Community Concerns Over Proposed Navigation Center/Homeless Shelter in Arvada

As the city of Arvada considers the establishment of a navigation center/homeless shelter, residents have voiced their strong opposition, highlighting various concerns about safety, property values, and the overall impact on the community. In the past 2 weeks, we have seen a tremendous outpouring of support from our neighbors in and around Arlington Meadows. Here are some of their statements:

Increased Crime and Safety Issues:

• "Arvada has long been a community-centered, family-focused city, and this decision risks undermining the safety, character, and values that make our neighborhoods strong. The location, so close to schools, parks, and family homes, is inappropriate for such a facility and raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of residents." — Dan

• “[The navigation center] will increase crime and lower home value.” — Tram

• “It should not be built because of the fact that there are schools and kids around there. We don't need all the drugs and people trying to hurt innocent people.” — Rodger

• “Bringing in more homeless will contribute to higher crimes, lower property values.” — Timothy

Impact on Property Values:

• “This will absolutely lower our property values, increase crime, and remove the safety factor we feel in our cute little neighborhood.” — Stephanie

• “I personally remodeled my home to make it more valuable and bringing in a homeless encampment is going to drop my property value.” — Kandy

• “This is NOT the place for this. Let the mayor move it to her neighborhood.” — Darla

Concerns About Families and Children:

• “I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 20+ plus years and putting a homeless shelter/resource center in the middle of a neighborhood, across the street from the elderly and school age children is the biggest, most careless mistake. How would you feel to be afraid to walk outside your door, only to see drug users, homeless living in tents?” — Dina

• “A homeless center will unfortunately affect a lot of the local businesses around us.” — Jesus

• “Our kids need safe places to learn, play and thrive. Shutting down schools and bringing in a larger homeless population does not give our children the opportunity to do any of those things.” — Connor

• "Arvada, you can come up with millions of dollars for this shelter but can't find money to keep your schools open for the future of our children? Do better!" — Bernadette

Calls for Alternative Solutions:

• “It’s essential to consider alternative solutions that address homelessness while also maintaining community stability.” — Kathryn

• “Using broken policies to show the world how good you are always ends up hurting everyone.” — John

• “The proposed services need to be located outside of our residential neighborhood.” — Juanita

• "This will lower the value of our neighborhood and potentially increase crime. I recommend changing the building into a recreation center instead." — Jenica

The discussion surrounding the proposed homeless shelter reflects a broader struggle communities face when addressing homelessness. As Arvada navigates these concerns, finding a balance between compassion for those in need and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents remains crucial. The neighborhood of Arlington Meadows wholeheartedly thanks those of you who have stepped up to support our needs and concerns.