Loveland Plans Closure of Only Overnight Homeless Shelter Amid Funding Shortfall

Loveland, Colorado, is closing its only overnight homeless shelter, the South Railroad Facility, due to the expiration of temporary funding and city service-level budget cuts. The shelter, which opened in 2023 as a temporary solution, will cease overnight operations by September 30, leaving no long-term shelter in place, although it will remain open for daytime support and serve as an emergency shelter during severe weather. This closure has sparked protests from community members and criticism from the ACLU, which argues that shutting the shelter ahead of winter endangers unhoused residents and that legal options exist to maintain services. The closure follows the recent destruction of the Fort Collins Rescue Mission shelter by fire, further straining regional homeless resources. Efforts to establish a permanent shelter, including a proposal from a local church to convert its property into a shelter and resource center, were halted due to zoning issues and lack of follow-through by city officials. Local residents and shelter users express concerns about increased street homelessness and safety risks without an overnight facility.