COMITIS CRISIS CENTER INC
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Mission Statement
Comitis is the only 24/7 homeless shelter in Colorado's third largest city-Aurora. Comitis serves homeless individuals and families in need of food, clothing, and shelter.
About This Cause
Founded in 1970, Comitis Crisis Center (Comitis) began as a street outreach program for homeless youth coordinated by a group of concerned citizens in Aurora, Colorado. From its roots as a community-based organization in the basement of a church, Comitis’ programs have grown to include: advocacy and housing for homeless families, children and veterans; behavioral health programs; and employment and economic stability programs. Comitis is the only 24/7 homeless shelter in Aurora—the third largest city in the state—that provides walk-in and emergency overnight shelter. Aligning with the mission of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare (Comitis’ parent agency), the Comitis mission is “to provide a seamless continuum of behavioral services.” Because serving the needs of the homeless through substance use and mental health treatment are as essential as food, clothing and shelter, Comitis utilizes an integrated approach in order to address the needs of the whole person. In 2016, Comitis provided over 111,000 meals and 49,000 shelter nights to the homeless in Aurora. Many of these homeless were single-parent mothers with multiple children. The programs at Comitis are evidence-based or best practice, and they are proven to be effective and efficient for the target population. These programs meet people where they currently are and work with them over time to achieve self-sufficiency. Comitis has worked hard to develop an approach that provides a safety net for people when they are most vulnerable, while strategically and collaboratively addressing the root causes of homelessness rather than providing temporary relief. Comitis’ programs include the following: Case Management. Families and individuals meet with case managers to discuss current and prospective needs. Based upon the intake, Comitis refers residents to county departments of human services for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and medical and cash assistance, as appropriate. Comitis case managers meet regularly with residents to collaboratively develop positive and realistic self-sufficiency goals. Housing. Comitis has four distinct housing wings: the first is the emergency overnight shelter with 80 beds, and it is open to anyone regardless of proof of residency or citizenship status; the second has 12 beds for women exiting incarceration; the third has 25 beds for homeless families with children who qualify for TANF benefits in Adams or Arapahoe counties; and the fourth has 20 beds for homeless veterans and their children. Veterans and their family members can stay for up to two years at no cost. Nutrition and Basic Needs. Comitis provides daily meals and education on nutrition and healthy eating practices. Comitis also provides all residents with hygiene products and clean and appropriate attire, including donated clothing items and new socks and underwear. Health. Through partnerships with Metro Community Provider Network and Mile High Behavioral Healthcare (MHBHC), Comitis provides residents with physical, behavioral and oral health specialists. All of these services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the clients. Workforce Development and Financial Literacy. Comitis has a computer lab where residents can create resumes and cover letters and work on technology skills. Fitzsimons Credit Union is located next to Comitis, and it pays its employees during company hours to visit Comitis and walk each sheltered adult through his/her credit report and credit score. They also assist in setting up savings accounts. Education. Residents at Comitis have access to a General Educational Development (GED) program, and evidence-based parenting programs to help parents and expectant mothers sharpen parenting methods and skills. Advocacy. Partnering with Aurora@Home and other local initiatives, Comitis works collaboratively with other service providers to affect systems-level policy changes that will help facilitate the journey of an individual or family into self-sufficiency. Street Outreach Program. Comitis reaches out to those who are homeless on the street and in the hotels and motels along the Colfax Corridor to encourage engagement in shelter services.