(COLORADO SPRINGS0– The largest young adult shelter in Colorado Springs, known as The Place, is closing its emergency shelter indefinitely on September 5th due to a lack of funding.
The Place has been a vital resource for young people experiencing homelessness in Colorado Springs for 22 years. Last year alone, more than 400 individuals aged 14 to 24 sought help at the shelter. The decision to close the emergency shelter was made to ensure the continuation of other critical programs offered by The Place.
“You know, it’s hard to talk about,” said Brown, reflecting on the emotional impact of the closure on volunteers and staff.
“The youth we see have been traumatized in so many different ways, they mostly do not have a home. They don’t have trusted adults in their close-knit lives,” Brown explained.
“We were able to give them notice and, in that meantime, work closely with the youth to find some safe and successful exits for them,” Brown added.
The closure of the shelter affects more than a dozen young people who now need to find alternative accommodations. The Place has been working diligently to assist these youths in finding safe and successful exits, whether through reuniting with family, relocating to other organizations, or securing their own apartments.
The financial challenges leading to the closure stem from drying up grants from federal and local governments, as well as a decrease in community donations. Brown emphasized the need for precision and conciseness in approaching future donors to sustain other programs.
The closure also results in the loss of 15 staff positions, leaving The Place with 21 to 24 employees. Despite the high costs associated with maintaining a 24/7 staffed shelter, The Place remains committed to its mission.
The Place will continue to operate its drop-in center and street outreach programs by relocating them to the downtown shelter facility. This strategic move aims to maximize the reach and impact of their services.
A recent report identified 568 homeless youth and young adults up to age 24 living in El Paso County last year, highlighting the ongoing need for support and resources in the region.
The closure of The Place’s emergency shelter marks a significant shift in the support available to homeless youth in Colorado Springs. However, the organization remains dedicated to its mission, focusing on programs that can reach the most youth effectively. Community members are encouraged to donate or volunteer to support.
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