Hotel and motel vouchers in Denver are primarily distributed through Denver Human Services (DHS) and local homeless shelters as a safety-net measure, typically when standard congregate shelters are full or during severe weather conditions.
Because of high demand, vouchers are not handed out on a walk-in basis without prior screening, and they are restricted by length-of-stay limits and residency requirements.
Families with Children
Denver Human Services (DHS)
Denver Human Services (DHS) emergency hotel and motel vouchers are short-term emergency resources reserved as a final safety net. These vouchers are not given to walk-ins directly at DHS offices. Instead, they require a screening and referral from a designated community partner or partner shelter.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a short-term emergency voucher funded by DHS, an individual or household must meet strict city guidelines:
Target Households: Vouchers are prioritized for families with children aged 18 or younger, single women, or single adults who have a doctor-issued medical statement verifying a serious health condition.
Shelter Capacity: DHS only authorizes vouchers if all standard emergency shelters across the city are filled to maximum capacity.
Strict Limits: Recipients are capped at a maximum of 12 to 14 nights within any consecutive 12-month period.
Residency: Heads of households must prove they are residents of Denver County. Exception: Residency rules are waived for single-night vouchers distributed during extreme cold weather (under 40°F).
Where to Go for a DHS Voucher Screening
If you meet the criteria above, you must visit an authorized partner site during intake hours to be screened for eligibility and vacancy:
For Families with Children:
The Gathering Place (1535 N High St) – Intake hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Volunteers of America (VOA) Mission (2877 Lawrence St) – Intake hours are Monday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For Families & Single Nights (Cold Weather Only):
Samaritan House (2301 Lawrence St) – Screenings take place seven days a week between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Severe Weather “Night by Night” Vouchers
Severe weather “night-by-night” hotel vouchers in Denver are only activated during extreme weather events and are distributed through specialized non-profit networks rather than city offices. The city handles major cold snaps by expanding capacity at large 24/7 congregate emergency shelter locations, while strict winter motel vouchers are managed by regional partner programs.
Severe Weather Activation Program (SWAP)
Managed by the non-profit Almost Home, Inc., SWAP handles severe weather emergency hotel voucher placement for unhoused individuals.
Activation Rules: The program triggers vouchers when temperatures drop to 32°F or below during wet weather (active snow or rain) or 20°F or below during dry weather.
Process: You must already be connected with a participating regional case manager or partner outreach team to be allocated a night-by-night voucher.
South Metro Denver: HAAT Force
For the southern suburbs of Denver (including Englewood, Centennial, and Highlands Ranch), the HAAT Force Homelessness Awareness and Action Task Force coordinates emergency motel stays.
Priority Groups: They prioritize families with minor children, individuals with severe physical disabilities, and pregnant women during hazardous winter weather.
Voucher Logistics: Intake takes place on designated weather activation days at regional hubs like Movement (3190 S. Grant St., Englewood) between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. You can call their status line at 720-483-7864 to confirm if vouchers are being distributed on a specific day.
City-Wide Cold Weather Emergency Shelter
When the City of Denver activates its overarching Cold Weather Shelter Plan, it expands physical facility capacity across its main 24/7 “front door” access points:
Men: Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center (2222 Lawrence St.).
Women: Samaritan House (2301 Lawrence St.).Youth (Ages 12–24): Urban Peak (1630 S. Acoma St.).
Families: Inn at the Highlands (2601 Zuni St.). Intake starts at 9:00 a.m. on activation days, and families must arrive in person with their children.
How to Check Daily Activation Status
Because weather thresholds and intake sites shift depending on real-time availability, always verify operational statuses before traveling:
Call 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Colorado online to locate active single-night severe weather vouchers.
Check the Live Guide: Monitor the Denver Resident Resources Find Shelter Page for emergency opening notices, pet-friendly site expansions, and free city-coordinated transportation routes.
Medical Recovery & Specific Populations
Medical Needs: Single adults or adults with doctor-verified medical conditions may be assisted with motel vouchers by Denver Human Services if shelters cannot accommodate their health needs.
Suburban Denver/South Metro: For areas just south of Denver, the HAAT Force (Homelessness Awareness and Action Task Force) provides motel vouchers for families, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and unhoused individuals during the winter season (October through April).
How to Get Started
To navigate the shelter and voucher systems without wasting time, your best first step is to call 2-1-1 Colorado, the central resource line, by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting the 2-1-1 Colorado Housing and Shelter Directory. You can also review the City and County of Denver Shelter Assistance Page to connect with a system “front door” case manager who can guide you to immediate housing options.
