3 Birds Alliance, the domestic‑violence service agency formerly known as Gateway Domestic Violence Services, presented a mid‑year update to the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners on its shelter operations, client services and capital campaign.

Carmen Carter of 3 Birds Alliance said the organization rebranded in June to better reflect its programs and outreach and reported it is the only domestic‑violence provider located in Arapahoe County. Carter said the agency provided roughly 3,000 shelter nights for 138 clients, handled more than 1,200 crisis calls, and ran counseling and housing navigation programs through mid‑June. The housing navigator—funded through state housing division dollars—started in March and by midyear had worked with 54 clients, placing 38 households into apartments, including pets, the presenter said.

Carter told commissioners the county’s annual $300,000 Aid to Agencies grant is an important, but partial, funding source for the agency’s roughly $2,000,000 annual budget. She outlined other federal and state revenue sources the agency relies on, including VOCA victim‑assistance funds, state Division of Housing awards (Prop 123/Prop 1‑2‑3 referenced in the presentation), Department of Human Services domestic violence program dollars and judicial district bail funds. Carter said cuts to VOCA and other federal sources are anticipated and the organization expects more clarity in July on award levels.

Carter described operational challenges: rising demand for space, recent building damage at the emergency shelter from flooding and plumbing failures (she estimated approximately $30,000 in recent emergency repairs), and uncertainty in some grant streams. She said the agency is working with Arapahoe County Department of Human Services through a liaison position to improve caseworker training and survivor referrals, and is planning practice‑based training labs for child‑protective and other caseworkers to better identify and assist survivors.

On capital plans, Carter said the organization purchased land in November and is advancing pre‑design work for a single building with an emergency shelter level, extended‑stay units and first‑floor counseling and supportive services. She said construction costs have increased and multiple funding sources are being pursued, including a HUD grant awarded in 2024 to support pre‑construction work; she described a continuing capital campaign to close a remaining funding gap and said the organization expects to continue pursuing foundation, state and federal sources.

Commissioners asked about program details, including why shelter counts differ from housing‑navigation placements; Carter explained clients’ post‑shelter paths vary widely—some move to relatives or other shelters, some are not ready for housing, and some face barriers such as prior evictions that require longer‑term solutions. Commissioners also asked about eviction and financial‑abuse remedies; Carter said there have been legislative efforts to expand relief for survivors’ debt and eviction records but recent attempts were not enacted this year and efforts will continue.

Commissioners and staff asked the agency to share its brochures and capital‑campaign materials; Carter said she would provide materials to county staff. The presentation concluded with board members thanking 3 Birds Alliance for services and asking staff to continue coordination on shelter infrastructure and funding needs.