Aurora Warms the Night Inc.

Bravo to AWTN for the work they do to help with homelessness. I can't speak highly enough of the folks that run this organization. I am so thankful they are in our community.

I am an active member of the Aurora Community, have served as a local elected official and served and continue to serve on several boards. I have been exposed to many organizations throughout our community. And - I give the best I can for those organizations that do good work. When I was asked to be a board member of AWTN, I had already contributed to the organization and knew that, not only did they do great work for those in immediate need, they were frugal and worked to ensure that each dollar raised went as far as possible. I was honored to have been selected to serve on the board with fellow dedicated professionals. I continue to serve amongst the best of the best for the benefit of our community through AWTN. This board and the Executive Director are nothing short of being fantastic.

Got to know this great charity at McCarthy's Grill Bike Show Fundraiser. The staff was super friendly, informative, and the cause is great. We bid on items in the silent auction and learned a lot when they spoke during the event. Great band played and we are happy to get to know about this charity. We will for sure be back to support them at the upcoming car show.

5 stars for this non profit. They are small but mighty and check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/aurorawarmsthenight to see photos of their good works and team efforts with the community.

This summer our group provided summer lunches to 100 homeless people. There were children, families, and single men and women and even some dogs. We had the best time. The director Sarah was wonderful to work with. The day was organized and we felt we really made a difference.

AWTN supports families in need in the local community. The men, women and children who walk through the door are in desperate need of shelter and warmth. They leave AWTN with a voucher for a nearby motel, a safe and warm night off the streets, a package of food of several meals, toiletries and a wam coat. The compassion, empathy and warmth shown by the staff would restore anyone's faith in humanity. On a particularly cold Friday, right before a weekend snow storm, a line formed out the door of folks seeking shelter, i was struck by the number of children- between the ages of 9 months and 14-- who joined their moms, dads and families in line. Two particular children stand out. One was a precious little boy who was about to turn eight. His warmest piece of clothing was a tattered fleece jacket. I helped him find a boys' coat that fit him well. Then, we searched for a hat. At the bottom of the pile, a blue hat, with a long scarf and mittens attached brought the biggest grin to his face. For that moment, he was not a homeless boy but an ordinary little boy who wanted to feel special. The last thing we picked out together was a book. We talked about what books he enjoyed reading, what he was reading in school and settled on a Magic Treehouse book that was brand new. By the time we were finished, his mom had secured a voucher and should take her grinning son off the streets for the night. The second child who stands out was 14. I noticed two things- she had the most piercing blue eyes and she looked full of shame. Instead of being at school, she was with her mom and little sister, hoping to avoid sleeping in their car for the night. She wanted to be anywhere but there. She did not want a coat. Her thin denim jacket was enough, she told me. Her defiance was no different than that of my 12 year old. I saw in her my own daughter and wondered how my own daughter would feel. I didn't accept her defiance. Without asking again, I searched thru a pile of coats, looking for one that my own daughter would think was cool, one that my own daughter would pick. Finally, I found two coats that any 8th grade girl who envy. I asked her to pick one. Without saying much, she tried one on and didn't take it off. I asked her if convincing her she should pick out a hat too was too much and, at that, she laughed. There's no way my daughter would wear a hat and mess her hair and this precious girl was no different. In both children, it is very evident that, while folks go to AWTN for shelter and food, they leave feeling the warmth of humanity.

AWTN works collaboratively with other agencies, government, and non profit for issues on homelessness. Going beyond basic needs, their director understands the importance of advocacy, awareness, and long term solutions.

Aurora Warms the Night is an amazing place to volunteer. They do so much to help the homeless in their community and it was very rewarding to work with this organization. Sarah is great to work with as well, anytime I had questions or needed assistance with anything, she was very prompt on getting back to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great place!

5 stars. Aurora Warms the Night is an asset to the community.

5 stars - good non profit, good staff, good experience, good programs, good works

If you are looking for a way from home to make a difference without leaving the house - you can provide safety, shelter, and connect to resources for those out on the street - you can donate online - or do other things like buy raffle tickets to win a car, shop on amazon. Great organization and great reputation.

We came to volunteer here with girl scout troops and could not have had a better experience. The director is amazing, the event was well organized, the material was kid appropriate and we left knowing we made a difference.

Working with AWTN has been amazing as a board member and also as a professional at Aurora Mental Health Center. As a board member, the board and director make the most with every dollar! As an employee at AUMHC in working with AWTN I am impressed how AWTN continues to grow and meet the needs that arise. AWTN is truly a first class operation

Aurora Warms the Night should be commended for all the wonderful support that they provide to the Homeless population in the City of Aurora. In the 9 years of providing services, they have supported individuals and families, providing food, clothing and shelter during the coldest of winter days and nights. They continue throughout the year to partner with other community agencies to include; health care clinics, vocational and behavioral health services. What makes this organization unique is that they provided most of these services free of charge to their homeless clients. Their commitment to serving this population, their passion and dedication to their work should be awarded.

I was an intern for a few months at AWTN, so I got to see the behind the scenes of how it was run. The individuals working with AWTN were great! They really care about the cause and put their hearts into it. I am a firm believer in doing what you love and are passionate about and this is exactly what they do! I really enjoyed my time working with such a GREAT company!

Aurora Warms the Night is truly an awe-inspiring organization. With all their compassion to help and give to the community of Aurora. They have been making a huge positive impact in Aurora's homelessness, from their resources to clothing and hygiene. Persevering the lives of men and women in need of help, is their constant goal and motivation. This is an amazing organization, that is really doing some great things.

Wonderful, well-organized non-profit making a significant difference in the lives of the homeless in the Denver area. Much needed!

Even with a small staff and budget they were still able to provide 2511 bed nights of shelter + 2511 food kits + thousands more hygiene and warm clothing. They are a very important resource in Aurora.

Aurora Warms the Night is the best non profit I have ever volunteered for. The atmosphere is amazing and comfortable and the people are awesome and committed. Sarah Hamilton (the executive director) is an amazing woman. It is inspiring to see how devoted and committed she is. She truly believes in her business and works extra hard to continue to change the lives of people in need every single day. The organization is exceptional and focuses on problems that truly matter. I highly recommend volunteering for this facility!

The director, Sarah Hamilton, is a compassionate, innovative and hard-working individual. She has dedicated her life to helping others and Aurora Warms the Night is fortunate to have her.

Wonderful organization that serves the homeless population in Aurora. We have volunteered with AWTN on a number of occasions and have been so impressed with what they are able to do with limited resources. Not only does AWTN provide much needed services to the homeless of Aurora, but they do so in a way that allows those who utilize services to feel cared for and respected as individuals.

This agency helps unsheltered homeless persons during cold weather days in Aurora Colorado. They have prevented people from freezing when the temperature is below 21 degrees. Through their outreach they have built relationships with many persons and have connected them to resources. When I am out in the community I talk to people all the time who have been helped by this agency. Wonderful!

Aurora Warms The Night is an amazing nonprofit organization helping the homeless population in numerous ways. The Executive Director, Sarah Hamilton, has a huge heart and incredible vision. This organization runs like a well oiled machine. The interagency connection and communication allows for a rock solid support system. The clients they help are grateful and forever changed!

Aurora Warms the Night truly follows their mission statement of "Preserving the life, health and stability of Aurora's men women and children experiencing homelessness." They truly make a difference in so many lives and the array of services offered to clients is outstanding. The Executive Director, Sarah Hamilton, is a genuinely dedicated and compassionate individual who treats everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect. Her determination to grow and improve the organization has been very evident as each year passes under her leadership. Everyone who comes through the door of Aurora Warms the Night is valued and listened to, and has several options for assistance. This organization and its director, Sarah Hamilton, are appreciated, and Aurora is fortunate to have this service within the city.

AWTN is an amazing organization; it provides support and assistance to some of our community's most vulnerable individuals. AWTN's staff and volunteers are dedicated and thoughtful advocates for the homeless. Together with its network partners, AWTN is making a positive difference in our community.

Under 1% of nonprofits nationwide have achieved Top-Rated status on Great NonProfits and Aurora Warms the Night has achieved this honor in 2013 and 2014. It is well deserved and the leadership of their Executive Director Sarah Hamilton has distinguished Aurora Warms the Night as a charity that is relevant, trustworthy, and committed to its mission.

Looking at the awards and acknowledgements of this organization gives you an idea of why I am giving Aurora Warms the Night 5 stars!

2007 Service Award from Housing Justice and Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

2010-2015 Recognition by the City of Aurora. AWTN is named in the first line of defense for the city’s emergency cold weather shelter plan.

2011 Micah Award, recognizing the work of a local non-profit that serves the needs of people living in poverty on behalf of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, and Colorado Interfaith Voices for Justice.

2013 Top Non Profits Award by Great Nonprofits, an organization supported by the Gates and Forbes Foundations.

2013 Recognized by Mayor Steve Hogan during the Proclamation of Aurora Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week.

2014 Top Non Profits Award by Great Nonprofits, an organization supported by the Gates and Forbes Foundations.

2014 Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week Proclamation drafted by Executive Director Sarah Hamilton and accepted as official State of Colorado Proclamation by Governor Hickenlooper.

2015 Achieved Gold Star Status on GuideStar, an independent charity ranking organization.

2015 Request petitioned to Colorado Governor Hickenlooper by Executive Director Sarah Hamilton to have flags flown over the State Capitol on Memorial Day. An Official Certificate was issued and flags were flown May 25, 2015 by authorization of Governor John W. Hickenlooper in honor of the homeless in Colorado and supporting organizations for National Hunger and Homeless Awareness.

Aurora Warms the Night is a wonderful help to citizens of Arapahoe County! Even outside of winter it provides ongoing care and support for individuals all year long in various different ways. I appreciate the variety of fundraisers for the foundation and subsequent options for support that's provided to citizens, and also that they provide the opportunity for citizens to help and volunteer in whatever way they can to pass on the support to others.

This nonprofit is frequently featured in the press and we have learned a lot about the good work they do through the articles in the Aurora Sentinel. Because of the newspaper press, we started saving our hotel shampoos when we travel. Even when we bring in just a small bag, we always feel appreciated for our small donation.

This has been the best place to donate to. The staff is so friendly and every year they expand their services. You can tell they are really making a difference.

As a volunteer I have loved using my skills wherever is needed. I have passed out food, toiletries, coats, and smiles. Made food packets, sorted papers, greeted our families, sorted hats and mittens to distribute. Such a variety of needed tasks, for such a needed organization. Thank you for the privilege!!

I have been honored to not only serve on the board of Aurora Warms the Night but to also volunteer at almost every activation for the past two years. Aurora Warms the Night provides a crucial service to homeless individuals who are often hard to reach. Every individual no whether what their back story is treated with kindness and dignity when they walk in the door. AWTN meets the immediate need of shelter and food and then also works to connect these individuals with follow-along services from another non-profit PATH. Sarah Hamilton is an amazing leader that has brought new life, organization and energy to this great organization. I am blessed to be a part of it.

I have been collaborating with Aurora Warms the Night for two years, thanks to the close work that AWTN and Aurora Mental Health Center's PATH program do together to serve the growing homeless population in Aurora. More recently I have joined the Board of Directors and I am honored to be amongst some of the key players in the effort to expand housing and supportive services for the homeless of Aurora. Since Sarah Hamilton joined the organization as Executive Director, our regard and esteem in the community have grown considerably, thanks to Sarah's diligent expansion of our funding sources and community partnerships. With the city growing as rapidly as it is, AWTN is helping to ensure that no Aurora citizen remains invisible.

In the summer our church brings lunches to feed the homeless as part of their summer program. We work hard to make sure the meals are balanced and yummy. The staff is always helpful, friends, and thankful. I feel appreciated and that I made a difference - the real reason most people volunteer.

AWTN is grown by leaps and bounds. They are progressive in their approach to shelter because not only do they serve a need for the homeless, but they support local motels to shelter. In their office they offer connections to so many providers and lots of services right in their office. Food, shelter, clothing, medical & health care clinics, this place is top notch and only continues to grow. The are a respected non profit that is gaining positive recognition outside of the Aurora community.

We have donated to Aurora Warms the Night for several years. We are able to see our donations are making a difference. This organization has always been trustworthy, professional, and inclusive in its services.

Last year I came with a group of volunteers who provided haircuts for the homeless at AWTN. AWTN was fantastic to work with. The homeless in the community werer able to receive free haircuts fand it helped people in many ways. Whether it was a job interview or simply for added self-confidence as they get back on their feet, we knew we made a difference that day. This event is supposed to happen again and we hope it does and look forward to being part of the day again.

We ave been donating to Aurora Warms the Night for over 5 years. This is a worthwhile organization that has made a real difference in our community. Sometimes we give money and sometimes we drop off hotel samples from our travels (soap, shampoo, etc). There is always a little something you can do to help others and Aurora Warms the Night is one of those places where a little can make a big difference.

I learned about AWTN through seeing articles in the paper. I live in Aurora and knew Denver had a lot of homeless, but had no idea that we had so many homeless people in Aurora. My daughter decided for your birthday she wanted to make food kits and have her guests bring a food kit instead of a birthday present to her. We delivered them to AWTN and they were very appreciative. Even though we only brought 20 bags, they made us feel that we had brought 1,000! The director gave us a short tour and answered all of my daughters questions patiently. We had such a good experience with AWTN and would encourage others to support them in anyway you can.

I appreciate I always receive a thank you letter/tax deduction letter promptly from Aurora Warms the Night. This year they sent out magnets with a calendar and mini thermometer as a thank you. If you like their facebook page, you can keep up with a lot they do every week. I always feel my money is being well spent.

This organization keeps their mission top-of-mind throughout all their actions. They are constantly seeing new opportunities for the organization's future. They understand that success is in the details and takes every aspect of the organization with the utmost professionalism.

Non-profit events aren't always the most organized affairs, but that's never been the case with Aurora Warms the Night. This leads to a professional feel and atmosphere - and most importantly, it's always clear to see how the events are helping the community. This transparency is a nice contrast to many larger charities, where it isn't always clear how donations are helping those in need.

Aurora Warms the Night has a dedicated Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff. They are mission drive, client focused, and community oriented. It was a pleasure to serve on their Board of Directors.

This organization has had tremendous growth, both in fundraising events and services offered. I know my money is making a direct impact when I donate here. The partnerships they have formed over the last year has been impressive and strengthens the community. I will continue to support Aurora Warms the Night.

Our motel is a partner with AWTN for providing motel vouchers. We are so pleased with the professionalism of this organization and this partnership. We appreciate the opportunity to be a local motel who is able to provide rooms that is working towards the greater good.

i am homeless and was at the King Soopers parking lot in the evening, when the boss of this place came up to me. she let me know aboiut the things they do and the ways they help. just that she would take the time to talk to me out of her regualr time shopping meant a lot to me. I came in here and got to get food and some clothes and a motel room. There wuz alotta things that culd help me and I am thankful. God Bless y'all!!!!!!!!!!

Every time our group volunteers here we have fun & come away feeling like we made a difference.

Great non-profit to work with. Friendly, dedicated staff. Good mission and does a lot for the community.

Aurora Warms The Night is a nonprofit with one full time employee and over 50 volunteers who work to provide emergency shelter on extremely cold winter nights along the East Colfax corridor in Aurora, Colorado. Hotel vouchers are given to those in need on any night the outside temperature gets to 20 degrees F. or below. AWTN is the first responder for the city of Aurora during extreme temperature events. Without this service the health and welfare of those in dire straights would be in even greater danger. Only through the efforts of these fine volunteers is disaster averted.

This non-profit is top notch. The organization is constantly evaluating what their homeless needs and how to fill any gaps. The services they provide are also excellent. The clients and this community are lucky to have Sarah Hamilton with her compassion, vision, and commitment to assisting the homeless.

Aurora Warms the Night is a compassionate organization that reaches out to help the homeless of Aurora with vital and life-saving housing assistance on the coldest of nights. I have personal knowledge of a homeless man who lost parts of both feet to frost bite due to sleeping in his car on a frigid night. If AWTN had been available to him at the time he would not have had to suffer this loss. It is one of the most worthy charities in my opinion, so much so that we have contributed to it for the past several years.

This will be my first winter partnering with AWTN, but I very much look forward to learning more about this organization and how it will operate on a daily basis. What I've learned thus far from AWTN is the amazing service they do that gives vouchers to the homeless on those very cold nights. This seems to me to be an invaluable service and it goes a long way in boosting the moral of the folks who utilize these services, as well as possibly saving their lives. They also provide homeless with food and clothes when they can from donations, as well as hygiene products. Thank you AWTN and again I look forward to learning and partnering with you more!

The voucher program is a huge asset to my program's participants. When someone is street homeless they are not only at risk of freezing to death, but they also have huge safety concerns, issues with personal care and a complete lack of privacy and personal space on a day to day basis.

Working with homeless folks on a day to day basis you see people at their better moments and some of their worse moments. Not only does a voucher mean that they will not freeze that night, but it means a place to rest in a warm bed, a hot shower (or 3 or 4, as some participants report), an opportunity to wash their clothes, a place to shave and “get cleaned up” and a guaranteed meal (though the food packets). A motel room provides a level safety many street homeless are denied on a daily basis. Homeless folks live and make their homes in public spaces and moments of privacy are highly valued.

I have seen huge differences in people’s motivation toward goals, decrease in mental health symptoms and an overall heightened mood in those who look forward to getting vouchers and those who have been housed for a night or more. Aurora Warms the Night’s ability to assist in meeting the needs of safety, privacy and basic personal care needs for individuals increases my agency's ability to meet the mental health and case management needs of our participants. Vouchers are an important part of our participants’ mental health, well-being and ultimately their recovery.

AWTN is a wonderful organization to partner with! The Executive Director is passionate about this work and is an amazing asset to this community. Without the work of AWTN, the homeless community may not have anywhere else to turn to on the coldest nights of the year. I am so thankful this organization helps keep them safe and warm.

I love this organization and give of my time, talents and finances because I have seen it experience a wonderful and rare transformation! For a couple of years our organization tried very hard to get more involved with AWTN and had little success. In those days, AWTN seemed to consist of a small group of friends and early founders that were more interesting in financial donations than input, collaboration or outside involvement. Since that time the organization has experienced a wonderful transformation of leadership, board involvement and community mindedness. Both the board and it’s leadership began welcoming the input, involvement and participating of others. We have them a second chance and have not regretted it. I not only volunteer my personal time and resources but lead my own organization in doing the same.

We really like Aurora Warms the Night. This place has it all - homeless shelter, food, counseling, clothing, medical care. They do a super job of connecting a bunch of resources for the homeless in one spot. My small group has helped with bringing in clothing & food. We always feel appreciated and know we are making a difference. Super easy to donate & work with. :)

This was perfect for our girl scout troop to volunteer. We were able to make food kits for the homeless at our own home for a meeting, and then deliver it to the organization. Little hands can make a big difference! :) Easy to do, great to work with. We would recommend this for other troups earning badges.

I work for a nonprofit organization but was looking for a way to give back to the community. I was lucky enough to become connected with Aurora Warms the Night and their amazing executive director Sarah. Aurora Warms the Night is an amazing organization that serves a need that is often overlooked. Emergency housing for the homeless population on extremely cold nights. They also provided warm clothing, shower kits and food. The organization and especially their executive director treats every person that walks in the door with kindness, dignity and respect. I have volunteered for numerous activations and every time I do I leave feeling like I have made a difference. This organization is amazing and I am lucky to be able to volunteer my time.

This summer our church made lunch kits and brought them into the shelter. They had so many people in need and it was very special to be able to know that we were helping to fight hunger with the homeless. We will do it again next year for sure. Also, the director Sarah made us feel valued as donors, and you can see she also made the homeless people they served feel valued too. Whether you are donating food, or money, know that this is a great nonprofit.

Mission: Aurora Warms the Night seeks to preserve the life, health and stability of Aurora’s men, women, and children facing homelessness.

They help through cold weather emergency shelter, food, clothing, and connecting to community resources. Their ED is innovative and caring. I felt like my times was appreciated and I was making a real difference. This is a great organization which has a really positive reputation.