A mental health initiative in Denver is making a remarkable impact on public health by significantly reducing overdoses, emergency room visits, and jail bookings.
The THRIVE program, now in its second year, supports individuals struggling with addiction, homelessness, and mental health challenges through tailored care and peer support.
Matthew Hudgins, who has been sober for six months, credits the program with transforming his life. After years of homelessness and addiction, Hudgins says his newfound stability and health are reasons to smile. “Six months ago, I was unemployable. Today, I have a chance to work and rebuild my life,” he shared.
The program’s success lies in its comprehensive approach, combining professional healthcare with peer support specialists like Samuel Murray, who bring lived experience to their roles.
“Our team includes doctors, nurses, and social workers, but what sets us apart is peer support — people who have walked this path themselves,” Murray explained. Peer specialists build trust by connecting on a personal level, often starting with simple acts like offering coffee or a meal.
Hudgins recalls that the offer of free coffee and doughnuts was initially what drew him to THRIVE. “Some days, that was all I ate,” he said. But more importantly, it gave him motivation to seek help. When he was ready to change, Murray and the team were there to guide him.
THRIVE is funded by taxpayers through the nonprofit Caring for Denver and administered by Denver Health.
Since its launch, the program has reduced outpatient mental health care waitlists by more than 90%, ensuring faster access to treatment. With homelessness rising in Denver, programs like THRIVE are vital to tackling health crises on the streets.
“If we want to address homelessness and addiction, we need to work directly with people on the streets,” Hudgins emphasized. “There are resources out there, but many don’t know how to access them. That’s why programs like THRIVE are so important—they’re accessible and available when people are ready.”
