Attention Homes Grand Re-Opening of Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter

BOULDER, CO. – Attention Homes announced that Thursday, April 25^th is the Grand Re-Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting of its Runaway & Homeless Youth (RHY) shelter. The ceremony will begin at 10 am and self-guided house tours will follow the ribbon cutting to view the 2,200 sq. ft. expansion of the shelter which will serve unaccompanied homeless youth (ages 13-24). Featured speakers include Matthew Appelbaum, Mayor of Boulder; Suzy Ageton, City of Boulder Council Member; and Pat Coyle, the Director of the Colorado Division of Housing. A special proclamation in recognition of the Grand Re-Opening will be presented on behalf of John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado (by Karla Maraccini, Director of Community Partnerships for the Office of the Governor.)

“The Grand Re-Opening of our RHY shelter is significant in two ways,” says Jim Rianoshek, Executive Director of Attention Homes. “First, this fully funded $613,000 project reflects the spirit of generosity that exists here within our community. Anyone who has raised children or worked closely with teens, knows that it takes an extended family and community to raise a child. We are so thankful to the many individuals, businesses and organizations that have supported us every step of the way on this eight month construction project.”

“The second way,” Mr. Rianoshek goes on to say, “is that the renovation of our shelter – the only youth shelter in Boulder County  -  increases our capacity to provide emergency overnight shelter up to16 boys and girls per night (up from 10) and also allows us to serve 40 youth per day (up from 25) in our day drop-in program. Our hope, with continued community support, is to provide increased supervision and case management; improved mental and physical health care services; family mediation, and both educational and vocational support.”

Attention Homes provides comprehensive care and shelter to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth. In 2012, the organization served 530 youth in its RHY shelter, a 172% increase over the previous year. Through street outreach, day drop-in services and overnight emergency shelter, staff and trained volunteers seek to reduce the estimated 162 unaccompanied youth who are without safe shelter on any given night. While family reunification is the primary goal; when it’s not possible, Attention Homes finds transitional bridges to more permanent housing. In 2012, 81% of Attention Homes’ overnight shelter youth were able to return home to their families or became self-sufficient.

Bowes Spiegel Architects Inc. & Project Managers and Symmetry Builders, Inc. led the design and construction team. Major benefactors include the Wyss Foundation and Jackie Long, the City of Boulder Affordable Housing Fund, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Colorado Group, and The Steffens Foundation.

The public is invited to attend the Grand Re-Opening Celebration scheduled for Thursday, April 25^th from 10 am – 12 pm. The Attention Homes Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter is located at 3080 Broadway Ave., Boulder, CO. RSVP by emailing sdavidson@attentionhomes.org. Street parking is available on Elder St., 13^th St. and North Boulder Recreation Center. RTD stops at the shelter location. For more information about Attention Homes, call 303.447.1206.

About Attention Homes:

Since 1966 Attention Homes has provided opportunities for at-risk youth to change their lives. We offer safe shelter, community-based living and teaching of life skills necessary for an independent future. Attention Homes operates the only shelter for youth in Boulder County.

Photo Caption: Before and After photo of Attention Homes. Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter located at 3080 Broadway Ave., Boulder, CO. Photographer: Claire Clurman.

Media Contact: Claire Clurman, Marketing Manager

Phone: 303.447.1206 x125 Email: cclurman@attentionhomes.org