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The AID Center takes a trauma-informed public health approach to public safety by acting as a connection point to comprehensive community and systems-based services. It is a resource for law enforcement, the community, and individuals as both a continuum of services and an alternative response model.
While any member of the public is eligible to receive services at the center, the focus is on providing resources to individuals who have active warrants for low-level, non-violent crimes and continue to face challenges accessing services and stable housing. Additionally, law enforcement officers have the option of referral to the supportive services located at the AID Center in lieu of arrest under appropriate circumstances.
Referrals & Eligibility
Individuals can access the AID Center three ways during operating hours:
- Anyone interested in accessing services can walk in to the Center.
- Individuals can be referred to the Center by outreach teams with their consent, including the Support Team Assisted Response (STAR), Street Enforcement Team (SET) and others.
- The Denver Police Department (DPD) may transport consenting individuals to the AID Center in lieu of arrest. Offenses eligible for deflection through the AID Center are listed below.
State-Level Offenses
- State Level Prostitution;
- DF4 Possession of a controlled substance (no intent to distribute);
- DM1 Possession of a controlled substance (no intent to distribute);
Municipal Level Charges
- Prostitution;
- Shoplifting (no restitution);
- Trespassing;
- Disturbing the peace (no domestic violence);
- Public fighting
Offered Services & Partnerships
The AID Center offers numerous systems-based and community partnerships to provide a variety of quality-of-life, diversion, and mental health services.
Types of Services Offered
- Housing Services
- Substance Misuse Support
- Mental Health Support
- Food Resources
- Hygiene Products
- LEAD Program
- Support Services
- Case Coordination
- Sober Living Services
- Veterans Services
- Employment Preparation and Connection
Systems-Based Partnerships
- Colorado Department of Corrections
- Colorado State Public Defenders Office
- Denver Agency for Human Rights & Community Partnerships
- Denver County Court
- Denver Department of Motor Vehicles
- Denver Department of Public Health & Environment
- Denver Office of Community Violence Solutions
- Denver Police Department
- Denver Police Department, Outreach Case Coordinators
- Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program
- Street Engagement Team (SET)
Community-Based Partnerships
- Ananeo
- Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS)
- Authentic Recovery Homes
- Brain Injury Alliance (BIAC)
- Building Our Youth From the Ground Up (BOYZ)
- Center For Employment Opportunities (CEO)
- Colorado Coalition for The Homeless
- Colorado Affordable Legal Services
- Colorado Mental Wellness Network
- Employment Services
- Deserving Dental
- Hazelbrook Recovery Services
- MetroCaring
- Nxt Chapter Re-Entry Services
- P2P Recovery Resources
- Reciprocity Collective
- Remerg
- RE-SHAPE
- Self Educating Empowering Developer (S.E.E.D)
- Stout Street
- The Master’s Apprentice
- The Second Chance Center
- Tribe Recovery Services
- Tru-Connect Wireless Services
- Volunteers of America
- Warrior Now
- WeeCycle
- WellPower
FAQ
Who can access services?
Anyone age 18 or over. Individuals can access the AID Center during operating hours by way of walk-ins, referrals or DPD referral in lieu of arrest.
How much do services at the AID Center cost?
All services provided by the AID Center are free to participants.
What information will I need to provide if I want to access the services and programs offered at the AID Center?
The AID Center’s primary goal is to operate as a barrier-free connection point to systems and community-based services. Participants do not need to undergo a background check, nor do they need to show an ID to receive services or program referral. Citizenship will also not be asked. Anyone who needs services or program referral is welcome at the AID Center.
Does the AID Center allow children or pets inside the center?
In addition to service animals, the AID Center welcomes children of all ages and animals to the Center so long as they are well-behaved and remain under control. Children may wait with their guardian, or play in the children’s area equipped with toys, and games. Unless they are service animals, pets will be provided kennels located within the AID Center until their owners are finished working with Care Coordinators.
How does the AID Center differ from the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program?
The AID Center and LEAD Program differ in many ways. The primary difference is that the AID Center is a walk-in resource center available to anyone seeking services that is operated by the City and County of Denver.
LEAD is a national model for individuals diverted in by Denver Police Officers or other approved criminal justice partners who have Justice System involvement.