Boulder Residents Against Home for The Homeless

Boulder Housing Partners director Betsey Martens

Boulder residents are complaining about a planned home for the homeless, stating that it will effect their own quality of life. Opponents of the 30,000 square foot home say that Boulder already has the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, so why would they need another location.

Some are concerned that the complex of thirty-one apartments will lower the safety in the surrounding area. The housing authority has already said it would provide security around the clock, including surveillance cameras and restricted access to the apartments. They add that anything possible to ensure the safety of everyone involved will be done.


Betsey Martens, executive director of Boulder Housing Partners, indicated the agency plans to go forward with the project unless the council takes decisive action to prevent it. "In the face of such passionate opposition, the (Boulder Housing Partners) board remains committed to the project," she said.

The project would be completely funded already, without a need for tax increases, thanks to low-income housing tax credits and grants. The project has already received more than $400,000 from the city and $800,000 from Boulder County.


Boulder Housing Partners has the right to develop the apartments under existing zoning. The council also has been warned by City Attorney Tom Carr that changing the law to prevent the development might put the city at risk of being sued under the federal Fair Housing Act, which prevents municipalities from discriminating against a class of people.