This page is for adults (18+) who are sleeping outside, in vehicles, or couch-surfing
and need to understand how to get into shelter and onto the housing radar in Boulder County.
If you’re reading this while you’re exhausted or scared: you’re not failing.
The system is confusing. This page is just meant to give you a clearer map.
Coordinated Entry – the “front door”
Required first step for most adults
Coordinated Entry (CE) is an interview where staff ask questions about your
situation and needs. It’s how you get officially counted in the system and
connected to shelter and housing programs.
Ask staff at All Roads when and where CE is happening that day.
If you did CE a long time ago, ask if you can update it.
Be honest about health, disability, safety, and how long you’ve been outside.
If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to say: “Can you explain that in plain language?”
You don’t have to like the questions for them to matter — but answering clearly
can open more doors later.
All Roads – what to expect
Main adult shelter
All Roads is Boulder’s main adult shelter. Policies can feel strict, but understanding them
makes it easier to plan your day and your stuff.
Ask about check-in/out times and what happens if you show up late.
Ask what you’re allowed to bring inside and what must stay outside or in storage.
Find out how to receive mail, and how long they hold it.
Ask if you are assigned a case manager or navigator and how to contact them.
Write names down (staff, case managers) in your phone or on paper.
The system likes names and dates.
Staying on the housing radar
“I’m on a list… now what?”
Many people are told they’re “on a list” for housing. That can take a long time,
and it’s not always clear what’s happening.
Ask staff: “Which list am I on? What is it called?”
Ask: “What could make my situation higher priority?”
Update your contact info whenever it changes – phone, email, mailing address.
Ask if there’s anything you need to do to stay active (appointments, check-ins, etc.).
You are allowed to ask questions about your own case. Keep it calm and direct.
Making shelter work for you (as much as possible)
Stress management
Shelter can be loud, frustrating, and sometimes unsafe. Some things that help:
Have a small “sleep kit” (earplugs if allowed, eye cover, extra socks).
Keep your most important items on you or in a small bag next to you.
If there’s a conflict, find staff you trust and ask for help early.
Know the rules around bans and appeals so you’re not blindsided.
None of this makes shelter perfect, but it can give you a little more control
inside a system you didn’t design.
