The Denver Rescue Mission is advancing efforts to combat homelessness in Northern Colorado with a new facility currently under construction in Fort Collins.
Located at the intersection of Mason Street and Hibdon Court, the project marks a significant investment in addressing both immediate shelter needs and long-term housing stability.
Construction is already progressing, with foundational work underway and structural elements beginning to take shape.
"The foundation is being poured. Stairwells are going up and framing should be happening very soon," said Seth Forwood, Denver Rescue Mission's Vice President of Programs, Northern Colorado. "It's not just a shelter. It is a Homeless Resolution Center that is aimed at keeping people safe overnight, but also pointing them in the direction of their long-term sustainability in a permanent home."
Unlike traditional shelters, the facility is designed to provide comprehensive, round-the-clock support. Officials say it will be the first purpose-built day shelter of its kind in the region.
"We have the first kind of purpose-built day shelter that Fort Collins has ever seen," said Forwood.
The center will offer daytime services alongside overnight accommodations, creating a more holistic support system for individuals experiencing homelessness.
"Instead of having large rooms that house as many people as we can, the shelter beds are broken up into neighborhoods that we can program according to the demographics and needs of the people that are coming into our doors," Forwood said.
A key feature of the project is its focus on personalized care. The facility will include designated areas tailored to specific groups, such as veterans and individuals working overnight shifts.
"And if a whole neighborhood is dedicated to that, we can really protect it so they can get some good sleep and actually show up to work as their best self," he said.
This approach reflects a broader shift in homelessness services, moving away from one-size-fits-all shelters toward targeted, supportive environments that address individual circumstances.
The new center represents a growing trend among service providers to integrate emergency shelter with long-term housing solutions. By combining safe overnight accommodations with access to resources such as job assistance, counseling, and housing navigation, organizations aim to reduce chronic homelessness rather than simply manage it.
Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, has seen increasing demand for homelessness services due to rising housing costs and population growth. Facilities like this one are designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to create pathways to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
The project also highlights the importance of community involvement. Donation drives, such as campaigns for clothing and essential supplies, continue to play a vital role in supporting individuals in need while the facility is under development.
As construction continues through 2026, the Denver Rescue Mission hopes the center will serve as a model for future initiatives across the region—demonstrating how infrastructure, services, and community support can come together to address one of the most pressing social challenges.
Originally reported by Libby Smith in CBS News.
