John Parvensky

John Parvensky Retires As President and CEO of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

After nearly four decades in Denver, John Parvensky is retiring as the CEO and President of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. He started in 1984 and has watched the unhoused population in Denver skyrocket.

During his time with CCH, the organization has built 20 affordable housing developments and established Stout Street Health Center, which provides a medical clinic for homeless individuals. He has led the organization from six employees to 750.

Early Life and Education

After working at the University of Pennsylvania law school, Parvensky moved to Denver in 1984 to help nonprofits get tax-exempt status. That’s when he helped start the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

He’s been a leader in the fight to end homelessness at both the state and national levels. He’s a key player in the Denver Housing First Collaborative and has helped develop innovative programs that blend housing, healthcare, employment and training to offer a path for people who have become homeless to get back on their feet.

John Parvensky has stepped down from the role of president and CEO of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless after 36 years, but he plans to continue advocating for solutions. He’s also taking over the role of acting executive director of the national group, a position he will fill until his successor is hired.

Professional Career

During his professional career, John Parvensky has played an integral role in helping people who are experiencing homelessness. He has done this by assisting them in getting the right type of housing and healthcare.

In his time as CEO of the Colorado Coalition for Homeless, he has been instrumental in finding lasting solutions to the problem. His organization provides services like supportive housing, health care, substance abuse treatment, employment support and childcare to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Under his leadership, the Coalition has grown from a staff of six to 750 employees and has an operating budget of $100 million. They’ve also built 20 affordable housing developments, provided 2,000 housing vouchers, created the Stout Street Health Center and help more than 22,000 people a year.

Achievements and Honors

As President and CEO of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, John Parvensky has forged an impressive list of accomplishments. He has been responsible for the largest number of supportive housing units ever constructed in Colorado, as well as a host of innovative healthcare programs. He is a proud philanthropist and tireless advocate for homeless people in the state of Colorado.

In addition to being an early adopter of the aforementioned “Housing First” concept, Parvensky has led the charge for a handful of other major innovations in homeless services including the first statewide mobile medical clinic in Denver and the city’s first mobile dental care clinic. DBJ is proud to name him our 2022 Most Admired CEO award recipient! The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has an exciting future ahead of it as John looks to the next chapter of his long and illustrious career.

Personal Life

Homelessness is not an easy problem to tackle, and John Parvensky has spent the past 36 years trying to help people get off the street.

As the executive director of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, he has directed programs that deliver supportive housing and integrated health care to 15,000 homeless, men, women, and children annually. He also spearheaded the production of 16 distinct, integrated housing developments that combine high-quality housing for homeless individuals and families with affordable units for community residents with lower incomes.

As Parvensky prepares to step down this summer after 37 years at the helm of the organization, he says homelessness is more visible than ever. He also said he will use his new position to lobby for more federal funding to address the issue.

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