FIRSTSTEP
FIRST STEP PROGRAM OVERVIEW
WHAT IS FIRST STEP?
Warren Village First Step is a one-year transi onal living program for women and
women with children. First Step offers communal housing, case management, onsite life skills classes, volunteer opportuni es and on-site staff to assist residents
in achieving their goals towards self-sufficiency. We serve 13 resident
households; 7 units for families and 6 units for single unaccompanied women.
PROGRAM MODEL
Our comprehensive program and suppor ve
services help single women and women with
children by providing tools and resources
that empower them to be er support
themselves and their families in the future.
SAFE
HOUSING
FAMILY
SERVICES
FIRST STEP IMPACT
FIRST STEP APPLICATION PROCESS
First Step conducts an intake interview, screening applicants for goals,
mo va on, criminal and drug history, as well as appropriate fit for community
living. We cannot accept undocumented residents, people with violent criminal
history or a history of sexual offenses.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and considered homeless. The ini al
step in the applicant process is different for single women versus women with
children.
Single Women must be referred through the Housing Stabiliza on Program at
The Gathering Place (303.321.4198).
Women with children should call First Step to set up an intake/applica on
appointment.
In 2015, 85% of First Step graduates
moved into permanent or long-term
transi onal housing.
In 2015, 78% of exi ng residents were able
to increase their wages or mainstream
benefits.
FIRST STEP GOALS
Warren Village First Step has been funded
by Denver’s Road Home since 2007,
providing housing for homeless families
with incomes between 0-30% Area
Median Incomes.
WHO WE SERVE
Living at Warren Village First Step
is not a handout—it's a hand up.
We would not have the track record
we do if it were not for the dedica on
of our clients. Applicants of our
program must be commi ed to making
changes in their lives. To remain in the
program, they are expected to
demonstrate consistent progress
toward personal and economic selfsufficiency goals.
Annually, First Step will house 32
residents households.
“First Step has been a bright spot in
a bleak reality. It gave me a sense of
belonging with consistent help.”
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT OUR WORK:
Warren Village First Step | 5280 Federal Blvd. | Denver, CO 80221
303.477.3843 TEL | www.warrenvillage.org
– Veola
75% of exi ng residents will show
measurable growth in self-sufficiency
indicators.
75% of exi ng residents will increase
income.
75% of exi ng residents will have a part
me (or greater) ac vity of work, school
or a combina on of both.
70% of exi ng households will move into
permanent or transi onal housing
guidance.
KAILA’S FIRST STEP STORY OF IMPACT
At 19 years old, Kaila was struggling to secure stable housing with her two children a er commi ng to her sobriety. She was
looking for a place where she could be surrounded by suppor ve people in an environment that offered structure for her life.
Kaila found that Warren Village First Step would offer her the guidance of a Family Advocate and a safe home where her son
could be returned to her care from his foster placement.
Within two months of Kaila moving into First Step, her three-year-old son, Claiton, was permanently reunited with her and
her daughter, Delainie. She found in-home services to help with the transi on of being a family unit again. Kaila enrolled her
children in a local learning center where they are exploring and mastering developmental milestones. Recently, Kaila
celebrated her one-year sobriety and is half way through food services training at the Work Op ons for Women program.
Kaila is mo vated by taking one day at a me and appreciates the support from First Step staff and community to keep her
accountable towards her goals. She dreams of becoming a LPN in a nursing home and hopes to begin CNA classes at Emily
Griffith in the future. For Kaila, the last two years have been full of hurdles, but she believes that she can truly live for today,
knowing that her family is together and that she can keep moving forward.
EXPECTATIONS FOR
FIRST STEP RESIDENTS
FIRST STEP GIFT-IN-KIND
DONATION NEEDS
Meet with Family Advocate for case management on a
weekly basis.
First Step is currently seeking volunteer groups to
prepare move-in baskets for new residents. The women
and families move to First Step from vulnerable
environments. Moving to First Step is more than just a
bedroom. It is one year of stability that allows for
personal growth; that o en starts with just the basic
needs being met.
Part- me status in work, school, or a career-related
training program.
A end two monthly on-site life skills classes.
Par cipate in community by a ending monthly house
mee ngs and comple ng daily chores.
Pay rent on me. Rent is 30% of gross monthly income
or $25 for residents without an income. Rent paid goes
into a savings account and is refunded upon move-out.
Complete 2-hours of community service per month.
Complete required monthly Status Report.
Submit to weekly, random urinalysis to ensure drug and
alcohol free living.
Ability to live in a communal living se ng/shared
house.
Move-in baskets could include:
• Laundry basket/ Rubbermaid storage container
• Large: shampoo, condi oner, body wash, shaving gel,
lo on, tooth paste
• Razor
• Toothbrush
• Detergent
• Hangers
• Shoe Organizers
• Twin sized sheets (new)
• Towels (new)
• Washcloths (new)
• Alarm Clock
FIRSTSTEP
5280 Federal Blvd. | Denver, CO 80221 | 303.447.3843
[email protected] • www.warrenvillage.org/rststep