Mission Arvada Providing Life-Saving Shelter During Severe Weather
Individuals sleep on cots in the Mission Arvada gym during a winter strom. “A few years ago, a veteran froze to death across the street from the church, and we vowed not to let that happen again,” Cowling said.
Photos and Story by Giles Clasen
Mission Arvada is stepping up to address winter shelter needs for unhoused individuals after the Severe Weather Shelter Network shut down permanently in the summer of 2024.
The SWSN had coordinated shelters in churches during extreme weather in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties, but it closed due to insufficient funding and a decline in church involvement.
“Being open during severe weather is a lot to take on, but it’s working,” said Karen Cowling, director of Mission Arvada. “It’s always down to the wire when [cold] weather comes, but we’ve managed and will find a way.”
Mission Arvada is one of the few nonprofits providing case management and day program services to the unhoused community in Arvada. While it had operated as an overflow emergency shelter in previous years, the organization lacked the staff and resources to offer consistent cold-weather shelter.
“When we started, we estimated the [severe weather] shelter would cost around $25,000 to $30,000. But with the infrastructure needs of the building and other expenses, we’re now closer to $100,000, and it may go up from there if we have too many cold nights this winter,” Cowling explained.
Most of the funding for these additional costs has come from individual donors and churches. The City of Arvada is not providing direct funds for cold-weather shelter services.
“The City of Arvada partners closely with Jefferson County Heading Home to connect community members who are unhoused with sheltering options such as emergency overnight shelters and hotel vouchers,” said Rachel Kuroiwa, director of communications and engagement for the city, in an email to the Denver VOICE.
Kuroiwa added that while the city recently granted Mission Arvada funding for homeless services, it has not allocated funds specifically for severe weather shelter operations.
Cowling and her team are exploring every option to continue providing this life-saving service.
“A few years ago, a veteran froze to death across the street from the church, and we vowed not to let that happen again,” Cowling said. “We are here to save lives, to help those struggling, and to bring some love and care to those who are suffering.”
Christine Thurston, a team lead and case manager, has been organizing Mission Arvada’s response to severe weather. One of the most challenging aspects, she noted, has been recruiting volunteers.
“Some volunteers haven’t returned, and some churches have hesitated to host again due to concerns about the growing homeless population,” Thurston said. She has resorted to cold-calling churches to seek financial support and volunteer commitments.
Thurston was homeless herself before moving to Denver. It took time to find a job after graduating from college in
Minnesota, and she lost her housing before she could find a steady income.
“I stayed in churches during those cold Minnesota winters, and that experience shaped my faith and my understanding of grace. It taught me what it meant to rely on others and, eventually, to give back,” Thurston said.
Christine Thurston, a team lead and case manager, has been organizing Mission Arvada’s response to severe weather.
She said the kindness she received from volunteers gave her hope when her future looked grim Thurston overcame homelessness with the support of her family and a transitional housing program.
“The primary element that led to my homelessness was not having a support system when I needed it most. I needed time and stability, but I didn’t have either until I found help,” she said.
One individual, Perry, who stayed at the shelter in December, said that he believes he would get frostbite or worse if he had to sleep outside.
“I would be sopping wet tonight,” Perry said. “The best way to fight cold is to stay dry. It would be a struggle to be dry outside. This keeps me alive on a cold night. They give you everything here—shelter, warmth, and food.”
Perry sleeps at Mission Arvada during a severe storm. He said having a safe place during extreme cold to go is life-saving.
Thurston said she is hopeful that one night at the shelter can help individuals find a path out of homelessness. She believes experiencing kindness can encourage individuals to ask for help, connect with case management and other services, and move forward.
“Providing a warm, safe space isn’t just about shelter—it’s the first step in helping someone rebuild their life,” Thurston said. “Once they feel safe, they can start thinking about what’s next, whether it’s finding work, reconnecting with family, or addressing health issues.”
Mission Arvada opens its overnight shelter when temperatures fall below 20 degrees or when the metro area is expected to receive six or more inches of snow. However, like SWSN, the organization faces significant challenges, including high costs and a dwindling volunteer base.
Mission Arvada posts updates on its website and social media pages to inform the community when the overnight shelter is open.
For more information or to donate to Mission Arvada, visit their website at Arvadaweathershelter.org