Empowering Youth. Transforming Lives.
At the PLACE, we believe in igniting the potential within every young person, offering a pathway to exit homelessness and create self-determined, fulfilling lives. Our vision is that all Colorado youth have safe housing, supportive relationships, and the opportunity for self-sufficiency and success.
Our Programs
Facing the realities of youth homelessness head-on, the PLACE provides three comprehensive programs designed to guide young individuals towards a brighter future.
Outreach
The PLACE connects young people aged 15 to 24 experiencing homelessness with immediate assistance and critical items to alleviate their hardships. From shelter and housing to family reunification, we're here to provide vital support.
Shelter
Offering warmth and safety, our shelter is a refuge for youth aged 15 to 20 without a place to sleep. As the only licensed youth shelter in Colorado Springs, we provide meals, clothing, and access to healthcare, ensuring our youth feel supported and cared for.
Housing
The PLACE provides a safe haven for youth as they work towards independence and self-sufficiency, offering stability and support every step of the way.
Youth Services
Our core programs are tailored to empower young individuals on their journey towards a self-determined, fulfilling life.
Family & Life Skills
We equip youth with the tools they need to thrive, including healthy living and relationships, financial literacy, and sex education. Family reunification assistance is a top priority.
Safe Place
We partner with Safe Place, an outreach and prevention program, to connect with people up to age 21 who need immediate help and safety.
Health & Medical Care
Through our on-site clinic, youth receive comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health support and addiction recovery groups.
Employment
The PLACE helps youth gain valuable job skills and employment opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future in the next phase of their lives.
Case Management
Everyone we work with receives personalized and hands-on support from our case managers. They advocate for treatments and services, identify strengths, and create a roadmap towards stability and health.
Education
Whether it’s high school continuation, GED access, or college enrollment, we’re dedicated to supporting youth in their educational pursuits.
Our History
1999
In May, a pivotal moment sparked the journey of the PLACE. A collaborative effort led by organizations such as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities Marian House, and Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful, approached Urban Peak, a Denver shelter for homeless youth, with a bold proposal. This initiative aimed to bring vital services to the Pikes Peak Region, addressing the pressing need for support among runaway and homeless youth. Through meticulous planning with local police, the Department of Human Services, the groundwork was laid for a transformative endeavor in Colorado Springs.
2000
Urban Peak Colorado Springs was officially incorporated, operating initially from offices located at the Marian House Soup Kitchen. Our organization responded to the urgent need for services tailored to challenges faced by youth in our community.
2003
Fueled by unwavering dedication and community support, we embarked on a groundbreaking capital campaign titled “the PLACE,” an initiative to acquire property southeast of downtown Colorado Springs. With a vision to provide emergency shelter and housing solutions for teens and young adults, this milestone represented an unprecedented opportunity for those in need.
2004
By December, our aspirations materialized as we proudly unveiled our new multi-purpose facility, aptly named the PLACE. Serving as a sanctuary for homeless and runaway youth and young adults, we emerged as the sole organization in El Paso and Teller counties offering comprehensive shelter and support services.
2019
Urban Peak Colorado Springs underwent a significant transformation, transitioning into a separate entity from Urban Peak Denver. Embracing a new identity as the PLACE, this evolution symbolized our unwavering commitment to empowering youth and creating pathways to brighter futures.
2025
The Launchpad, a 50-unit apartment community for permanent supportive housing, will cater to youth aged 18-24, and is expected to open in 2025! Learn more about The Launchpad efforts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PLACE is distinguished as the only nonprofit organization in the Pikes Peak Region dedicated exclusively to serving youth experiencing homelessness. Our comprehensive programs cater to individuals aged 15 to 24, providing access to shelter, housing, education, employment support, healthcare, case management, life skills courses, meals, and more.
Please note, the Shelter Program is for youth ages 15-20. Young people ages 21-24 are able to find alternative shelter and continue to engage in The PLACE’s programs, including case management.
The PLACE operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a local volunteer board of directors. We are not affiliated with any city, county, or national organization. While previously associated with Urban Peak Denver until 2019, we now stand as a distinct entity, committed to delivering tailored services to our community. The PLACE is not a faith-based organization.
The PLACE serves youth aged 15-24 who are currently experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness. Whether individuals are couch-surfing, exiting foster care, or facing other unstable life situations, we meet them where they are without judgment, offering safety and support with no referral required.
There is no prescribed entry point at the PLACE. Individuals can access our services based on their unique needs and circumstances. Whether you discover us through the shelter, referrals from school counselors, probation officers, or encounters with our outreach counselors, we’re here to support you.
For inquiries, contact us today and a member of our team will respond within two business days. If you are between the ages of 15 to 20 and require immediate overnight shelter services, call 719-630-3223 or after 5 p.m. and on weekends at 719-205-7129.
The PLACE’s offices and shelter is located at 423 E. Cucharras Street, near the intersection of Wahsatch and Cucharras in Downtown Colorado Springs.
The majority of our programs and services are provided free of charge. However, our apartment program or rental assistance programs may involve client costs. These costs are determined in collaboration with our housing case managers based on a percentage of the client’s earnings.
The availability of shelter beds varies daily. We recommend visiting the shelter or contacting us at 719-630-3223 or after 5 p.m. and on weekends at 719-205-7129 for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, whether you need support re-entering school, completing a GED, or acquiring essential job skills, we’re here to help. Our services extend beyond shelter residents to encompass all youth experiencing homelessness.
The PLACE is not currently offering GED classes, but please call 719-630-3223 for more information or for a referral.
Yes, most of our services at the PLACE are available up to young adults up to the age of 24. While our shelter only serves youth aged 15 to 20, we frequently support individuals aged 21 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness and seek assistance elsewhere.
No, residing in the shelter is not a prerequisite to accessing our services. Our outreach team is equipped to provide assistance with hygiene items, vital documents, and more, regardless of shelter residency.
Accountability
We take accountability very seriously.
The Place serves many youth in our region. Donors, supporters and volunteers, like you, are entitled to know our impact and our financial standing and it is our responsibility to provide the following information. Here, you will find links to our latest Impact Report and IRS Form 990. The Impact Report will show how The Place has impacted our region. And the 990 will show our financial standing. Years prior to FY18 will be show our name as Urban Peak Colorado Springs.
Request a Tour
Ready to see our mission in action? Schedule a tour of our facility and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of youth experiencing homelessness.
