Plans for permanent homeless shelter in Loveland scrapped, temporary shelter to close in April

The City of Loveland has abandoned its plans for a permanent homeless shelter after the nonprofit organization selected to operate it withdrew its application. This decision leaves dozens of individuals without a stable place to stay in the coming weeks. The nonprofit, Bridge House, based in Boulder, cited financial concerns in its letter to the city on January 23. Interim CEO Dave Mauro explained that the organization’s operational costs exceed initial projections, prompting a reassessment of its involvement in new projects.

As a result of the nonprofit’s withdrawal, the city has decided not to proceed with the purchase of a warehouse on the northwest side of the city, which was intended to serve as the new permanent shelter. Denver7 has been following the city’s efforts to address homelessness since the temporary South Railroad Facility lost its funding in September. That closure left Loveland with only one overnight shelter, the Loveland Resource Center (LRC). However, the LRC is set to close its overnight services on March 15 and permanently shut down by April 30.

Many individuals who rely on the LRC for shelter have expressed concern over the abrupt changes and the lack of a clear long-term solution. Stanley Garabrandt, who has used LRC services for several years, voiced uncertainty about his future. “What am I going to do? To be continued,” he said, expressing fear that without a new shelter, he and others could be left without shelter in the cold.

Melissa Ohman, who has been living on the street for two years, acknowledged the LRC’s unsanitary conditions but emphasized the need for a long-term housing solution. “These are real people that need help. They shouldn’t have to be removed from somewhere where they call home,” she said, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

When asked about the city’s plans for long-term emergency shelter, Loveland Mayor Pat McFall stated that no definitive plan exists. “I know that we’re working with nonprofits. We’re working with the faith-based organizations to figure out how we can help those folks who are here,” he said. “Right now, if another nonprofit comes up and wants to do something, I’ll never shut something down. But right now, it’s just not something we know about.”

McFall also noted that the city lacks the capacity to establish a shelter independently, and the LRC was never intended to serve as a long-term solution. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable housing and support systems, as the community grapples with the realities of homelessness and the limitations of current resources. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to act on their behalf.

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