As residents and members of Together Colorado Larimer County, we support the proposed request to rezone a 4.21-acre site located at 2000 N. Lincoln to accommodate a 24/7 homeless shelter and resource center.
Together Colorado is a nonpartisan, multiracial and multifaith community organization dedicated to promoting justice and compassion and uplifting the dignity of every human being.
We stand for the rights and worth of the unhoused in our community. Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue, one that touches every part of our community. We have an opportunity to address a pressing need in our community. The best, most cost-effective and permanent strategy is to ensure that all who are unsheltered have access to a safe place to live.
We strongly advocate for the establishment of a 24/7 homeless shelter in our community, not only for the immediate relief they provide as a safe environment but also for profound impacts shelters have on well-being and relationships that are critical in moving the unhoused toward self-sufficiency. Neuroscience studies have documented the powerful effects of the environment and relationships on the brain.
The shift toward 24/7 operations emerged in response to growing awareness of homelessness as a complex issue that requires more comprehensive support for those that are unhoused. Round-the-clock access would better address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, offering a safe place to stay, access to services and the ability to stabilize individual lives. Traditional shelters, which often operate only at night, magnify these challenges by forcing individuals to leave during the day, exposing them to unpredictable and often unsafe conditions. 24/7 shelters help individuals experiencing homelessness transition to permanent housing more quickly.
The environment plays a crucial role in transforming the brain of traumatized individuals, as it directly influences their recovery, emotional regulation, cognitive function and overall well-being. The brain is highly plastic and can reorganize itself in response to new experiences and stimuli. This adaptability can be leveraged in therapeutic settings to promote healing.
By providing safety, structure, supportive relationships, therapeutic interventions and opportunities for physical and emotional regulation, the environment can foster neuroplastic changes that promote healing and recovery. Creating a conducive environment is essential for trauma survivors to rebuild their emotional, cognitive and physiological health.
24/7 shelters contribute to building relationships all of which are critical in transforming the brain of traumatized individuals. These relationships play a profound and transformative role in recovery. The brain, especially the regions associated with emotion, memory, and social processing, is highly responsive to the presence of supportive relationships. These relationships can trigger neuroplastic changes -- helping the brain rewire itself in healthier, more adaptive ways. The healing power of relationships is rooted in the fundamental human need for connection and attachment, which has deep biological and psychological underpinnings. These shelters often provide opportunities for social interaction, creating a sense of community and belonging, which are all vital for recovery and reintegration. When individuals can build supportive relationships with staff and peers, it fosters a sense of trust and connection -- key elements for mental health. Continuous access to resources and support services can empower individuals to engage in meaningful activities, pursue employment and reconnect with family and friends. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also strengthens the social fabric of our community.
In conclusion, an investment in 24/7 homeless shelters will pay dividends in helping the mental well-being of our unhoused community members. Homelessness is not a temporary issue or an inconvenience to be managed during business hours, but a persistent crisis that requires a compassionate, round-the-clock response. By supporting 24/7 shelters, we are providing individuals with the basic human right to shelter, and help them break the cycle of homelessness, foster healthy relationships and contribute to our community.