Winter Weather Advisory
Amazing Urban Peak family,
Not only are we facing a major arctic cold front and temperature drop over the next few days, but an influx of migrants fleeing from unrest in Central and South America is stretching our homeless response system to the brink. The State of Colorado has issued a cold weather advisory for what may be "the coldest day in 32 years," and the City and County of Denver has initiated their Emergency Operations Center. This represents a real crisis for the young people we serve at Urban Peak and anyone experiencing homelessness in our city.
To help keep everyone safe, many resources will be available in Denver over the next few days. There are also a number of ways to help support the city and those experiencing homelessness.
Resources
Urban Peak is conducting outreach directly to youth who regularly camp outside, including providing transportation to emergency warming resources. We are also allowing youth to sleep overnight in the lobby at The Spot, including some youth ages 21 – 24.
The City and County of Denver will open a 24-hour warming center at the Denver Coliseum at 4600 Humboldt St., beginning at 3pm Wednesday for anyone who needs a warm place to stay during the storm. Read more here.
Denver's open libraries and recreation centers will be available during regular hours of operation as warming centers on Thursday and Friday. Recreation center hours and locations can be found here.
Information on the city's regular overnight shelters can be found here.
How to help
Donate to Urban Peak. All financial donations support our programs, including our expanded efforts to reach youth and operate our overnight shelter.
We also maintain an Amazon wishlist that includes an up-to-date list of our urgent winter clothing needs and gifts for youth during the holidays.
Anyone interested in supporting the city’s efforts can contact Denver’s Emergency Operations Center at donations@denvergov.org.
The City and County of Denver is hiring bilingual short-term shelter assistants. Information on these positions can be found here.
I have always been astounded by the generosity of our community and as we face such frigid temperatures over the next few days, I have no doubt that our community will step up once again. Together, we can #BetheSpark and keep everyone in our city safe and warm this holiday season and all winter long.
Gratefully,
Christina Carlson
CEO, Urban Peak
