(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Officials in Colorado Springs are increasing efforts to protect homeless individuals as winter temperatures drop, but local business owners near a warming shelter say more needs to be done.
The Sanctuary Church in Old Colorado City serves as a temporary warming shelter operated by the non-profit HOPE COS. As temperatures fell below 20 degrees last weekend, the city’s Severe Weather Shelter Plan was activated, expanding shelter capacity and providing transportation support.
“It’s unfortunate when people have uncomfortable and even, you know, scary interactions with people that we’re trying to serve. Nobody likes that,” said Joel Siebersma, Director of Clinical and Behavioral Health Integration at HOPE COS…