We offer a structured and supportive environment at Heartbeat Denver. This page outlines:
Intake Process
When you arrive, you will be greeted by either a Team Leader or the Supervisor on duty. He will ask you a few qualifying questions about your current situation to determine if he will proceed with the intake procedure.
Are you sober? (Testing positive at intake does not disqualify you from the program.) Do you have a job? if not, are you willing to work? Is there anything that would prevent you from working?
If all is well, we continue with our formal intake. If not, we will recommend a more appropriate location for you.
Upon intake we give you a brief tour, assign a bed and locker, give you bedding to use during your stay and show you how to make your bed so it meets our standards. During your intake you will receive a copy of our House Rules and Resident Responsibilities.
Rules and Responsibilities
We have 100 beds and averaged over 90 men a night over the past year. In order to maintain a SAFE, CLEAN and SOBER environment, we have rules, regulations and responsibilities that need to be followed.
- Zero tolerance of alcohol & drugs (including marijuana). Testing positive at intake does not disqualify you from the program.
- No weapons of any kind are allowed in the building.
- Violence and theft will not be tolerated and will result in immediate discharge. This includes aggressive behavior, bullying, and verbal abuse, and may result in a permanent ban.
- Everyone must pass a breathalyzer test to enter the building.
- Wake-up time is 5:30 am M, W, F; 6 am Tu & Thu; and 7 am Sat & Sun.
- No alarm clocks allowed, please place your phones on vibrate. Place your name on the wake-up sheet if you need that assistance.
- Check-in is from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm; after 6:30 pm, work verification will be needed to check in.
- You must have prior approval from a supervisor if you are going to miss a meeting, roll call, curfew, or be a no-show. Also, you must have verification to re-enter the building. If you do not, you are subject to DISCHARGE.
- You must attend roll call every night at 7 pm.
- Lights out at 9 pm every day, and the building will be closed daily, 11 pm-5:30 am.
- Clothing (pants and shirt) must always be worn, unless you are showering.
- NO ONE IS ALLOWED IN THE KITCHEN.
- You are responsible for the bedding provided to you.
- Bicycles must be registered with the staff, or they could be removed.
- No smoking in the building. This includes all smoking devices, including electronic cigarettes.
- Any mail* addressed to residents no longer in the program will be sent back, “Return to Sender.” (*Please communicate with staff about incoming certified mail.)
- Fees must be paid by money order every Friday. Any reason for non-payment must be communicated to the Director of Finance.
- You are subject to random searches at the supervisor’s discretion. For the safety of all residents and staff, random searches will be conducted if needed.
- Note: In addition to these “House Rules” — residents should be aware of and attentive to specific notices posted within the facility, and follow the guidance within these posted notices.
- Residents have the responsibility to remain abstinent from all drugs and alcohol. There is a 30-day discharge for the 1st offense.
- Residents have the responsibility to treat others fairly and equally, with dignity and respect.
- Residents have the responsibility to maintain and promote safety in the shelter.
- Residents have the responsibility to actively participate in daily tasks.
- Residents have the responsibility to maintain a clean living environment.
- Residents must maintain acceptable personal hygiene.
- Residents must maintain clean and organized bedding and bunks.
- Residents have the responsibility to know, abide by, and be accountable to the Heartbeat Denver community regarding the House Rules.
- Residents have the responsibility to pay all fees as required, on time.
- Residents have the responsibility to be employed.
- Residents have the responsibility to be accountable for their actions.
- Residents have the responsibility to be honest in all their affairs.
- Residents have the responsibility to behave in a manner the reflects positively on themselves and the Heartbeat Denver Program.
Living Arrangements
Additional Facilities
An area to meet with our Program Director to make a plan to reach your goals. You can get computer access here to look for a job or write a resume. You can find help with almost any issue you might have.
We are the only shelter in Denver that allows for men to work the night shift. This room stays dark during the day so men who work the night shifts can sleep during the day.
We have 2 washers and dryers that are free for our clients. We also provide Tide Pods so that doing your laundry and having proper hygiene is possible at no cost. There is a sign-up sheet for available times.
This room is for all our Life Skills classes, 12-step meetings, weekly bible study class and a quiet space to study. There is a schedule posted and you may request a time to use the room if you ever need it.
This is where we keep our donated clothes for distribution. If you need clothes for work, or an interview; if you need a better pair of shoes or you came in with only the clothes on your back…..we might have just what you need to feel more comfortable and be better prepared for getting your life together.
We have a dental chair in this room and a dental service comes in regularly to provide care for our men who have Medicaid. We are also working on setting up remote mental health consultations though online resources.
This is a nice place to relax after dinner and watch some TV on our 76″ wall-mounted TV. There’s also a wide variety of donated books to read for pleasure, plus self help books on a variety of topics. We also have regular Friday night movie night where we fire up the popcorn machine and watch a couple of movies.
