DENVER — The state's cold weather shelters are bracing for this weekend's arctic blast, sending some Coloradans looking for warmth.
While these spaces are most often thought of as a refuge for the unhoused, there are some Coloradans whose housing is not sufficiently insulated or heated. They too benefit from cold weather shelters.
Friday is expected to see high temperatures in the teens and there's a chance of light snow up to two inches. The cold snap lasts through Saturday morning before tapering off ahead of the Broncos game in Denver on Sunday.
Here's a rundown of sheltering options:
Denver
The City and County of Denver opened its cold weather shelters on Friday, January 16. They will remain open as long as the cold weather continues, according to city officials.
Men can go to the Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center at 2222 Lawrenece Street.
Women can go to the Samaritan House at 2301 Lawrence Street.
Anyone between 12 and 24 years old can go to Urban Peak at 1630 S. Acoma Street.
Families are welcome at the Inn at the Highland, located at 2601 Zuni Street.
24/7 shelters are available at:
- 2601 W. 7th Ave.
- 375 S. Zuni Street
- 4411 Peoria Street
"When we have really extreme weather events like this, our shelters will reach capacity. And so having these overflow spaces is really critical and can be life saving," said Cathy Alderman, the Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.
Alderman added that since this has been an unusual winter so far, they feel prepared to help those greatly impacted by the colder temperatures.
"We actually feel like we have a lot of kind of winter gear ready to go because we've been ready to go for now months," she said.
On Friday, city officials said they had opened two more shelters: At 4849 Bannock St., and at The Aspen, the site of the former DoubleTree hotel on Quebec St., which has been embroiled in political squabbling.
Commerce City
Commerce City's Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., will act as an overnight warming shelter beginning Friday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.
Community rooms will provide seating and tables during the day and will switch over to cots at night. Those staying overnight must enter the shelter by 10 p.m. each night; reentry will not be allowed until 8 a.m. the following morning. The shelter can hold up to 30 people overnight.
To check for space at the overnight shelter or ask questions about the warming center, call 303-656-1009. More information and updates here.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins has declared an emergency weather event for the nights of Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24, according to the city's website.
Men can get added to Fort Collins Rescue Mission's bed list by going to the Murphy Center, 242 Conifer St., or by calling the Rescue Mission at 970-224-4302.
Women and families seeking shelter should go to Catholic Charities at 460 Linden Center Drive.
The Murphy Center's indoor day shelter is open for its regular 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours. More updates and information here.
Jefferson County
Cold weather sheltering resources — including motel vouchers and other options — are in place for Jefferson County from 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, according to the county's website.
"This advisory is for low temperatures in the teens and little to no inches of precipitation," a county Facebook post reads. "Overnight temps like these are dangerous to human and pet health."
Find more information on JeffCo sheltering options here.
Longmont
Longmont's HOPE will offer overnight severe weather shelter Tuesday, Jan. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 25.
Thursday and Friday, shelter will be at UCC, First Congregation United Church of Christ, 1500 9th Ave.
Saturday and Sunday, shelter will be at Journey Church, 2000 Pike Road.
Doors open at 5:30 pm. "Anyone not previously banned who needs a warm place to sleep for the night is welcome," the city's website states. For more information, call 720-494-4673 or visit hopeforlongmont.org.
Thornton
The City of Thornton opened its cold weather center Thursday at the McAllister Building, located at 750 W. 96h Ave. It's open at 4:30 p.m. Thursday through 12:30 p.m. Saturday, January 24.
Westminster
Westminster's emergency cold weather shelter at The MAC, 3295 W. 72nd Ave., opens Thursday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. through 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 26. Programs and services at The MAC will continue as normal, according to the city's website. More info and updates here.
Other resources
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