Boulder Recovery Services Center Reopens Under New Provider Hazelbrook

The City of Boulder has officially reopened its recovery services centre at 20th and Pearl streets as of May 1. The facility had been temporarily closed since last fall while city officials sought a new service provider to manage the operations.

The centre is now operated by Hazelbrook, a provider with an established regional footprint. Hazelbrook currently manages similar programs across several Colorado cities, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Longmont.

Addressing a Public Health Crisis

The reopening comes amid a significant public health challenge in the region. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, more than 50 people in Boulder County died from drug overdoses in 2024.

City officials emphasize that the centre is designed to fill a critical operational gap. By integrating housing and treatment services, the facility provides a streamlined path for individuals recovering from substance use.

Megan Newton, Boulder’s homelessness policy advisor, noted that while housing is a primary focus, the ability to receive treatment services in one place is vital for the community.

Did You Know? Hazelbrook’s operational reach extends beyond Boulder, as the provider also manages recovery programs in Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Longmont.

The Impact of Structured Recovery

For residents like Harley Hamlin, a recovering opiate addict from Glenwood Springs, the centre provides a necessary structured environment. Hamlin noted that previous attempts at sobriety failed due to a lack of stability and proximity to past drug connections.

Boulder reopens recovery services home after 8-month pause

The facility employs a rigorous model including nightly curfews and several weekly group meetings. This structure allows residents to hold one another accountable while filling the voids left by addiction.

Another resident, Seth Eberly, utilized the centre as a foundation upon entering the community after leaving prison. Eberly highlighted the availability of on-site resources, including psychiatric care and a medication kiosk.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the integration of psychiatric care and medication access within a residential setting is a strategic move to reduce the barriers that often lead to relapse for those transitioning from the justice system.

Capacity and Future Outlook

The Boulder house currently has a total capacity of 11 beds. However, city officials have indicated that more beds may become available under Hazelbrook’s management.

At this time, only one bed remains open. Given the current demand and the regional overdose statistics, the city may look to expand availability as the provider settles into the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Boulder recovery services centre reopen?
The centre reopened on May 1 after being closed since last fall.

Who is the new provider for the recovery centre?
The centre is now operated by Hazelbrook, which also manages programs in Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Longmont.

What resources are available to residents at the centre?
Resources include housing, treatment services, psychiatric care, and a kiosk for medication setup, with continued support available after residents leave.

How important is the combination of housing and medical treatment in successful long-term recovery?