Why the South Railroad Facility in Loveland Is Closing and What Happens Next

Loveland’s Only Overnight Homeless Shelter to Shut Down

A shocking move has been made in Northern Colorado that has residents scratching their heads.

Why the South Railroad Facility Is Closing

The unhoused population of Loveland will be going without overnight shelter for the foreseeable future.

Back in 2023, the city opened a temporary overnight shelter called the South Railroad Facility (300 S. Railroad Ave), according to reports from our partners at Denver 7. Just a few years later, the temporary funding for this overnight shelter has run out, so they will be closing.

This comes just weeks after a fire  destroyed the shelter at the Fort Collins Rescue Mission.

Read More: Fort Collins Rescue Mission Fire Displaces 82 People

City officials confirmed that this was never meant to be a permanent overnight shelter, according to reports.

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How the Closure Impacts the Loveland Homeless Community

"Closing the city's only overnight shelter with winter right around the corner actively puts human lives at risk," said Annie Kurtz, ACLU of Colorado senior staff attorney, in a statement to the city.

"Loveland leadership has an obligation to protect the health and safety of all residents, and it has all the authority it needs to do so."

The facility offers showers, restrooms, and beds to the homeless population in this area.

Loveland City Officials Says It’s About Budget Cuts

Reportedly, the reason city officials gave for the closure had to do with a need for "service-level reductions to ensure a balanced General Fund."

The City of Loveland confirmed that the South Railroad Facility is set to close by September 30, but it will still be open for daytime support and be an emergency overnight shelter.

Read More: What Loveland Residents Should Know About McKee ER Closing

On Tuesday (September 30th) protestors began protesting across from the homeless shelter, according to CBS.

Loveland mayor Jacki Marsh confirmed that she plans to hold a special council to discuss what happens next.

This is still a developing story. We will keep you updated as more information comes out regarding this closure.

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