A Day at Mission Arvada: Offering Hope and Support for the Homeless Community

Mission Arvada, a homeless navigation center and emergency winter shelter, provides a vital lifeline for people experiencing homelessness in Arvada and the greater Jefferson County area. Recently, members of the Arvada Voices team took a tour of the facility to drop off donations for 50 Mission Arvada clients and to learn more about its services and the challenges it faces as it strives to meet the needs of an underserved community. What we discovered was both inspiring and eye-opening—and a call for more community support.

A Safe Haven for Those in Need

Located in a 21,000 square-foot building, Mission Arvada offers a comprehensive array of services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The center serves up to 75 people each day, providing critical resources like:

• Two Hot Meals a Day: A good meal can make all the difference. Mission Arvada welcomes all food donations, including home-cooked meals, which go a long way in ensuring no one is turned away. At Mission Arvada, everyone is welcomed with care and leaves with a full belly and a little more hope.

• Showers and Laundry Services: Clean clothes and a refreshing shower are essential for health, confidence, and job acquisition. Mission Arvada offers these services to help people feel their best and maintain their dignity.

• Clothing Bank: Mission Arvada’s clothing bank provides access to warm jackets, everyday essentials, and personal items that can make a big difference in daily life. Currently, there is a critical need for donations of new underwear, socks, and over-the-counter cold and pain medications. Volunteers are also urgently needed to help receive and organize donations, as well as assist with distributing items to those in need.

• Food Pantry & Beyond Groceries: The food pantry offers groceries to help ease the burden on individuals and families, ensuring their tables are filled with nourishment and care. In addition to non-perishable food, there is a need for donations of hygiene products and household essentials. Mission Arvada also collects furniture and home decorations to help individuals and families furnish their homes when they transition into stable housing.

• Christmas Toy Drive: Every child deserves holiday magic. Mission Arvada collects new toys for children of all ages, bringing joy to families and creating lasting memories. Donations are always welcome as we work together to spread cheer to those who need it most.

In addition to these core services, Mission Arvada also provides severe weather shelter during extreme cold (under 20°F), offering a warm, safe space for those most at risk during the winter months.

Community Partnerships That Make a Difference

Mission Arvada’s approach goes beyond meeting immediate physical needs. Through valuable partnerships with local organizations, they also offer services designed to address the broader challenges that individuals experiencing homelessness often face:

• Senior Smiles Dental provides free dental care, which is crucial for maintaining overall health.

• The Christian Legal Society offers legal services, helping clients navigate the complex legal issues that often arise during periods of homelessness.

• Jefferson Center for Mental Health works on-site to provide mental health support to those in need.

• DMV To Go helps clients get the identification they need to access further services and opportunities.

• Trade Job Training: This winter, Mission Arvada is launching a new initiative by partnering with companies to provide free trade job training. Participants will receive hands-on learning experiences and all necessary tools, paving the way for sustainable and fulfilling careers.

  
  

These in-house services make it easier for clients to receive the support they need without having to navigate multiple agencies or locations.

Challenges Ahead: Funding Struggles and Growing Demand

Mission Arvada continues to make a transformative impact on the community, providing essential services that many rely on. However, sustaining and expanding these programs in the face of rising demand presents significant challenges.

• As the only year-round emergency shelter in Jefferson County, the center operates on limited resources. In 2024, it received $20,000 in city funding for overnight shelter services—a fraction of what’s required to meet the community's needs. Bridging this gap through community support and donations is critical to ensuring Mission Arvada can continue its life-changing work.

• The facility operates at capacity, with space for 75 people each night. However, word-of-mouth referrals are the primary way people learn about the center—meaning many individuals experiencing homelessness aren’t even aware that this resource exists.

• Outdated infrastructure is another hurdle. The center’s building is aging, with old pipes and a constantly failing boiler that needs replacement. There are also ongoing needs for electrical upgrades and floor surface repairs to make the space safe and functional for its clients.

Unfortunately, these financial and infrastructure challenges are not isolated. Mission Arvada is not receiving significant funding from either the city or county government. While some of the nonprofit's partners, like Recovery Works, have secured substantial grants, Mission Arvada has not been as fortunate. In fact, despite its critical role in the community, the organization only received $25,000 in funding this year from the City of Arvada and faces even less—$20,000—next year.

Safety and Accountability Challenges

Mission Arvada also faces the challenge of ensuring safety and security for its clients. To maintain security and safety, individuals who violate shelter rules—such as those causing disruptions or struggling with substance abuse—may be banned from the facility.With 200 individuals banned from the shelter, the center sometimes struggles with maintaining a safe environment outside of its doors for those in need, highlighting an opportunity for growth. Additional funding could be used to hire security, but with limited funding resources, Mission Arvada will need more support from donors, the City, or the County to make this a reality. Despite these challenges, it's clear that the staff at Mission Arvada are dedicated to providing not just resources, but also compassion and support for those facing the toughest of circumstances.

A Call for Community Support

Mission Arvada is doing incredible work, but they cannot reach their full potential without more community and council support. With a projected funding deficit and the lack of consistent funding from local government sources, the shelter's ability to serve those in need is at risk. Community awareness and involvement are key to bridging the gap. With the city investing over $9M in addressing homelessness, a small allocation to expand Mission Arvada’s services could maximize impact and ensure resources reach those who need them most.

We encourage residents of Arvada and Jefferson County to learn more about Mission Arvada and consider how they can help—whether through donations, volunteer time, or advocating for more public funding for homelessness services. The shelter’s work is critical to the well-being of many, and without adequate resources, it may be forced to scale back its services or, worse, close its doors.

As we left Mission Arvada, we were reminded of the importance of compassion, community, and collective action. Everyone should have access to a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, and the chance to rebuild their life—and Mission Arvada is a vital piece of the puzzle in making that possible. Let’s work together to ensure this valuable resource remains available to those who need it most.

For more information about Mission Arvada, to donate, or to find out how you can help, visit their website or contact them directly at (303) 422 – 1174. Let’s continue to be part of the solution for our neighbors in need.

*Arvada Voices is not affiliated with Mission Arvada.