The city of Colorado Springs recently welcomed Step Springs, a 50-bed facility for addicted men, built upon the success of the transformative Step Denver, established 42 years ago. The program has shown impressive results for homeless and at-risk men, with alumni of Step Denver showing 85% sobriety, 75% employment, and 90% stable housing a year after exiting the program, according to follow-up contacts last year. These life-altering outcomes show that those who rise to the program’s challenges are rewarded; just ask any of the men who were able to be reunited with their families, rebuild their careers, and have their hope restored. 

Emily Dickinson said, “One step at a time is all it takes to get you there.” This quote sums up the Step Springs program in a single sentence. Men battling substance abuse begin their journey to sobriety, employment, and a place to call home at Step Springs. The program is rigorous, supported by four pillars: sobriety, work, accountability, and community. Participants are expected to do better to be better. 

A genuine desire to get sober is the only price of entry to Step Springs. The team expects program participants to be willing to get a job, actively participate in the recovery process, and realize that the future depends on sobriety. In exchange for this mindset, coupled with a steadfast motivation and desire to overcome their challenges, residents will get the structure and support they need to rebuild their self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-sufficiency.  They will have the opportunity to become productive, contributing members of society, and carry the dignity regained forward, supporting and encouraging others who are struggling with addiction.  

The Step program takes hard work and dedication but is successful at breaking the cycle of addiction and homelessness that has so many men in Colorado Springs in its grip. An estimated 70% of homeless men struggle with addiction in town. They represent a real need for the program offered by Step Springs.  

 
The urgent challenge is not just local; the State of Colorado ranks fifth overall for drug use, considering 20 metrics, from drug use to overdose rates, opioid prescriptions, and law enforcement actions, according to a 2023 WalletHub study.  

Step Springs receives no government funding, relying entirely on the generosity of the community to make recovery possible. To learn more about Step Springs and make a contribution, visit stepsprings.org.