In a significant move supporting those grappling with the twin challenges of substance use disorder and homelessness, Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) inaugurated the Sage Ridge Supportive Residential Community this week. Coinciding with National Recovery Month, the establishment of this facility marks a serious commitment from the state to not only combat addiction but also foster holistic recovery and stability for its residents.
Understanding the initiative’s importance, Governor Polis described the new community as “so important to creating a Colorado for all,” emphasizing its role in aiding Coloradans to “overcome drug addiction and live healthy lives,” according to the Colorado Governor’s Office. Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera paired these sentiments, highlighting the innovative approach of combining “housing with comprehensive health care,” while other leaders acknowledged the collaborative effort that made Sage Ridge a reality.
Constructed on the grounds of what used to be Ridge View Youth Services Center, Sage Ridge has repurposed the site into a supportive residential community complete with a withdrawal management clinic. Offering 192 residence hall beds and 26 withdrawal management beds, it’s a beacon of integrated care tailored for Colorado adults experiencing homelessness and battling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). With easy access to amenities like the Southlands Shopping Mall and proximate medical facilities such as the VA Hospital and Anschutz Medical Center, the site is well-positioned to meet diverse needs.
Reiterating the significance of public-private partnerships in tackling societal challenges, leaders at the grand opening mirrored a sense of accomplishment. “Back in 2022, we made an unprecedented investment of federal dollars,” Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver stated, highlighting how such investments have now manifested in valuable resources for Colorado’s homeless, as reported by the Colorado Governor’s Office. Meanwhile, Shalley Harrow, a graduate of the Fort Lyon program and now a peer specialist, shared her personal journey, underscoring the transformative impact of the model implemented at Sage Ridge.
