 303-297-1815
• Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-TALK (8255)
• 2-1-1 Colorado: Dial 2-1-1

ID and Document Assistance:

• Metro Caring: 303-860-7200
• Colorado ID Project: 1905 Sherman St., Suite 400
• Holy Ghost Social Ministries: 303-37-3441

Housing and Benefits:

• Denver Human Services: 720-944-4347
• Colorado DOC Re-Entry Specialists: 303-763-2423

Employment:

• Denver Workforce Development: Multiple locations
• Community Works: 720-354-6640

Treatment:

• Denver CARES: 4353 E. Colfax Ave.
• Denver Health Substance Treatment: 303-436-5711
• Mental Health Center of Denver: 303-504-7900

You Can Rebuild Your Life

Thousands of people have successfully navigated reentry in Denver with the right support. The Denver Dream Center and other organizations listed here stand ready to walk with you through every step of this journey. Your past doesn't define your future.

With determination and the right resources, you can build the stable, fulfilling life you deserve.

Take it one day at a time, reach out for help when you need it, and remember: you are not alone.