As Colorado Springs enters the coldest part of the year, Mayor Yemi Mobolade today highlighted how the entire community is stepping up to protect unhoused residents from dangerous winter weather. Shelter providers have expanded their efforts, the City has strengthened its emergency coordination and transportation support through a new program with Mountain Metro Transit, and local philanthropic funders, businesses, and churches have committed $860,000 to expand shelter capacity.
Mayor Yemi described how the City’s Severe and Extreme Winter Weather Shelter Plan was activated this past weekend when temperatures fell below 20 degrees. Providers immediately expanded capacity, including:
- Springs Rescue Mission lifted restrictions to welcome additional guests;
- Hope COS opened The Sanctuary Church as a temporary shelter and transported people to safety;
- Catholic Charities offered motel vouchers for families;
- The Salvation Army continued supporting parents and children at its Family Hope Center;
- Partners mobilized vans and ride-sharing support to help individuals reach warmth quickly.
“This kind of response does not happen by chance,” said Mayor Yemi. “It happens because we prepare. It happens because we coordinate. It happens because, long before the temperatures drop, our city and our nonprofit partners build relationships, trust, and a plan designed to save lives. As the saying goes, ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail’.”
To strengthen this year’s response, Mayor Mobolade and Chief Housing Officer Aimee Cox led a dedicated fundraising effort after working with service providers to identify increased needs across the shelter system. Philanthropic, business, nonprofit partners, and churches stepped up with $860,000 in donations and commitments, contributed by public and private funders, faith communities, businesses, and nonprofit partners. These resources support expanded beds, staffing, emergency motel options, and transportation services throughout the winter.
“This was not just a City-led effort, it was a public–private–philanthropic–faith partnership,” said Mayor Yemi. “The very best reflection of how Colorado Springs comes together to meet our biggest challenges.”
Mayor Yemi thanked COSILoveYou and fifteen participating churches; major philanthropic and business supporters including El Pomar Foundation, Weidner Apartment Homes, RNR Family Foundation, Edmondson Foundation, Lane Foundation, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Classic Homes, and anonymous donors; and on-the-ground shelter providers Springs Rescue Mission, Hope COS, Catholic Charities, and The Salvation Army.
He also announced a new transportation initiative launching next month. During any declared Severe or Extreme Weather Event, Mountain Metro Transit will offer fare-free rides on all local fixed-route buses for individuals experiencing homelessness. Riders will board at regular stops and follow standard system rules.
“Transportation is often the missing link between danger and safety,” Mayor Yemi said. “This pilot program closes a critical gap and ensures access to shelter when temperatures drop.”
With shelters already operating at high demand, Mayor Mobolade encouraged residents to continue supporting providers with meals, supplies, staffing, volunteer time, and financial contributions. Ways for residents to help are listed at HelpCOS.org.
“This is what it means to be a city that shows up, not when it’s easy, but when it matters most,” he said. “Together, we can build a Colorado Springs where no one is left behind in the cold.”