COMMUNITY PROFILE “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,” Rachel Kuroiwa, director of communications and engagement for the city said in an email to the Denver VOICE. She added that the city did give Mission Arvada a recent grant to provide homeless services but has not provided funding for the severe weather shelter. Cowling and her team are exhausting every option to provide the life-saving service in Arvada. “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. She said one of the hardest parts about running the overnight shelter is getting volunteers. “Some volunteers haven’t returned, and some churches have hesitated to host again due to concerns about the growing homeless population,” said Thurston. Thurston has been cold-calling churches to find financial support and volunteers. 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. She said the kindness she received from volunteers gave her hope when her future looked grim Thurston eventually found housing through a halfway house and began rebuilding her life. “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,” Thurston 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.” 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 for overnight shelter when the temperature falls below 20 degrees, or the metro area is expected to receive six or more inches of snow. To take on that responsibility, Mission Arvada has faced the same difficulties that shuttered the SWSN—high costs and a dwindling volunteer base. To let the community know when the shelter is open, Mission Arvada posts updates on its website and social media pages. For more information, or to donate to Mission Arvada, visit their website: arvadarising.com/homeless. “PROVIDING A WARM, SAFE SPACE ISN’T JUST ABOUT SHELTER—IT’S THE FIRST STEP IN HELPING SOMEONE REBUILD THEIR LIFE,” CHRISTINE THURSTON SAID. February 2025 DENVER VOICE 9
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