Mile High Behavioral Health updated Arapahoe County commissioners July 15 on operations at Comitis Crisis Center, reporting a shift to a family‑only shelter model, higher rates of permanent housing placements and a substantial funding reduction from the City of Aurora.

Daniella Villareal of the commissioners office introduced Anna Miller from Mile High, who provided a mid‑year program report and described a recent operational conversion: “One of the biggest changes that we have experienced in the last 6 months is we have transitioned from a... shelter for people experiencing homelessness from singles to only families.” Miller said the center closed for roughly three weeks to reconfigure the building to be family friendly, replaced play equipment and redecorated common spaces.

Miller and staff reported program outcomes and service levels: the center received county Aid to Agencies funding of $68,000 for the year, served more than 800 unduplicated individuals in the recent reporting period, and provided over 40,000 meals in 2024. Miller said the average length of stay at the family shelter is currently about 90 days, though stays have ranged from two weeks to more than a year depending on client circumstances.

Commissioners asked detailed operational questions. They learned Comitis requires intake information including prior housing and that many guests decline to report prior county of residence. Commissioners asked about voter registration, and staff said they had not yet organized voter registration services but would consider that effort. The meeting also included questions about donations and programming: Miller said the program accepts childrens clothing and that Colfax Community Network provides free after‑school and summer care for children in the shelter.

Miller flagged a funding challenge: a large grant reduction from the City of Aurora of roughly $1.5 million across multiple programs, including Comitis and Colfax Community Network. She described ongoing fundraising to cover operations and named staff retention as an organizational priority.

No formal board action was taken during the study session. Commissioners thanked staff and encouraged community outreach and consideration of voter registration and donation drives. Staff said they would follow up on suggested connections and supply needs and invited commissioners to visit the facility.