Wheat Ridge approves $97,440 for cold-weather shelter, $143,200 for Navigation Center
The seasonal program runs Oct. 1 through April 30; the 2027 Navigation Center contribution is subject to appropriation.
Wheat Ridge City Council approved $97,440 for regional cold-weather homelessness services from Oct. 1 through April 30 and a separate $143,200 contribution to Lakewood’s Navigation Center for 2027, subject to appropriation, at its Sept. 28 meeting.
The cold-weather program supports family shelter, motel vouchers, congregate shelter, an after-hours severe-weather hotline, coordinated outreach and transportation assistance when conditions allow. Jefferson County coordinates weather activations using National Weather Service forecasts. Staff estimated the regional program costs about $1.6 million overall and said Wheat Ridge’s share is based on population.
The Navigation Center provides short-term transitional shelter and wraparound services, including case management, job support and help accessing benefits. Staff described it as a 100-bed facility operating year-round, 24 hours a day. People usually access the center through a housing navigator, who assesses whether it is a fit and discusses the option with the client.
The $143,200 contribution covers the center’s full calendar-year 2027 operations and is included in the proposed 2027 budget. The council’s approval remains subject to appropriation.
Staff said jurisdictions are working on a longer-term regional funding arrangement and are considering a potentially different structure for 2028 and beyond. Wheat Ridge may return with an amendment or a new intergovernmental agreement; the council’s action covered only the 2027 contribution.