JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — Jefferson County’s approach to severe weather sheltering for the homeless has transformed this year, replacing overnight emergency shelters with motel vouchers as the county’s homeless population has increased by 27%.
The county partnered with six municipalities, including Westminster, Arvada, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and Golden, to pool $2 million for the voucher program. The initiative provides up to 200 motel vouchers per severe weather night.
According to county data, there were an estimated 494 unsheltered homeless individuals in Jefferson County in January 2025. In total, the county estimated that 1,174 homeless individuals were sheltered and unsheltered…