Homelessness Big Bet
Creating a Regional Model for Lasting Recovery & Transformation
Cut homelessness in Aurora, Colorado by 50 percent through work-first solutions
The Daniels Fund is investing in solutions that help people experiencing homelessness and addiction rebuild their lives through work, recovery, and personal responsibility. This Big Bet is rooted in Bill Daniels’ belief that everyone deserves a second chance and the opportunity to live with dignity and purpose. Bill faced his own battle with alcoholism, and that struggle inspired his lifelong commitment to helping others overcome hardship and find a path forward.
Too many people are caught in cycles of addiction, instability, and homelessness with no clear way out. By supporting work-first programs that prioritize recovery, job training, and self-sufficiency, we are building a model for lasting change. Our investment begins in Aurora, Colorado and aims to become a blueprint for other communities. It is focused on restoring hope and transforming lives.
Work First Model
Anyone who wants help, gets help.
Through Advance Pathways, Aurora Regional Navigation Center (ARNC), and other investments throughout our 4-state region, we support innovative programs that provide clear, structured pathways for people experiencing homelessness to achieve stability, independence, and long-term success.
We focus on three core strategies:
- Expanding shelter options
- Increasing job training
- Supporting lasting independence
How the Model Works
This "Work First" model helps individuals progress toward self-sufficiency through a three-tier shelter system. Each tier offers greater responsibility, independence, and opportunity.
Through Advance Pathways, Aurora Regional Navigation Center (ARNC), and other investments throughout our 4-state region, we support innovative programs that provide clear, structured pathways for people experiencing homelessness to achieve stability, independence, and long-term success.
Tier 1
Low-Barrier Shelter
- Open daily to all adults experiencing homelessness
- Hot meals, hygiene services, mail service, pet shelter, and case management
- Single entry point with guest ID cards
- Capacity expands during bad weather
- Day center and courtyard open during the day
Tier 2
Engaged Semi-Private Shelter
- Entry through case management and a personal action plan
- Incentives include semi-private sleeping, personal storage, better meals, and fewer roommates
Tier 3
Non-Congregate Shelter and Employment
- Entry requires employment and recovery milestones
- Private rooms, meals, coaching, and up to 2 years of long-term support
- Residents contribute 30% of income toward program fees
- Goal is to transition individuals into affordable or market-rate housing
Why Addressing Homelessness & Addiction Matters
Homelessness in Aurora is growing. There are approximately 626 people experiencing homelessness nightly, yet only 130–150 shelter beds are available each evening.
We are committed to reducing homelessness in Aurora by half by 2030. Our work-first initiative supports individuals on their journey toward recovery, stable employment, and housing. Programs like the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus foster dignity, accountability, and measurable progress toward self-sufficiency.
At the Daniels Fund, we believe helping people move forward means:
- Meeting immediate needs while building self-reliance
- Offering recovery pathways rooted in employment and dignity
- Creating solutions that can be replicated elsewhere with meaningful impact
Since 2020, homelessness in Colorado has grown sharply; Aurora’s unsheltered population continues to rise even as funding increases (Common Sense Institute)
The Aurora Regional Navigation Campus will utilize a work-first model, requiring participants to engage in job training, remain sober, and take actionable steps toward independence (Engage Aurora)
Located in a converted Crowne Plaza hotel, the campus will integrate emergency shelter, case management, recovery services, and workforce development in one centralized location (Common Sense Institute)
Advance Pathways creates work and housing opportunities that address homelessness with a people-first approach.
The first facility launches:
Fall 2025
Impact in action
Hear from individuals impacted by investments in Homelessness & Addiction, highlight the “work-first” models in action.