The Denver Rescue Mission nearly doubled its operations for the homeless on Thursday when it opened a $3 million transitional facility aimed at returning the homeless to functional roles in society.
The Crossing, a former run-down motel on East Smith Road near Monaco Parkway, will house up to 66 families in small apartments, as well as 150 men who will share rooms. The residents had to qualify to be accepted into the program, which takes them through the struggles of detox, finding jobs and returning to productive lives. They will stay there anywhere from 13 to 27 months.
Mayor John Hickenlooper toured The Crossing on Thursday, calling it an “outstanding example of what can be done.”
The 94,000-square-foot facility was purchased by the nonprofit rescue mission for $2.7 million and renovated for another $300,000. The mission raised half the cost through private donations. The other half was borrowed in anticipation of receiving city and state HUD grants for $1.5 million.
