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Use Planning Update: 4905 W. 60th Ave. The City of Arvada purchased the 44,316 square foot building at 4905 W. 60th Avenue, the former home of Early College of Arvada, to address needs identified in the 2023 Community Survey and align with recommendations in the City’s Homelessness Action Strategy. The exact use of the building is still in development, and may include such things as co-locating nonprofit organizations, a navigation center “one stop” location for people experiencing homelessness to get needed services), a 24/7 emergency shelter, and other similar uses. The W. 60th Ave. building uniquely met a number of specific criteria for the establishment of a Navigation Center: • It was available for a reasonable cost, • It’s located in Adams County allowing for Adams and Jeffco to jointly seek more resources for financial sustainability, • It has existing zoning that allows people to be housed on-site, and • It has easy access to train and bus transportation and food resources. Community Safety is a top priority Similar to the growing number of cities across metro Denver that have homeless navigation centers and24/7 shelters, the City of Arvada will inform neighbors and provide opportunities for neighbors to provideinput on the uses of the City-owned building at 4905 W. 60th Avenue. This includes the development of a “Good Neighbor Agreement” outlining the commitment and shared responsibilities of the City of Arvada, operator/s of the center, and neighbors in establishing and maintaining positive relationships. Other security measures that will be included in planning are: an onsite operator, security and 24 hour supervision at the facility, and Arvada PD presence in the community. Stay informed about the project 1. Sign up for our Homelessness Response email list to receive periodic updates including invitations to attend community meetings and provide feedback. A link to the signup form is available on ArvadaCO.gov/470/Homelessness-in-Arvada 2. Access recordings of recent meetings and presentations (July 2024 City Council Workshop) and read the draft Homelessness Action Strategy. Links to materials are available on ArvadaCO.gov/470/Homelessness-in-Arvada 3. Follow the City’s social media channels for updates. ---PAGE BREAK--- Use Planning Update: 4905 W. 60th Ave. About Homelessness in Arvada What is homelessness? Homelessness is not having reliable shelter. Though we often think homelessness means people living on the streets, it also includes families and individuals transitioning among different settings, including short-stay motels, doubling-up with friends or family members, sleeping in cars, or transitional housing or shelters. Who is homeless in Arvada, and why? Losing stable housing can happen to anyone – men, women, families, children, youth, seniors, and veterans. Recent data show that in Jefferson County, 77% of those experiencing homelessness are families with children. Most people (94%) say they did not choose to be homeless according to the 2023 MDHI State of Homelessness report. The top causes of homelessness in Arvada, according to the 2023 Point In Time survey, are: How many people are estimated to be homeless in Arvada? While it is difficult to get an accurate count, the current (2023) estimate of people experiencing homelessness in Arvada is 298. This count comes from two sources: the Homeless Management Information System and the annual Point In Time survey. Both sources are considered to significantly under-report homelessness.