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Denver Activates Cold Weather Shelters Amid Freezing Temps

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Denver is anticipating a substantial decrease in temperatures, with overnight lows in the 20s.

In response, the city implemented its Cold Weather Shelter Plan, ensuring that everyone has a warm and safe place to remain.

Officials encourage individuals without housing to seek refuge to avoid the dangers of freezing temperatures.

Denver Launches Cold Weather Shelter Plan

To address the frigid weather, Denver's Department of Housing Stability (HOST) has opened multiple shelters to provide 24-hour help.

The Cold Weather Shelter Plan is in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 19 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 20.

This project guarantees that resources are accessible to keep citizens safe from the deadly cold.

Important sites include the Stone Creek refuge, a former Best Western hotel that has been converted into homes at 4595 Quebec St.

Additional city facilities at 2601 W. 7th Ave. and 375 S. Zuni St. will also offer shelter.

These facilities are ready to manage increased demand during the cold snap, providing warm environs, food, and other vital support.

"Front Door" Shelter Access Expanded

Denver’s “front door” shelters are operating with extended hours and walk-up access to help those in need find the most suitable location for their situation.

Individual men can go to the Lawrence Street Community Center at 2222 Lawrence St., which offers meals, sleeping arrangements, and warm clothing.

For women, the Samaritan House at 2301 Lawrence St. provides similar services, along with case management support.

Youth aged 15–20 can seek help at Urban Peak, located at 1630 S. Acoma St.

These shelters also assist with transportation arrangements for those unable to reach the facilities on their own.

By expanding their capacity and hours, these shelters aim to offer immediate help during the cold spell.

Cold Weather Risks and City Warnings

Extreme cold poses a serious threat to individuals without adequate shelter.

Overnight temperatures are predicted to drop to the low 20s, with wind chills making it feel even worse.

In Denver and the neighboring areas, gusty winds will make the frigid temperatures worse, so municipal authorities are stressing the need to seek shelter.

Families in need of assistance are invited to contact the Connection Center at 303-295-3366, which can direct them to the necessary resources.

The city encourages all citizens who lack stable housing to use the shelters, as prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures can result in frostbite, hypothermia, or worse.

Improving Weather Ahead

While Tuesday will be the coldest day of the week, with highs only reaching the upper-30s to low-40s, relief is expected soon.

Winds reaching up to 18 mph will make conditions feel colder, with a chance of a few snowflakes early in the day.

Despite the brisk and chilly start, the weather is set to improve by midweek.

Wednesday will bring slightly warmer temperatures, with highs in the low-50s.

By Thursday, daytime highs are expected to climb into the upper-50s and near 60 degrees.

Skies will clear as high-pressure systems move in, providing some relief from the cold front and offering warmer, sunnier conditions.

By providing extra shelter options and expanding access to critical services, Denver is taking steps to protect its most vulnerable residents.

For more details on shelter locations and resources, visit denvergov.org/findshelter.