As winter temperatures drop in Colorado Springs, city officials and community organizations are expanding efforts to protect people experiencing homelessness from severe weather. Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced the activation of the City’s Severe and Extreme Winter Weather Shelter Plan after temperatures fell below 20 degrees this past weekend.
Shelter providers responded by increasing capacity. The Springs Rescue Mission lifted restrictions to allow more guests, Hope COS opened The Sanctuary Church as a temporary shelter and provided transportation, Catholic Charities distributed motel vouchers for families, and The Salvation Army continued its support at the Family Hope Center. Partners also mobilized vans and ride-sharing services to help individuals reach shelter quickly.
“This kind of response does not happen by chance,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “It happens because we prepare. It happens because we coordinate. It happens because, long before the temperatures drop, our city and our nonprofit partners build relationships, trust, and a plan designed to save lives. As the saying goes, ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail’.”
To address increased needs across the shelter system this year, Mayor Mobolade and Chief Housing Officer Aimee Cox led a fundraising campaign that resulted in $860,000 in donations from public and private funders, faith communities, businesses, and nonprofit partners. These funds will be used for expanded beds, staffing support, emergency motel options, and transportation services during winter months.
“This was not just a City-led effort, it was a public–private–philanthropic–faith partnership,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “The very best reflection of how Colorado Springs comes together to meet our biggest challenges.”
Mayor Mobolade expressed gratitude to organizations including COSILoveYou and fifteen participating churches; philanthropic groups such as El Pomar Foundation; business supporters like Weidner Apartment Homes; RNR Family Foundation; Edmondson Foundation; Lane Foundation; Pikes Peak Community Foundation; Classic Homes; anonymous donors; as well as on-the-ground providers: Springs Rescue Mission, Hope COS, Catholic Charities, and The Salvation Army.
A new transportation initiative is set to launch next month through Mountain Metro Transit. During declared Severe or Extreme Weather Events this winter season, unhoused residents will be able to use local fixed-route buses without paying fares in order to access shelters safely.
“Transportation is often the missing link between danger and safety,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “This pilot program closes a critical gap and ensures access to shelter when temperatures drop.”
With high demand at local shelters expected throughout winter months in Colorado Springs (https://www.coloradosprings.gov/homelessness), residents are encouraged by city leaders to continue supporting service providers with meals or supplies as well as volunteer time or financial contributions through HelpCOS.org.
“This is what it means to be a city that shows up, not when it’s easy but when it matters most,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “Together we can build a Colorado Springs where no one is left behind in the cold.”
