Homeward Pikes Peak Project Detour

Project Detour Review

Project Detour is a women’s only transitional living facility operated by the Colorado Springs-based organization Homeward Pikes Peak. This program is designed specifically for women who have opioid or alcohol abuse issues, have been incarcerated, have been involved in the criminal justice system, or have experienced homelessness. Project Detour provides Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), group and individual therapy, relapse prevention planning, and life coaching.

Accommodations and Amenities

Project Detour clients reside in a free standing building next to a shelter in a quiet residential neighborhood of Colorado Springs. The facility is fully furnished with twin beds, dressers, couches, TVs and cooking utensils. Clients enjoy new mattresses and linens. There are accommodations for up to 12 people.

Rules and Regulations

Potential clients have to be referred to Project Detour and meet the right criteria to be admitted. This program accepts women who are at least 18 years old, and have been diagnosed with either an alcohol or opioid disorder. In addition, these clients either have to have been homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless, and are compliant with a legal issues they have dealt with.

Incoming clients must be stable mentally and have already gone through a detox process. This is a year long program, and during this time, not only do the women learn a variety of life skills in preparation for their discharge, but they also become acquainted with the community services.

This track includes MAT and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Clients attend group and individual therapy, and case management sessions. Therapeutic approaches include Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Motivational Interviewing (MI), relapse prevention, trauma-informed care, and coping skills management.

There are regular drug screenings during their stay, and if a client fails to pass a test they are dismissed from the program immediately. Medical and dental care are available, and assistance with procuring permanent housing after leaving the program is also offered.

It’s important to mention, while living at the residence clients have to commit to at least 29 hours of work or community service. There are house meetings during the week, and the staff encourages 12-step attendance in the community.

In Summary

Project Detour is a unique program that focuses on women’s needs with the intent to give them the opportunity to live independently. At the very beginning of this program the women are treated with respect and as individuals, meaning that no two clients are alike and are not expected to have the same experience. Above all, the goal is that these women get to start their lives over, hopefully with a strong foothold in the community, reunification with their family members, and a sense of pride for what they have accomplished.