Recognizing National Recovery Month, Governor Polis and DOLA Announce the Opening of Sage Ridge Supportive Residential Community (formerly Ridge View)

WATKINS, CO - This week, Governor Jared Polis joined the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), State and community partners, and local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the Sage Ridge Supportive Residential Community, a campus designed to help Coloradans recover from homelessness, achieve stability, and reconnect with their chosen communities in recognition of National Recovery Month.

"Helping more Coloradans overcome drug addiction and live healthy lives is so important to creating a Colorado for all, and this new community will play an important role in making that happen. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have for the Coloradans it serves," said Governor Jared Polis.

"Sage Ridge represents a significant milestone in Colorado's commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion and innovation," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. "By pairing housing with comprehensive health care, we are helping people recover, stabilize, and reconnect with their communities. This is about saving people money on health care, reducing costly hospitalizations, and most importantly, ensuring every Coloradan has the dignity and opportunity to build a healthier, more hopeful future."

"We are deeply grateful to Governor Polis, the legislators and our partners whose support made Sage Ridge possible. Because of their leadership, Coloradans now have a community where they can heal with dignity, regain stability, and take meaningful steps toward rebuilding their lives. Sage Ridge is a place of hope and care, helping residents move forward on their path to recovery and stability," said Maria De Cambra, DOLA's Executive Director.

Sage Ridge was established through Senate Bill 22-211, which repurposed the former Ridge View Youth Services Center in Watkins, CO into a supportive residential community located just minutes from Southlands Shopping Mall in Aurora, and about 20 miles from the VA Hospital and Anschutz Medical Center. The campus is expected to serve up to 1,000 Coloradans each year, offering 192 residence hall beds (four for men and two for women) and 26 withdrawal management beds. Sage Ridge is the first-of-its-kind in the state because it combines transitional housing with an on-site withdrawal management clinic, while also containing integrated medical and dental services, ensuring residents can access comprehensive care in one location.

The project was a collaborative effort between State, local, and private partners. Public-private partnerships like this are critical for addressing complex community challenges, combining the resources, expertise, and innovation of multiple sectors to create sustainable solutions for all Coloradans.

The campus offers transitional housing, comprehensive treatment, and medical services in a supportive environment rooted in compassion, respect, and dignity. By prioritizing Colorado adults (18+) who are experiencing homelessness and living with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Sage Ridge provides residents with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and take steps toward permanent housing and employment.

The name Sage Ridge was developed in collaboration with residents, partners, and providers to honor the strength and resilience of those it serves. "Sage" reflects a deep connection to nature and symbolizes clarity, transformation, and wisdom. "Ridge" evokes strength, grounding, and a vantage point for moving forward.

At Sage Ridge, individuals will have access to:

• Treatment and medical care available to both residents and the general public.
• Onsite transitional housing for individuals engaged in supportive services.
• A compassionate community designed to help residents stabilize and prepare for long-term housing success.

The facility's opening marks a significant milestone in Colorado's efforts to expand supportive housing and treatment opportunities across the state.

What Leaders are Saying About Sage Ridge

"Back in 2022, we made an unprecedented investment of federal dollars to address the most pressing issues in our communities, including substance use disorder and homelessness. I'm so proud that we're at the grand opening of Sage Ridge Supportive Residential Community to help Coloradans achieve long-term stability," said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. "The wrap-around services provided by Sage Ridge, including access to recovery programs, health care, and employment assistance, will make it easier for Coloradans experiencing homelessness to get back on their feet and achieve their dreams. I'm thrilled to see this important Biden-era federal investment come full-circle because it highlights our commitment to making a healthier, safer and accessible Colorado for all."

"Arapahoe County's commitment to affordable housing is demonstrated through Initiative 1A, Prop 123 participation and over $25 million in ARPA funding for housing projects," said Commissioner Leslie Summey. "Sage Ridge confirms our dedication to safe, clean and permanent housing for all."

"I'm very proud of Aurora's contribution to this incredibly important facility that will be critical to helping those who are suffering from addictions," said Mayor Mike Coffman.

"Through the supportive recovery program at Fort Lyon and what we are creating at Sage Ridge, we strive to turn hopelessness into hopefulness, isolation into community, and ultimately provide pathways to recovery, stability, and the opportunity for Coloradans to thrive," said Britta Fisher, President and CEO of The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

"The Behavioral Health Administration is proud to join in the celebration of the launch of the Sage Ridge Supportive Residential Community - a model for cross-agency and community collaboration that we hope to see replicated across the state," said Dannette R. Smith, BHA Commissioner. "At BHA, we know that our mission to create a full continuum of high-quality behavioral health services for all people in Colorado must be intertwined with wraparound services like those being provided at Sage Ridge. With our collective support, recovery and whole-person health can be a reality for all people in Colorado living with substance use disorder."

"Sage Ridge demonstrates for all Coloradans what we can accomplish when we put clients first and support them with the right facilities, the right model of care and the right collaborative partners," said AllHealth Network CEO Bill Henricks. "Together, we are setting a new standard for behavioral health care and a new foundation for hope, recovery, and wellness in Colorado."

"For nearly 20 years I experienced homelessness on the Western Slope and struggled with addiction. I spun in and out of seven or eight rehab programs. With the Fort Lyon/Sage Ridge model, it finally worked for me. They don't tell you what to do - they offer you options of what might work for you. Now I'm certified as a peer specialist and about to purchase my own house," said Shalley Harrow, Fort Lyon Graduate and Peer Specialist.

For more information about Sage Ridge Supportive Residential Community, visit DOLA's Sage Ridge webpage.

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