What to Do If Your Camp Gets Swept in Boulder, CO

Camp sweeps happen fast and often with less notice than the law requires. Here's what your rights are, what to do before one happens, and how to recover if you lose everything.

A sweep is one of the most destabilizing things that can happen when you're already living outside. In a matter of hours you can lose your shelter, your documents, your medications, your phone, your food — everything you've worked to accumulate.

Understanding your rights before a sweep happens, and knowing what steps to take immediately after, makes a real difference in what you're able to recover.

What the City Is Required to Do

Boulder is required to provide advance notice before clearing an encampment. In most circumstances, the city is supposed to post written notice at least 72 hours before a sweep — though enforcement of this requirement has been inconsistent.

Your rights in brief: The city cannot immediately throw away your belongings without notice. Property is supposed to be stored for a period after a sweep. You have the right to retrieve stored items. You cannot be arrested solely for being homeless — though you can be cited for specific violations like camping on city property.

Before a Sweep — What to Do Now

1
Keep your vital documents on your person at all timesID, Social Security card, birth certificate, EBT card, any medical records. If these get swept, replacing them is weeks of work. A cheap waterproof bag from a dollar store is worth it.
2
Know what you'd grab if you had 10 minutesHave a mental or physical list. Documents, medications, phone and charger, sleeping bag, one change of clothes. Everything else is replaceable.
3
Use All Roads (4869 Broadway) as your mailing addressIf your EBT card, ID, or other mail is sent somewhere that gets swept, you lose access. A shelter address stays stable.
4
Connect with a case manager before a crisisAll Roads case managers can sometimes help with storage space, shelter access, and document replacement — but it's easier before everything is gone.

During a Sweep

Do not physically resist. You can assert your rights verbally and calmly. You can ask for the notice documentation. You can ask where your belongings will be stored and for how long. Physical resistance leads to arrest, which makes everything worse.

1
Ask to see the posted notice"I'd like to see the written notice for this sweep." Document what they say.
2
Ask where belongings will be storedThe city is supposed to store items that aren't immediately hazardous. Get a specific location and timeframe if you can.
3
Note the date, time, and names of any officers presentEven a rough note on your phone is useful if you need to file a complaint or retrieve property later.
4
Take what you can carryPrioritize documents, medications, phone, warmth.

After a Sweep — Immediate Steps

1
Go to All Roads Shelter (4869 Broadway)Even if you're not an overnight guest, the day center and case managers are your best first stop. They've helped people recover from sweeps before and know the process.
2
Try to retrieve stored belongings quicklyThe storage window can be short. Find out where the city stored items and go as soon as possible.
3
Call Colorado Legal Services if belongings were discarded without noticePhone: 303-449-7575. If the city didn't follow proper procedure, you may have recourse.
4
Replace gear through Deacon's ClosetTuesdays 9:30 AM at All Roads, Thursdays 9:30 AM at 1777 Broadway. Quality coats, boots, sleeping bags, socks.

Community Court After a Sweep

If you received a municipal citation during or around a sweep — camping, trespass, park violation — Community Court on Thursdays at 9:30 AM at 1777 Broadway can often get those dismissed. Show up with your yellow ticket and explain your situation. See our full Community Court guide for details.

"A sweep takes everything you've built. Knowing the steps before it happens means you spend less time starting from zero."