Safe Outdoor Spaces

What is a Safe Outdoor Space?

In July of 2020 the Denver Mayor’s Office announced a partnership with the Colorado Village Collaborative (CVC) to open several Safe Outdoor Spaces for people experiencing homelessness. These Safe Outdoor Spaces are healthy, secure, staffed, resource and service-rich environments that provide an outdoor, individualized sheltering option for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Denver. SOS sites are a mix of insulated tents on platforms and pallet shelters. Across 3 sites, the insulated tent structures and 10  pallet shelters have in-unit electricity, heat, and fans. Community members have regular access to laundry, showers, portable restrooms, and a community center at each location.

The first two Safe Outdoor Spaces successfully operated in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood from December 2020 until May 2021. Since then, CVC has operated SOS locations in the Park Hill, La Alma Lincoln Park, Clayton, Barnum, Regis University, and Montbello neighborhoods. 

CVC is the winner of the 2021 Neighborhood Star Award from Denver Inter-Neighborhood Connection (INC), which connects Registered Neighborhood Organizations across the city. We received this award for our commitment to working with RNOs, neighbors, villagers and guests to ensure a safe, clean and welcoming environment at our safe outdoor spaces and tiny home villages.