With temperatures plummeting to the sub-zero range and potential snow anticipated over the holiday weekend, Jefferson County families experiencing homelessness will be seeking a warm, safe shelter and a hot meal. The severe winter cold forecast begins Thursday, December 21st and continues for the next seven to ten days, including Christmas Day.
If you are experiencing homelessness or need shelter, here are some resources:
Families seeking shelter in Jefferson County can contact Mean Street Family Shelter. Located at 1380 Ammons Street in Lakewood, the family shelter opens at 6 pm. The Mean Street Family Shelter offers a warm place to sleep and a hot meal. Please call 303-232-2500 to let the shelter know your family is coming. Families may also arrive after 6:00 pm. The Mean Street Family Shelter is only open when the temperature is below 32 degrees with precipitation or the temperature is below 20 degrees with no precipitation.
The Severe Weather Shelter Network (SWSN) provides shelter for single men, single women and couples without children living on the street during these life-threateningly cold winter nights. The shelter is open from October 1st through April 30th with the same temperature stipulations as Mean Street Family Shelter. Anyone who is interested in staying at a Severe Weather Shelter Network site, must register with SWSN. Visit one of SWSN's partner sites listed below, in person, to register. The partner sites will connect you with resources to help you move toward a safe and stable lifestyle. Please click on the link for hours and additional information for each site.
The Action Center, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood, CO. 80215
Family Tree, 3805 W. Marshall St. Wheat Ridge, CO. 80033
Mean Street Ministry, 1380 Ammons St., Lakewood, CO 80214
Jefferson County Human Services, 900 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401
Giving Heart, 4358 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113
Additionally, United Way 211 may be able to offer assistance. 211 is a free and confidential referral service to those in need, and provides referrals for food, housing and emergency shelter, among many other resources. Simply dial 211 to get connected.
A severe weather day is determined by 10:30 am on each day. The typical cold weather season in Jefferson County is from October 1st through April 30th.