DENVER SOBER LIVING FAQ
Questions About Denver Sober Living
Looking for sober living in Denver can come with a lot of questions. Below are answers about SafeSide’s homes, admissions process, house expectations, peer support, and what residents can expect.
SafeSide operates four sober living homes in NW Denver near 72nd Avenue and Pecos Street: three men’s homes and one women’s home.
About SafeSide’s Sober Living Homes
📘 Where are SafeSide’s sober living homes located?
SafeSide’s sober living homes are located in NW Denver near 72nd Avenue and Pecos Street.
We currently operate four homes in the area.
📘 Does SafeSide have sober living for men?
Yes. SafeSide operates three men’s sober living homes in NW Denver:
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Zenith House
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Athens House
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Arcadia House
📘 Does SafeSide have sober living for women?
Yes. Leona House is SafeSide’s women’s sober living home in NW Denver.
Applying for SafeSide Sober Living
📘 How do I apply for a SafeSide sober living home?
The first step is to complete SafeSide’s online sober living application.
Once your application is received, our team will review the information you provide.
📘 How long does it take to hear back after I apply?
A SafeSide team member will contact you within 72 hours to arrange a phone screening.
📘 What happens during the phone screening?
The phone screening is a conversation about your current situation, recovery needs, expectations, and whether SafeSide may be an appropriate fit.
It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the homes and the program.
📘 Does completing an application guarantee a bed?
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement.
SafeSide reviews each application individually based on program fit, current needs, and availability.
📘 Do I need a referral to apply?
No referral is required to start the application process. Individuals may apply directly online.
If you are working with a treatment provider, case manager, probation or parole professional, hospital, or another referral partner, they may also help you navigate the process.
Who May Be a Good Fit for SafeSide?
SafeSide sober living is designed for people who are working toward recovery and are willing to live in a structured, accountable environment.
📘 What does SafeSide look for in an applicant?
SafeSide generally looks for people who are willing to participate in a recovery-focused environment, follow house expectations, engage with support, and work toward increasing stability and independence.
📘 Are there people SafeSide may not be able to accept?
Yes. Some circumstances may make SafeSide inappropriate for an applicant.
For example, individuals with convictions for sex offenses or felony arson are not currently considered appropriate for placement.
Other circumstances may also be discussed during the phone screening so our team can determine whether the program is an appropriate fit.
📘 Can someone with mental health needs live at SafeSide?
SafeSide serves people who may be recovering from substance misuse and mental health challenges. Mental health conditions should be stable enough to participate safely and appropriately in the recovery environment.
Individual needs and program fit are discussed during the screening process.
What Is Life Like in a SafeSide Home?
📘 Is there a curfew?
Yes. SafeSide homes have curfews as part of the structure and accountability of the recovery environment.
Specific expectations are reviewed with residents before move-in and may vary based on program phase and individual circumstances.
📘 Do residents have chores?
Yes. Residents are expected to participate in assigned household responsibilities and help maintain the shared living environment.
📘 Does SafeSide drug and alcohol test residents?
Yes. SafeSide uses regular and random drug and alcohol testing as part of maintaining a sober and accountable living environment.
📘 Can residents work while living at SafeSide?
That depends on the resident’s stage of recovery and current program expectations.
During more structured early recovery, residents may be encouraged to focus primarily on recovery activities and stabilization before returning to work. SafeSide’s current program materials describe the first phase as focused heavily on daytime recovery programming.
As residents progress, employment readiness, education, vocational goals, and greater independence may become a larger focus.
📘 How long do residents stay?
Average stay ranges 3-6 months.
SafeSide’s goal is to support residents as they build stability, strengthen recovery, and prepare for the next appropriate level of independence.
There is not one timeline that is right for everyone.
Peer Support at SafeSide
📘 What is peer support?
Peer support is recovery support provided by people who bring lived experience and an understanding of the recovery process.
Peer professionals can help people identify goals, navigate resources, build confidence, strengthen accountability, and work through practical challenges that come with rebuilding stability.
📘 Is SafeSide peer-led?
Yes. Peer support is central to SafeSide’s identity and approach.
Lived experience shapes how SafeSide works with residents and how we think about recovery, connection, accountability, and progress.
📘 Do residents have access to peer support in the homes?
Yes. Peer support is an important part of the SafeSide recovery environment. SafeSide’s current program materials include peer support services, case management, and onsite peer coaches as part of the support available to residents.
📘 Do residents have to use SafeSide as their only recovery provider?
No. Residents may have needs that involve outside clinical, medical, recovery, or community providers.
SafeSide’s role is to support recovery while respecting individual needs and appropriate provider choice.
Treatment, Mental Health, and Recovery Services
📘 Does SafeSide provide mental health support?
SafeSide helps residents connect with appropriate recovery, mental health, and community resources based on individual needs.
SafeSide’s existing program model also includes access to clinical services such as therapy and intensive outpatient support for appropriate participants.
📘 Does SafeSide support medications for addiction treatment?
Yes. SafeSide’s current program materials state that support is available for medications used in addiction treatment, including Suboxone®, Vivitrol®, and other approved medications.
Individual medication and treatment decisions should be made with the appropriate medical provider.
📘 Does Medicaid pay for SafeSide sober living housing?
No.
Medicaid does not pay for SafeSide sober living housing.
Health or recovery services that may be covered through Medicaid are separate from housing and are subject to their own eligibility, coverage, and provider requirements.
Location and Daily Living
📘 What part of Denver are the homes in?
SafeSide’s sober living homes are located in NW Denver near 72nd Avenue and Pecos Street.
The area offers convenient access to everyday resources and transportation options.
📘 Are utilities included?
Yes. Utilities are included in SafeSide sober living housing.
📘 Does SafeSide help residents with food resources?
Yes. SafeSide helps residents connect with food resources, including regular trips to local food banks and other community-based supports. SafeSide also helps with SNAP enrollment and food-resource navigation.
📘 Does SafeSide provide transportation?
SafeSide helps with light transportation as much as possible, and also has access to RTD ride fare grants.
Before You Move In
📘 What should I bring with me?
If you are approved for placement, SafeSide will provide move-in guidance and information about what to bring before your arrival.
📘 Will I know the house rules before I move in?
Yes. SafeSide reviews important program expectations and house requirements before move-in so residents understand the structure of the home.
📘 What happens if I have more questions before moving in?
You can contact SafeSide directly or raise questions during your phone screening. Our goal is to make sure applicants understand what to expect before deciding whether the program is a good fit.