At Springs Rescue Mission (SRM), our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment extends to everyone—guests, staff and our community.

During extreme weather conditions, our Severe Weather Protocols come into play, ensuring that those in need have access to shelter, warmth and care.

“Although Springs Rescue Mission provides access to care 365 days a year and we’re accustomed to weather of all kinds, these days are different,” said Interim President & CEO Travis Williams. “These are the days that remind us of why we do what we do — the days that our teams really go above and beyond to meet people at their point of need.”

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, we want to take a moment to explain how these protocols work and how they impact guests depending on their unique situation.

When Do We Activate Our Protocols?

Our Severe Weather Protocols are enacted when the temperature falls to 19°F or below, or when deemed necessary by SRM’s leadership team (often due to extreme wind or precipitation).

“We do this to ensure the health and safety of as many individuals as possible,” Williams said. “We stretch ourselves and our facilities to ensure those seeking shelter can find it here at SRM. We also work to minimize guests’ daytime exposure to the elements while on our campus by providing them with more flexible access to day centers that offer bathrooms, showers, laundry services and spaces in which to socialize, watch TV and charge devices while staying warm, safe and dry.”

The purpose of these protocols is threefold:

1. Capacity: We expand our shelter services to accommodate as many individuals as possible during dangerous weather conditions.

2. Flexibility: We adjust our services to ensure they meet the urgent needs of our guests, providing life-saving resources to help individuals stay safe, warm, dry and fed.

3. Access: As a “low-barrier” shelter, we prioritize making our facilities accessible to those seeking refuge from the elements.

“Our overall goal of these Severe Weather Protocols is to stay true to the “come as you are” nature of Springs Rescue Mission — and to be a trusted community nonprofit in the middle of the storm,” Williams said.

What Does This Mean for SRM Guests?

At SRM, we serve a diverse population and take a tiered approach to determine what services guests can access depending on their unique circumstances.

Most guests engage harmoniously with our staff and programs, but accountability is essential for maintaining a safe and secure environment for all guests as they work to overcome poverty, homelessness and addiction.

Guests in Good Standing

Guests who are in good standing with our other guests and staff have full access to our programs and services.

“We find that when we meet people at their point of need, many choose to find a pathway out of homelessness through SRM’s robust program offerings,” Williams said.

These individuals may choose to participate in our HOPE Program, which offers a more empowering experience. Others may simply need emergency services, like meals and a place to sleep, to stabilize before moving forward. 

Guests with Suspensions or Restrictions

More than 6,000 individuals received services from Springs Rescue Mission this year, and most of those men and women got the help they needed without incident.

When guests choose to be disruptive, threatening or cause harm to themselves or others, they may temporarily lose access to services — but we work with them individually to determine the best course of action for returning them to good standing.

Guests with minor infractions are temporarily suspended from campus but are welcome back during Severe Weather Protocol. When a guest’s behavior results in a more serious infraction, access is not guaranteed — but they are invited to meet with staff to determine how they might regain access to services and return to good standing on campus.

A Mission Driven by Hope & Compassion

It’s important to note that suspensions, restrictions and bans represent less than 8% of all guests served by SRM each year. Most individuals find SRM to be a beacon of hope and care in Colorado Springs, helping them find pathways out of poverty, homelessness and addiction.

“Our Severe Weather Protocols are not just about shelter; they embody our mission to empower the individuals we serve and to see their lives be transformed by God,” Williams said.

By providing access to safe resources, we not only protect lives during severe weather, but also foster an environment where individuals can regain stability and work toward a brighter future.

As we enter the winter months, we encourage our donors and supporters to help Springs Rescue Mission provide hope and help to neighbors in need through financial contributions, prayer and spreading the word of our work throughout the community.

Together, we can make a lasting difference in Colorado Springs — one life at a time.

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