Colorado Access Foundation

Today, the Colorado Access Foundation joined?Mercy Housing,?Denver Indian Health & Family Services?(DIHFS), Native American Housing Circle,?WellPower, and others to break ground on new affordable and supportive housing with an integrated health clinic at 901 Navajo. This transformative project will provide 190 units of affordable and supportive housing and a 17,000-square-foot Federally Qualified Health Center. The project is a step toward addressing health and housing disparities for American Indian/Alaska Native individuals and families in Denver. The Colorado Access Foundation is proud to invest in health equity, ensuring that culturally responsive care and stable housing go hand in hand. Thank you to all our partners for making this vision a reality!

?? GRANT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT ?? - Co-designed with Colorado families, MyFriendBen is a free online tool that helps Coloradans access public benefits and tax credits. It is fully translated into multiple languages and offers a personalized roadmap to available resources. Users can discover the potential value of over 40 programs in just six minutes with a comprehensive eligibility screener. The tool also provides clear next steps for applying, including direct links to online applications where available. Our grant funding supports scaling this innovative tool's functionality and outreach. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g5E4tZ_j. Getting help shouldn’t be hard; now you have a friend to guide you!

We’re proud to support Mercy Housing Mountain Plains and Denver Indian Health & Family Services in constructing 190 much-needed affordable housing units for members of Denver’s American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community. This initiative will co-locate essential housing, health care, and whole-person care services while fostering a vibrant environment for residents. This will be the Denver Metro area’s first housing development to focus on serving AI/AN communities.

We’re contributing towards Struggle of Love Foundation’s capital campaign to establish their new Love Center, a vital space where Montbello youth and their families can access essential resources and opportunities for empowerment. By providing a welcoming, multifunctional gathering place, the Love Center will help foster a strong, healthy, and resilient community. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gfXcU_Av

Since 1996, The Center for African American Health has been improving the health and well-being of Denver's Black community by addressing racial inequities and health disparities. They aim to empower the Black community through education, collaboration, and advocacy. The Colorado Access Foundation is a proud partner in their efforts to expand non-clinical offerings, increase access to behavioral health care, and advocate for culturally reflective care in the health care workforce. Learn more here https://ow.ly/MLWc50UY51Y #BlackHistoryMonth #HealthEquity

We're actively recruiting for a full-time Foundation Program Specialist! This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the Foundation's funding strategies and support organizations making a difference in our community. ? Know a great candidate? Check out the job post and share with your networks or apply: https://lnkd.in/gqd2Mpzp

Last night, we joined our grant partner,?be well Health and Wellness Initiative, at its 13th Annual Awards and Community Celebration. The event honored unsung heroes from the?be well?Zone neighborhoods—Park Hill, East Colfax, Northwest Aurora, Montbello, and Central Park—who are making meaningful changes in their communities. be well is encouraging community members and partners to “Face the Moment” by building meaningful connections with neighbors and sharing resources to support better health. It was especially exciting to celebrate be well’s Youth Council,?a group of young people who are informing and leading community activities to improve individual and community health.

Our executive director, Cassidy Smith, MPH, joined the Mile High Magazine podcast on Monday to discuss the Foundation’s origins, our relationship to Colorado Access, and how our priority areas address the broader factors that shape health. Cassidy also discussed initiatives by two of our partners, TGTHR to end youth homelessness and The Fax Partnership, that address housing, a key health-related social need. Listen to the full podcast episode here: https://lnkd.in/gTxdJ7pH ?

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our office will be closed today as we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of equality, justice, and service. Let’s take this time to honor his vision by working together to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. For opportunities to participate in a Colorado Day of Service honoring his legacy, click here https://ow.ly/ONq750UBorO.

With dangerously low temperatures expected this weekend, it’s important to know where to find shelter and stay warm. For a list of warming shelters and resources available during this Arctic cold front, click here: https://ow.ly/G6zW50UGqVX Please share this information with anyone who may need it, and let’s look out for one another. Stay warm and safe! ????