COLORADO, USA — With a significant amount of snowfall expected for the Denver metro area, severe weather shelters are being opened to protect some of the most vulnerable community members from the snow and cold.
Denver recreation centers
Denver Parks and Recreation initially said its currently operating recreation centers would be used a warming centers on Wednesday. In a tweet, Wednesday morning, the city said the rec centers were closed and urged those needing to warm up to go to the McNichols building instead.
Denver Department of Housing Stability
Denver's Department of Housing Stability (HOST) is activating an overnight shelter for those experiencing homelessness at the McNichols Civic Center Building at 144 W. Colfax Ave. from 6 p.m. on Tuesday through 8 a.m. Thursday.
To find more information on overnight and day shelters for both individuals and families, you can visit the Department of Housing Stability’s Find Shelter webpage.
Severe Weather Shelter Network
The nonprofit operates between Oct. 1 and April 30 when temperatures are 20 degrees or below and there is no active moisture, or when temperatures are 32 degrees or below and there is active moisture.
According to a tweet, the snowstorms expected this week are considered severe weather, which means shelters will be open for residents of Jefferson County and western Arapahoe County.
The group helps residents that meet a specific set of criteria:
- 18 or older without children
- Ability to get up and down off the floor without help
- No pets
People in that area who don't meet the qualifications can call 211 for other shelter options.
HAAT Force
HAAT Force provides motel vouchers during severe weather to the following people experiencing homelessness in the south metro area:
- Families with children 18 years of age and under
- People with physical disabilities
- People with pets or service animals
- Pregnant women
- People recently released from the hospital in need of a place to recover
- Vulnerable older adults
As severe weather approaches, call their hotline number, 720-483-7864, to find out where and when registration is taking place and whether motel vouchers will be issued on a given day and at what location.
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