City announces $1.65M in funding to support employment initiative

The proposed investment would help ensure more individuals can access job training

Denver, CO - Thursday, November 5, 2026 - Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) joined Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver-based nonprofit TeamHoused, Working and Healthy (TeamHWH) and Denver City Councilman Darrell Watson to announce a $1.65M proposed investment to help more individuals experiencing housing instability access stable careers and culinary job training through the TeamHWH nonprofit workforce development program, pending Denver City Council approval.

The proposed funding allocations include $150,000 in wage subsidies to support employer Brookdale Senior Living to hire participants from the TeamHWH workforce development culinary training program into roles that meet their growing labor needs; and $1.5M in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal funding to finance the purchase of the remaining portion of the TeamHWH facility in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood. This proposed investment would help double TeamHWH annual training capacity for participants, ensuring more individuals can access job training.

Today, Team Housed, Working and Healthy cut the ribbon on their new 6,000-square-foot facility in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood.

"Work is more than a means to an end," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "It provides consistency, stability, and the purpose that comes with doing a good job well. This program does that and more, expanding our efforts to end street homelessness and build onto Denver's strong workforce."

"This program aims to train 200 participants annually and connect participants to meaningful job opportunities," said Adeeb Khan, Executive Director, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity. "Creating an amazing space for programming, training and employment opportunities is how we create pathways to economic self-sufficiency."

"By reducing upfront hiring costs, Denver Workforce Development investment and support amplifies our ability to employ participants," said Tony Anderson, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity. "This collaboration represents a key step in closing employment gaps for individuals experiencing housing instability and ensure that we can get more people into stable jobs."

"This is a defining moment for our organization and community," said TeamHWH Founder and Executive Director Brad Volin. "The city's investment will expand career opportunities for more individuals while helping businesses build a stronger workforce. It's a powerful example of what's possible when public, private and community partners work together to create lasting impact."

"As the District 9 Council Member serving the Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods, I am proud to welcome Team Housed, Working and Healthy's new workforce training facility to the community. By connecting residents with job training and career opportunities, this facility will help strengthen our local economy and create pathways to long term success," saidDistrict 9 Denver City Councilman Darrell Watson.

DEDO's Denver Workforce Development division will closely track hiring outcomes, retention rates, and ongoing program efficacy through regular reporting and evaluation. Future efforts will explore expanding wage subsidies to additional employers committed to hiring participants from Team Housed, Working & Healthy.

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About Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is creating an economy that works for everyone through business assistance, retention and attraction and workforce development. Learn more at denvergov.org/DEDO.

About Team Housed, Working & Healthy
Team Housed, Working & Healthy (TeamHWH) is a Denver nonprofit helping people experiencing housing instability build lasting self-sufficiency through team-based workforce training, employment coaching and mental health support. Learn more at www.TeamHWH.org