Denver Activates Emergency Cold Weather Shelters Amid Rising Homelessness Concerns
Denver, CO – As winter descends on the region, the City of Denver has activated its emergency cold weather shelter protocol three times this season in response to snow and frigid temperatures. The Department of Housing Stability (HOST) has faced the complex challenge of reaching unsheltered homeless individuals during these extreme weather events.
Katherine Wamsley, a spokesperson for HOST, emphasized the importance of outreach efforts in connecting vulnerable individuals with shelter options. "Our teams provide outreach coverage during day and evening hours, coordinating with multiple agencies to assist those in need," she explained. Wamsley’s comments follow the city’s most recent activation of emergency shelters for five days around Thanksgiving, the longest duration so far in 2024.
Denver’s cold weather plan includes three main shelters: the former Best Western hotel at 4595 Quebec St., and municipal facilities at 2601 W. 7th Ave. and 375 S. Zuni St. The former hotel serves as part of Mayor Mike Johnston’s homeless housing initiative, providing crucial support during inclement weather.
The ongoing homelessness crisis in Denver continues to amplify the urgency of these efforts. A recent Metro Denver Homeless Initiative count recorded 6,539 homeless individuals in Denver in January 2024, a slight increase from the previous year’s total. Notably, the number of unsheltered individuals declined by 150, reflecting the city’s efforts to provide shelter.
In addition to emergency shelters, HOST employs strategies such as handing out winter gear and flyers to enhance assistance for the homeless population. The city is committed to exploring further shelter options if existing facilities reach capacity, continuing its mission to protect those most vulnerable during severe weather conditions.
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