DENVER — Snow wasn't a huge problem in Denver, but over the next few days, the cold will be. The city activated its severe weather shelters on Wednesday afternoon.
With Thursday's low expected to be around 17 degrees, the Denver Dream Center Street Team spent the morning urging unhoused people to seek shelter. The Street Team visits with many of unhoused people almost everyday, but Wednesday was more important. Mike Johnson, the street team director, said he knows how dangerous these temperatures can be.
"From 2016-2019, my wife and I were out here on these same streets, living in a tent, going through these same struggles, so I said we know what it’s like to zip that tent up or to try and hunker down and stay warm and feel like nobody sees you," Johnson said.
"It gives all of us guys the passion to come out and make sure that everybody’s heard, they’re seen and they know that somebody loves them, somebody cares," he said.
Johnson and a handful of others passed out cups of coffee, snacks and a word of advice. They shared information on the shelters that unhoused people can access over the next few days and even offered rides if they weren't able to find a way there.
"We’ll be the hands and feet that come out here and know where to go, and people know the resources, and even If it’s just a hot cup of coffee, right? Or just a conversation and a smile, just anything helps," Johnson said.
The team spoke to dozens of people on Wednesday, including a gentleman who goes by "Big Unk." This was not his first time seeing the street team, and he said he's grateful for that.
"Mike's crew is awesome," Big Unk said. "[They have a] beautiful spirit. Loved him ever since I met him. His crew is always helpful. They've got a heart of gold. I thank them, and I appreciate them."
According to the City of Denver the following shelters will be open until 11 a.m. Monday:
- For individual men: Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center, 2222 Lawrence St.
- For individual women: Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St.
- For youth ages 15-20: Urban Peak, 1630 S. Acoma St.
- Families in need of shelter should call the Connection Center at 303-295-3366.
Shelter will also be available at Stone Creek shelter (former Best Western hotel), 4595 Quebec St. and at city facilities at 2601 W. 7th Ave. and 375 S. Zuni St.
The Denver Parks and Recreation Department will also have recreation centers open during the day as warming shelters.