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? When was the last time you used? 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 last 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.
- No weapons of any kind are allowed in the building.
- Violence and theft will not be tolerated and results in immediate discharge. This includes aggressive behavior, bullying and verbal abuse.
- Everyone must do a breathalyzer test to enter the building
- Wake up time is 5:30 am
- No alarm clocks allowed
- Check in is from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, after 6:30 work verification will be needed to check in.
- You must check in daily or be excused by a Supervisor.
- You must have prior approval from a Supervisor if you are going to miss a meeting, Roll Call, Curfew, or a No Show. Also, you must have verification to re-enter the building. If you do not you are subject to DISCHARGE.
- To stay in building after 9 am , you must have permission and you will be expected to do help out as needed during the day.
- You must attend roll call every night at 7pm
- You must check in at the front desk every time you enter the building.
- The community is closed during the day between 9:00am and 4:30pm each day. If you are in the building during those times you must help out.
- Lights out at 9:00 pm every day and the building will be closed from 11pm and 5:30am
- Clothing (pants and shirt) must be worn at all times, unless you are showering.
- No one is allowed in the kitchen area unless you are helping out or have permission
- No personal food items are allowed in the refrigerators
- You are responsible for the bedding provided to you. You responsible for any damage to your bedding and fees will be assessed for damage.
- You must obey all posted rules in all special areas of the shelter; Day room, resource room, career closet, conference room, laundry and kitchen
- No clothing or towels allowed hanging on the rails of the beds.
- Residents are not allowed in the offices.
- Residents must NOT hang out in front of the building, the steps leading up to the church or the steps leading into our shelter.
- Bicycles need to be registered with the staff or they could be removed. Scooters and electric bikes need special permission to be kept inside the building. Permission is not guaranteed.
- 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.
- Fees must be paid by Money Order every Friday. Non-payment can result in discharge within 2 days.
- Everyone is subject to Random Searches at Supervisor’s discretion.
- 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 personnel 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 for 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 get 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 have a dental service come 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. It also has a wide variety of donated books to read for pleasure or get some 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.
