Warming shelters get ready for cold temps
Street crews had their hands full plowing the roads on Monday. But they weren’t the only ones getting ready for more snow.
Warming shelters stayed busy on Monday, preparing for another busy night as even colder temperatures swept through Southern Colorado.
“We just walk around and huddle together until we can get someplace warm,” said Rachel Ely. She’s just one of more than 100 people who slept in a warming shelter on South Weber Street Monday night.
“This is my first time being homeless and it’s hard. There’s only so many layers you can wear,” said Ely.
“As far as I know we haven’t had a weather related death, so mission accomplished as of yet,” said Paul Bauer, the director of the shelter with Salvation Army.
The shelter is extending its hours because of the cold. On Monday and Tuesday, it will be open from 5 p.m. to 9a.m.
About 118 people stayed there Monday night, and organizers expect even more on Tuesday.
“We just need to psych ourselves up mentally, and know the storm is coming, and be patient. They’re cold, tired, exhausted. A lot of people wear thin especially when we’re trying to get 130 people in,” said Bauer.
But the shelter wasn’t just making room for people. It allows pets to stay the night too.
“That was always one thing I had to fight for. When you have a family checking in and the only thing that disqualifies them is their cat or dog,” said Bauer.
That was a problem Ely and her dog, Stella, ran into in the past.
“Stella has been adopted as our unofficial mascot. She’s a little four-pound Chihuahua running around like she owns the place,” said Bauer.
“She’s family,” said Ely.
Here’s a list of all the shelters open in Colorado Springs.
EMERGENCY WINTER SHELTER FOR ADULT MEN AND WOMEN
Emergency Winter Shelter Operated by The Salvation Army
505 S. Weber Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Shelter Direct: 719.632.2054
100 beds (152 max occupancy)
Operates November 1 to April 15
The Emergency Winter Shelter is open from 7pm to 7am daily. Check in begins at 6pm. This is a low barrier shelter, however, guests are required to provide ID or a police referral for entry. The shelter provides daily storage for large items and can accommodate companion animals.
Springs Rescue Mission
5 West Las Vegas
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Shelter Direct: 719.884.2758
To Register for Lottery: 719.632.1822
sarahs@springsrescuemission.org
57 beds (57 max occupancy)
Operates November 1 to April 15
Shelter is available to any person age 18 or older who self identifies as having no shelter and who seeks a safe environment for the night. Beds will be filled via a lottery from all persons registering by 11:30am on a daily basis, Monday through Friday. The results of the lottery are posted by 3:00pm. Friday’s shelter roster will be in effect for Saturday and Sunday nights as well. Check in begins no later than 6:00pm.
EMERGENCY WINTER SHELTER FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
The Salvation Army R. J. Montgomery Center
709 South Sierra Madre
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Shelter Direct: 719.578.9190-0
Operates year round, though families will be accommodated through the overflow program model during winter months if they do not meet the criteria for The Salvation Army’s regular sheltering program.
On an urgent need basis, families with children can be accommodated temporarily at the Emergency Winter Shelter operated by The Salvation Army at 505 S. Weber Street.
EMERGENCY WINTER SHELTER FOR UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH
Unaccompanied youth under age 18 CANNOT be accommodated at The Salvation Army or Springs Rescue Mission shelters.
Urban Peak Colorado Springs
423 East Cucharras St
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Shelter Direct: 719.630.3223
After hours, please listen to the full message – they will have information on how to contact for after-hours urgent situations.
Youth ages 15 through 20 (21 or older not allowed)
20 beds (20 max capacity)
Operates year round.
YEAR ROUND SHELTERS
Adult Men and Women and Families with Children
The Salvation Army RJ Montgomery New Hope Center
709 South Sierra Madre
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719.578.9190-0
200 beds (225 max capacity)
100 beds for men
100 beds for women and women with children
Unaccompanied Youth
Urban Peak Colorado Springs
423 East Cucharras St
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719.630.3223
Youth ages 15 through 20 (21 or older not allowed)
20 beds (20 max capacity)
