This is Step:
Our History

Step 13 Evolution Process was founded by Ray Hayworth as a transitional housing program. Recovering alcoholics and addicts joined forces to help homeless men in Denver and, through their own experiences, recognized sobriety as the primary solution to homelessness. They also knew abstinence is only half the battle and that sustained, long-term addiction recovery is best achieved through peer support, economic opportunity, and self-reliance.

Bob Coté (pictured in background) was one of the original residents of Step 13, worked to become Director of Operations, and eventually became the Executive Director and our legendary leader.

Step 13 moved into the current Larimer Street facility which had previously been a department store. Throughout 1987 with help from Sutherland’s Home Improvement Center, residents built out most of the structure that exists today — transforming the building into a home.

Executive Director Bob Coté was honored to testify in a Congressional hearing about addiction and the cycle of dependency on government benefits, putting Step 13 on the map nationally. Bob and Step 13 volunteers were then recognized for their service to the community by President George H. W. Bush, receiving the 540th “Daily Point of Light” Award.

Legendary leader Bob Coté’s passing was a devastating time for Step 13, its Board, and its supporters. In May of 2014 the Board hired Peter Droege from the Daniels Fund to be its Executive Director. Peter brought stability and guidance to the organization, ensuring that Step would still be here to help those in need.

Understanding the complex needs of the population seeking help at Step 13, and with a commitment to reducing recidivism, the Board of Directors hired Paul Scudo (now Executive Director) to develop a more robust addiction recovery program. Building on Step’s founding pillars of sobriety, work, and accountability – from lived experience and expertise in the field — Paul worked with Step Alumni Patrick McNamara and Jacob Merrion, and together they created the Steps for Success curriculum.

Step 13 was renamed Step Denver. This change was made for a variety of reasons, the primary of which was a vision to help more men find freedom from addiction. Step’s model works, and the Board of Directors seeks to implement Steps for Success in other cities in need of this program. As Step grows, each location will take on the name of the community it is serving — building a sense of connection for the men helped and those extending their support.

Step Denver opened its first two sober living homes, extending the Steps for Success program to four phases and providing men with a soft landing back into the community. By remaining in a structured peer recovery environment, men are less likely to isolate; one of the primary symptoms of addiction. National studies indicate the rate of long-term, sustained sobriety increases by 75% for those who remain in a sober living environment for two years. In 2022, Step opened its tenth sober living home.