Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arvada council approves temporary motel shelter contract using state grant funds
Summary
The council approved a contract with Sandpiper Arvada LLC to secure up to 35 motel rooms for emergency shelter and bridge housing funded by a DOLA grant; councilors pressed staff on client eligibility, follow-up when guests are asked to leave, security and coordination with police.
Arvada City Council on Dec. 16 approved a resolution to enter an agreement with Sandpiper Arvada LLC to provide emergency shelter and bridge housing services using state grant funds from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). The agreement secures up to 35 rooms nightly at the Extended Suburban Studios property in Arvada and is budgeted not to exceed $1,134,000.
City staff said the program is intended as a temporary, case-managed option for people experiencing homelessness who are engaged with the city’s homeless resolution case managers. Staff said average stays are expected to run about 30 to 45 days, with the program beginning in January 2025 and continuing roughly through March or April 2026. Case managers will be on-site 20–30 hours per week, and overnight security will be provided from about 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The council’s discussion focused on eligibility and operational safeguards. Councilmember Davis asked what qualifies as an “emergency” and how clients will be selected; staff responded that homeless resolution case managers will refer clients who are motivated to engage in services. Davis and others pressed staff on procedures when guests are asked to leave for rule violations. Staff said onsite security and motel management will require compliance with motel rules; case managers and the city will follow up and will contact the police department if a guest leaves and later causes disruption in the community.
Councilmember Ambrose noted the motel has been a call driver in District 2 when not well managed and sought assurances the program would serve a narrower, motivated population than pandemic-era placements or severe-weather sheltering. Staff said the motel program is targeted to individuals who are maintaining appointments and engaged with an action plan, and many will be connected to longer-term vouchers or county services.
Councilmembers also asked about funding. Staff said the approximately $1.914 million grant award referenced in the staff report is state-administered federal funds the state received; implementing this motel agreement does not rely on local tax dollars. The council voted 6–0 to approve the resolution, with Councilmember Marriotte excused.
The resolution authorizes the city to execute the agreement and begin sheltering and bridge-housing services conditioned on the terms presented by staff. The city team said it will continue coordination with motel management, security contractors and law enforcement to monitor safety and program outcomes.
The item drew substantial public comment earlier in the meeting, with residents both urging more services for people experiencing homelessness and warning against siting shelters near certain neighborhoods. The council’s vote moves the city to a short-term, grant-funded sheltering option while staff continue to explore longer-term strategies.
