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Northern Colorado Homeless Youth Shelter + Resources

Opening 2024

A beacon of support and care for unaccompanied youth and young adults.With a focus on immediate needs and mental well-being, we’re here to empower unaccompanied youth.

Proudly serving youth ages 15-20 from two locations

In 2024, The Matthews House is expanding its current services dedicated to assisting at-risk youth. We are excited to introduce two new locations in Loveland (overnight and day drop-ins) and Fort Collins (day drop-ins). Through collaborations with Thompson School District, Poudre School District, and numerous other community organizations, we are proud to present the region’s exclusive shelter for homeless youth.

The House
415 Mason Ct #1, Fort Collins

Day Shelter Opening March 20, 2024
Will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-6pm

Northern Colorado Regional Youth Shelter

814 E. 16th St., Loveland
Opening Fall 2024

8.95%

Percentage of Larimer County youth 16 and older that slept somewhere other than their home in the past 30 days

400+

Total young people served annually through all of The Matthews House programs.

32

Services are offer by The Matthews House to Empower Youth + Families to Break The Cycle of Poverty

231

The number of unaccompanied youth that have been identified within the Poudre School District and Thompson School District

Are you looking for shelter?

Starting March 20, 2024 all youth/young adults (ages 15-20) experiencing homelessness are welcome to walk through our doors at The House in Fort Collins. 

This is an inclusive and safe community for all genders, identities, races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations. 

Address: 415 Mason Ct. #1 Fort Collins, CO

Days/Times: Mondays and Wednesdays 12-6pm

Services Available:

  • Resource Navigation
  • Food Pantry
  • Meals
  • Laundry
  • Showers
  • Gear & Supplies
  • Opportunities for additional support – including housing services, credit recovery, community building, experiential programs, physical and mental health support.

Courageous Journeys

The scope of youth homelessness in Northern Colorado

Currently, the infrastructure aimed at alleviating housing insecurity in Northern Colorado predominantly caters to the needs of adults. This inadvertently leaves a void in assistance for our younger community members. In the heart of this challenge lies the untold story of homeless youth in our area. We aim to redefine the narrative and provide a stepping stone towards brighter tomorrows.

Stonger Together

Working hand in hand with local partners

The youth shelter is the result of a dynamic collaboration among esteemed partners, including Thompson School District, Poudre School District, The Matthews House, Thompson Education Foundation, Larimer County, and various local nonprofit organizations. This expansive network is designed to nurture youth in the community, not only within the shelter’s premises but across every facet of their lives.

Enduring Support

A comprehensive approach for lasting impact

The Northern Colorado Regional Shelter will support and empower unaccompanied youth by providing a haven for growth, education, and community. Enrichment activities will abound as we foster inclusivity, and provide trauma-informed care to support their mental health. Our doors will welcome around 25 individuals every night, plus 15-20 drop-in guests.

Give the gift of stability for youth in Northern Colorado

Frequently asked questions

The Northern Colorado Regional Youth Shelter will be a safe and supportive space for youth experiencing homelessness or crisis situations in the Northern Colorado region. Our shelter will provide temporary housing, basic needs, and access to resources to help young individuals get back on their feet. In addition to overnight shelter, we will also provide daily drop-in times to gain access to services, programming, and other needs.

The shelter will be open to youth aged 15 to 21 years old who are experiencing homelessness, unsafe living conditions, or crisis situations. We will welcome all youth regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.

Youth will be able to access the shelter’s services through self-referrals, referrals from community organizations, schools, or law enforcement. Our intake process will be designed to be accessible and non-burdensome to ensure that youth in need can receive the help they require.

Yes, the Northern Colorado Regional Youth Shelter will operate 24/7 in Loveland, CO. Our Fort Collins location will be available for day time drop-in resources (hours TBD).We understand that crises can happen at any time, and our staff will be available around the clock to provide assistance and support to youth in need.

In addition to safe and secure shelter, the youth shelter will offer the following services:

  • Case Management including family reunification for youth under 18
  • Health Services – Physical and Mental
  • Employment Services
  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Clothing and personal hygiene items
  • Case management and support services
  • Educational support and tutoring
  • Mental health counseling and emotional support
  • Life skills workshops
  • Recreation and leisure activities

Yes, all services offered by the Northern Colorado Regional Youth Shelter will be provided free of charge to eligible youth. We are committed to removing barriers to accessing support and resources for young individuals in need.

There will be several ways the community can support the Northern Colorado Regional Youth Shelter:

Volunteering: We will welcome volunteers to help with various tasks, including meal preparation, tutoring, and recreational activities. If you are interested, contact sarah@thematthewshouse.org.

Donations: Consider donating personal hygiene items, non-perishable food, or financial contributions to support our programs.

Business Partnerships: If you represent a business interested in collaborating with us, we offer both business memberships and sponsorship opportunities. Reach out to erica@thematthewshouse.org.

Community Partnerships: If you represent a human service organization and would like to partner with us, please contact aaron@thematthewshouse.org.

The safety and well-being of our residents will be our top priorities. We are licensed by the State of Colorado and follow all regulations. The shelter will have dedicated and trained staff on-site at all times, stringent security measures, and a structured program to maintain a safe environment. All staff members will undergo thorough background checks and receive appropriate training to work with vulnerable youth.

The Northern Colorado Regional Youth Shelter will provide a safe space for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or crisis situations. While parents or guardians will not be accommodated within the shelter, we will work closely with families to address their needs and connect them with appropriate resources.

The Matthews House has served the youth population for the past 16 years. We have created numerous services that walk alongside youth battling poverty, homelessness, lack of resources, foster care, and more. We also have a long-standing relationship with Thompson and Poudre School districts to serve youth that are needing resources and support. Our goal is to help youth and young adults to reach their goals – whether it’s finding secure housing, employment, teaching life skills, or being the mentor they’ve always needed. The addition of the shelter allows us to offer our youth a safe place to stay while we help them to find a more long-term place to thrive.

For more information or to inquire about our services, please contact us at:

Phone:
970-472-4293

Email: 
For general inquiries, contact info@thematthewshouse.org

For inquiries about services and community partnerships, contact aaron@thematthewshouse.org

For volunteer and financial gifting, contact erica@thematthewshouse.org

Address:
– Loveland Overnight + Drop-In Shelter: 1500 Monroe Ave, Loveland, CO 80538

– Fort Collins Drop-In Shelter: 415 Mason Ct #1, Fort Collins, CO 80524