NewsFront RangeDenver

Actions

3 new homeless shelters open in Denver ahead of the winter season

3 new homeless shelters open in Denver ahead of the winter season
Posted at 4:55 PM, Nov 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-30 18:55:37-05

DENVER – Three new homeless shelters are now open in the City of Denver to make sure more than 1,000 people without homes don’t sleep in the streets during the winter months, according to city officials.

The city’s newest shelter, located near 48th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, is a 40,000-square foot facility that will provide beds instead of sleeping mats, greater access to charging stations, as well as bathrooms and showers. Some 300 men will be able to stay at the shelter. This new site replaces a temporary shelter near Peoria Boulevard, city officials said.

A second shelter — the Holly Street Center —opened on Nov. 15 and provides space for 228 men each night. In addition to beds, the center has showers, restrooms, washers and dryers and staff that will help people connect with other programs through the Denver Rescue Mission.

Denver’s largest women-only shelter, which helps approximately 100 women each night, opened in October. The Samaritan House Women’s Shelter has 50 beds for longer-term stay, city officials said.

“As the weather gets colder, it’s critical to us that everyone experiencing homelessness has a safe, warm place to spend the night, especially during the winter months when being outside can be extremely dangerous,” Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said.

City officials said people staying at these three shelters can meet at the Lawrence Street Community Center each evening to have dinner and board transportation to the three shelters. Those staying at the shelters will return to the center for breakfast the following morning.