Aurora Mobile Response Team: The team pairs a licensed mental health clinician with a paramedic to provide trauma-informed crisis intervention and de-escalation services on the scene to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis related to mental health, depression, homelessness, poverty and/or substance use issues.
Learn more about this program.
Aurora Cold Weather Outreach Team (ACOT): ACOT activates on nights when temperatures drop to 20 degrees or below, or when precipitation combines with cold weather, typically below 40 degrees. This collaborative effort, led by the Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Rescue, street outreach personnel, and mental health professionals, conducts outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness at encampments on cold nights, offering them shelter options. ACOT also provides resources and transportation to ensure safe access to warm shelter.
Alternative Shelters: City staff works with community partners regularly to determine the best way to provide additional shelter capacity for those experiencing homelessness.
Aurora Flex Fund: The Aurora Flexible Housing Fund is designed to prevent or end homelessness for a household by removing financial barriers to permanent housing. The city of Aurora works with organizations in Aurora to administer one-time assistance for move-in, prevention and landlord mitigation costs. To request Flexible Housing Fund assistance, please contact case managers at the Aurora Day Resource Center, 13387 E. 19th Place.
Emergency Shelter: Emergency shelter services are available during designated severe weather days to ensure the safety of those in need.
See the list.
Shower Trailer by Clean the World: The shower trailer travels to designated city Safe Outdoor Spaces providing shower services to those experiencing homelessness.
Syringe Disposal Drop Box: Anyone can drop off their used syringes at the drop box at Martin Luther King Jr. Library located at 9898 E. Colfax Ave. Aurora, CO 80010.
Homelessness is a challenge that many communities are grappling with across the United States. The causes are diverse and related to many systemic and institutional structures within our country. Some reasons include poverty, mental illness, substance misuse, loss of employment, domestic violence, lack of affordable housing, medical expenses, criminal record, and loss of family. The reasons mentioned here are simplified; however, the causes of homelessness can be vast and complex.
If you are concerned for someone’s safety and they are not in immediate danger, call the city’s non-emergency line at 303.627.3100. If someone is in immediate danger or in a life-threatening situation, always call 9-1-1.
The city of Aurora is committed to a compassionate and care-focused approach to balancing the needs and security of those experiencing homelessness with the concerns of community members and the need to maintain the safety and health of the city as a whole. The city has a process for abatements (camp cleanups). To report an illegal encampment (campsite), visit AuroraGov.org/ContactUs or call 303.739.7000.
Learn more about the city’s abatement process at AuroraGov.org/Encampments.
Being homeless is not against the law or a crime. The Department of Justice has recently made it clear that not allowing people to sleep on the street may be illegal. Criminal behaviors that happen in homeless camps are addressed by Aurora Police in the same manner as any other crime. If you witness criminal behavior that warrants immediate response, please call 9-1-1.
You can help people experiencing homelessness in Aurora by purchasing items that will help stock the outreach team or donating funds via the Sprit of Aurora program. You may also check in with our partners listed in our homelessness directory for volunteer opportunities.