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Addressing Homelessness: Alternative Sheltering Options

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Consultation has concluded

According to the 2020 Point-in-Time (PIT) report, the number of individuals in Aurora experiencing homelessness was 427, and the number of emergency shelter beds available hovers around 150. These numbers show a significant gap in our community, not only for emergency shelter options but also for those that may not fit into a traditional sheltering model. To address this gap, the city of Aurora seeks community input on alternative sheltering options and location ideas for safe sites - also known as safe outdoor spaces.

This page showcases different sheltering and safe parking options. Community partners would help monitor and run the day-to-day logistics of the site. The shelters would serve as temporary places to stay while the individuals work with service providers to get back on their feet and obtain permanent housing.

The city will use the input received from the open house and tools below (survey and map) to work toward alternative sheltering options and identify locations in the city to establish safe outdoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness, pending City Council approval.

The deadline for feedback is May 31.

How to Provide Input

The deadline has passed to provided input. Thank you.

According to the 2020 Point-in-Time (PIT) report, the number of individuals in Aurora experiencing homelessness was 427, and the number of emergency shelter beds available hovers around 150. These numbers show a significant gap in our community, not only for emergency shelter options but also for those that may not fit into a traditional sheltering model. To address this gap, the city of Aurora seeks community input on alternative sheltering options and location ideas for safe sites - also known as safe outdoor spaces.

This page showcases different sheltering and safe parking options. Community partners would help monitor and run the day-to-day logistics of the site. The shelters would serve as temporary places to stay while the individuals work with service providers to get back on their feet and obtain permanent housing.

The city will use the input received from the open house and tools below (survey and map) to work toward alternative sheltering options and identify locations in the city to establish safe outdoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness, pending City Council approval.

The deadline for feedback is May 31.

How to Provide Input

The deadline has passed to provided input. Thank you.

Consultation has concluded

  • Alternative Shelter Options

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    Pallet Homes

    Pallet builds safe, dignified, and personal shelter for people experiencing homelessness, designed and built by people with lived experience in homelessness. These homes are a temporary solution that creates a bridge between living on the streets and stable housing.

    Tents for Safe Camping

    Safe outdoor spaces reduce unsanctioned camping and the problems that come with it, by creating a safe, clean space for people experiencing homelessness for whom conventional shelters are not an option. Safe Outdoor Spaces typically are made up of several sturdy tents and community space within a fenced-in, controlled area. Individuals find food, shelter, safety, healthcare, compassion, and equity through wrap-around services as a stepping-stone for more permanent housing.

    Tiny Homes

    Tiny home communities are a temporary solution that create a bridge between living on the streets and stable housing. The communities create a place of stability, privacy, and dignity while connecting people to resources. The structures are designed to be easily deployable and transportable but also standing up to the necessary building code requirements. The space is designed with trauma-informed care in mind, supporting healing and growth.

    Safe Parking

    Sheltering in vehicles is often the first stop for individuals who lose permanent housing. Without intervention and support, many fall deeper into homelessness and may eventually end up in shelters or in encampments. Safe parking lots provide safety for those temporarily living in their vehicles and for the surrounding community.

    Restroom/Shower Trailers

    Daily hygiene habits play a critical role in preventing the spread of disease from person to person. In America, most unhoused individuals do not have adequate shower facilities or washing stations available. Access to clean water, soap, and washing facilities reduce the risk of infection and illness in this population, as well as the spread of disease to the community at large.

    This is truly a program that works as a connector for individuals to get additional services such as mental health or substance misuse counseling, identification, housing, employment, and more while accessing essential hygiene and wellness services.