City Officials Celebrate Navigation Center Reopening

The City of Lakewood will host a media event on Friday, April 3, 2026, to mark the grand reopening of its Navigation Center. City officials are expected to participate in photo opportunities, give interviews, and serve lunch to individuals receiving services and staff.  But while the city celebrates, key questions remain unanswered and more neighborhood problems are anticipated.

Although hoping to be open months ago for the 2025 winter season, the Navigation Center has been closed for renovations since last May. The renovations turned the old Harley Davidson building into a place for approximately 100 long-term beds. Before renovations, it operated as a drop-in shelter during cold weather. At present, all beds are reserved.

The facility has been rebranded as the VOA Colorado Navigation Center, reflecting its operation under a contract with Volunteers of America Colorado. Originally, the center was expected to be operated by Recovery Works, which currently manages Mountain View Flats for homeless services, also in Lakewood. The reasons for the change in operators remain undisclosed.

Ongoing Concerns

Not a successful model

From its inception, critics argued there was little evidence that a shelter that operated without incentive for self-improvement would decrease homelessness. Some acknowledged that  the center acted as a magnet to attract additional unhoused individuals to the area. But the center was championed in the same echo chamber  that supported the new zoning laws. Unlike in Arvada, Lakewood continued despite public concern.

Permitting and Process

The Navigation Center has raised concerns about process and transparency from the beginning. Year over year, the city  classified its operation as an “emergency,” allowing the shelter to bypass standard zoning requirements that would otherwise require public notice and neighborhood hearings.

As a result, the center has never received a traditional approved permit that it should have even now.

Compounding this issue, Lakewood recently passed new zoning rules that would allow shelters to operate anywhere in the city without a special hearing. Without those hearings or permitting processes, residents have limited options for recourse if problems arise. The new zoning ordinances are now subject to a citizen repeal vote on April 7.

Neighborhood Impacts

Residents near the Navigation Center have reported ongoing concerns, including safety and quality-of-life issues (see here and here). Critics argue that these concerns have not been adequately addressed, even as the city moves forward with reopening and expansion of services.

At the same time, Lakewood is advancing additional homeless initiatives, including plans for pallet home development such as Denver has.

Celebration Amid Controversy

For city officials, the reopening represents a milestone worth celebrating. For others in the community, it highlights unresolved issues around transparency, permitting, and neighborhood impact.

As Lakewood moves forward, the contrast between the city’s public celebration and ongoing resident concerns remains difficult to ignore.

Event Details

WHAT: Grand Opening of the VOA Colorado Navigation Center

WHEN: Friday, April 3, 2026

TIME:

• 11 a.m.: Press event
• Noon:  City officials to serve lunch to the Center’s participants and staff

 WHERE:  VOA Colorado Navigation Center, 8000 W. Colfax Ave.

 WHO: Speakers during press event 

• Mayor Wendi Strom 
• Dave Schunk, President & CEO, Volunteers of America Colorado 
• Chris Conner, Manager of Lakewood’s Housing and Thriving Communities Division