Depaul USA opens first Denver housing program for college students facing homelessness

Depaul USA is launching Dax Denver on Sept. 24, bringing housing and support services to college students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in the city. The new program will be the first of its kind in Denver and expands a model that has already helped students stay enrolled and move into permanent housing.

Why it matters: - Dax Denver gives college students facing homelessness a place to live while they work to stay in school. - The program is designed to reduce housing instability, a barrier that can derail college completion and long-term housing security. - Depaul USA says the Denver site will expand access to a model that has already helped students move toward permanent housing.

What happened: - Depaul USA will mark the opening of Dax Denver with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 24, 2026. - The new program is in Denver and is the first program in the city focused on college students experiencing homelessness. - The residence is in Denver’s Capital West neighborhood, near public transportation and community amenities and about one mile from the Auraria Campus. - The program will initially partner with Regis University and MSU Denver. - University staff will identify and refer students experiencing or at risk of homelessness for assessment and intake. - Eligible students must be ages 18 to 25 and enrolled at least half-time.

The details: - Dax Denver will provide housing, case management and wraparound support. - Students will have access to an onsite pantry. - The program includes financial literacy workshops. - Students will also receive educational programming, leadership development and employment assistance. - The program will offer referrals to physical and behavioral health resources. - Individualized case management will help students prepare for permanent housing after the two-year program. - The Denver site joins Dax locations in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles. - Depaul USA says the Denver expansion will bring the program’s annual reach to more than 110 students. - Since launch, 84% of Dax students have remained in school or graduated and transitioned to permanent housing. - Kevin Noe, a Depaul USA board member, said: “Every student deserves the chance to pursue their dreams without worrying about where they’ll sleep at night. The Dax Program gives students a safe place to call home.” - Media are invited to attend the ribbon cutting and speak with Depaul USA representatives, university partners and community leaders. - Depaul USA is a national nonprofit that supports people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity through housing, outreach, supportive services and programs such as Dax. - The organization says it creates pathways toward stability, opportunity and lasting change. - More information is available on Depaul USA’s website.

Between the lines: - Denver’s first student-focused homelessness program signals growing recognition that housing support can be a college-success tool, not just a social service. - The partnership with two local universities suggests the referral pipeline will rely on campus staff spotting students before a housing crisis worsens. - The two-year structure and transition planning point to a model built around moving students into stable housing, not just short-term shelter.

What's next: - Depaul USA will open the program with its Denver ribbon-cutting on Sept. 24, 2026. - Regis University and MSU Denver will begin referring eligible students for assessment and intake. - The Denver site is expected to add to Dax’s national footprint and annual student reach.