Sometimes, common sense is hard to find.

You would think that every homeless person would understand that winter weather can be life-threatening at times, and it’s vital to stay sober in order to use the available resources here in Boulder, CO to survive. I’ve been camping out on the prairie in north Boulder since the middle of last January for all but thirteen nights. I’ve been outside when it was -6 degrees and when it snowed 20+ inches. With enough camping gear and warm clothing, such as what is provided by Boulder County Cares and Carriage House among other agencies, it is possible to sleep outside in very bad conditions — if you stay sober with your mental faculties in working order.

Due to numbers of homeless people coming to Boulder from Denver and elsewhere, it’s almost certain that Boulder Shelter for the Homeless will have to turn some men away on the coldest nights (along with girlfriends who insist on going with them). An alternative shelter, or emergency warming center, is provided by local churches on a rotating basis and operated by Boulder Outreach to Homeless Overflow. Men turned away at BSH are given RTD bus tokens and directions to the warming center when one is opened, along with a hot to-go meal. Kudos to BOHO and the participating churches for their yeoman’s work in these extreme weather conditions!

I, for one, am damn sick and tired of reading or hearing about homeless people passing out drunk and freezing to death. It doesn’t have to happen, not ever. A few of us have proven that by staying outdoors in the winter, being well-equipped and most of all SOBER.

If it’s you who is drunk, BCC or Boulder PD will offer you a ride to the Addiction Recovery Center to sleep it off. You can call 9-1-1 if you become hypothermic and get help that way.

Maybe the greedy liquor store owners could stop selling alcohol to their homeless customers on very cold nights, but I won’t hold my breath waiting for this to happen . . .

Our Random Articles

More Links