Boulder Shelter for the Homeless is on a mission to end homelessness one person at a time. While they are known for providing shelter and meals to up to 160 individuals each night, their approach is actually focused on housing. They are committed to leveraging their efforts and resources to help as many people as possible exit homelessness.

Their Housing Focused approach prioritizes connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with permanent housing solutions as quickly as possible. The shelter provides a pathway to permanent housing by offering not only a safe place to stay, but also essential resources and services such as food, mental health counseling, medical assistance, and case management support. Every client is given equal access to these resources, which helps them overcome the obstacles they face in obtaining permanent housing.

Over the last decade, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless has successfully helped over 2,300 individuals exit homelessness. In 2022 alone, they assisted 167 people in finding stable housing. In 2023, they are currently helping someone exit homelessness every 1.

72 days. The organization is driven by their purpose of ensuring that all people have the necessities of life, and they believe that the community has a responsibility to serve this purpose. Their core values include treating everyone with dignity, offering support and opportunities, achieving results through competence and creativity, and practicing responsible stewardship.

Boulder Shelter for the Homeless is comprised of an experienced, innovative, and results-oriented executive team, as well as dedicated program staff, support staff, and case managers who provide care and support to individuals in their programs. Without the commitment and dedication of their staff, the important work of ending homelessness would not be possible. Since its grassroots beginnings in 1982, when a group of concerned citizens formed the Task Force on Shelter and Food for the Poor, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless has grown and expanded its services.

In 1987, it became a nonprofit corporation and relocated to a larger facility to accommodate more individuals in need. In 2003, the shelter opened a new facility in north Boulder, which remains its current location. The shelter heavily relies on the support of donors and volunteers who refuse to idly stand by while others suffer through cold nights without housing.

Barbara Farhar, the original director of the Shelter Task Force, shares the inspiring story of how the shelter started as a grassroots volunteer effort, with individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Boulder Shelter for the Homeless is dedicated to making a lasting impact by providing not only temporary shelter, but also the resources and support needed to help individuals transition into stable housing