Northern Colorado Youth Shelter

This renovation is a conversion of an early childhood center into a drop-in youth shelter, called the Landing, for youth and young adults aged 15-20 experiencing homelessness. The project received funding through the state’s SLFRF grant program and is a joint partnership between Thompson School District, Poudre School District, and The Matthews House.

The 6,100-sf original building utilized a wood-frame structure that we integrated into cold-formed steel for the new facility. Shopworks Architecture utilized trauma-informed design to create an environment that feels safe, calming and supportive. The project had a budget dictated by a funding grant that offered some challenges. Although in the end, all construction was completed within budget.

Operated 24/7 by The Matthews House, the shelter serves 28 youth overnight and is available as a drop-in space for youth in need during the day. The space is filled with natural light, social spaces, cozy nooks, and sightlines that extend from the front doors to the back of the building so youth feel safe. Hot meals, laundry facilities, a health clinic, educational and mental health support services are all nestled within the facility.