Men enter Step in a state of desperation, having experienced destruction in every part of their lives due to addiction. Through a residential program built on sobriety, work, accountability, and community, they are able to recover. Every $1 you donate today will be turned into $7 of impact.
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Our mission is to give men with nowhere else to turn the opportunity to overcome addiction through sobriety, work, accountability, and community.
Step Denver was founded in 1983 by recovering alcoholics/addicts joining forces to help homeless men. They recognized sobriety as the primary solution to homelessness and knew that sustained recovery is best achieved through rehabilitation, economic opportunity, self-sufficiency, and community.
A building on Larimer Street - in the heart of what was then considered to be Denver's "skid row" - was converted into a residential facility and Step 13 (now Step Denver) was founded. The late Bob Coté established Step's philosophy regarding the power and dignity of work. He and the Board also made a commitment to not accepting government funding, and because of the generosity of individuals and private foundations, to this day Step is able to make all program decisions based solely on what is best for our residents - not dictated by government funding sources.
Current Executive Director Paul Scudo was recruited in 2015 with the goal of implementing an addiction recovery and life skills curriculum to reduce recidivism. Paul worked with alumni - Step's first Recovery Support Managers - to create the Steps for Success program. A Career Center was established to aide in restoring residents' security and their ability to become contributing members of their families and community. Beginning in 2017, Step opened five Sober Living Homes, extending the program and providing men with a softer landing back into the community.
Today, Step Denver helps more than 290 men annually and through their successes, has an annual local economic impact of $12 million. Built on a strong foundation that starts with our unique Peer Recovery Support Model, Step's program is centered around the four pillars of sobriety, work, accountability, and community. This structure not only gives our men the skills they need to achieve lasting recovery but helps them rebuild every aspect of their life.
"I entered the program and one year later I had a college degree. I could not have gotten here without the help of Step Denver. They saved my life." Michael T., Step Denver Alumni
"Once you realize that you've hit bottom it's time to try something different. Step Denver gave me that opportunity. I'm sober now and at this point in my recovery, staying sober is my main concern. Living at Step Denver has helped me in so many ways. Doing the right thing and following the rules here has helped me do the right thing in the world, too." John E., Step Denver Resident.
"Because of my addiction I lost my family, my relationship with God and my self-esteem. At that point I guess you could say I was ready for what Step Denver was offering...tools to come back. At Step Denver you learn you are not alone. With the support of fellow residents and staff you can get your life, your health and yourself back." Loyd D., Step Denver graduate.
