History
In 1996, a Day Shelter Task Force was formed to address the need for day services for adult homeless individuals in Boulder. The task force had representation from the Shelter for the Homeless, Boulder Police, the Social Opportunity and Support Program (SOS), the Mental Health Center, the Salvation Army, the City of Boulder Housing and Human Services, and others. After developing a pilot program and applying for nonprofit status, the program began operation on November 10, 1997 in donated space shared with the SOS program.

Initially called START, the Day Shelter operated five days per week for three hours per day from October through April. In spite of the limited space and operating hours, START provided hot meals, showers, access to employment and housing resources, and counseling. The START board of directors and other community supporters pursued the goal of establishing a permanent, full-time day center in a downtown location.

In 2003, the First Congregational Church at Pine and Broadway offered a 10 year rent-free lease for an historic brick carriage house on the church property, but which needed considerable renovation. While only 1200 sq. ft, the Carriage House is ideally located downtown, close to our clients. With the active support of the First Congregational Church, renovation funding was secured from the State Historic Fund, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and the City of Boulder. START, now called the Carriage Homeless Community Center, moved to the new facility in October, 2004.

In May 2008, the Boards of Carriage House and of Community Table, a Boulder organization which provides dinner four nights a week, merged. We believe our combined strengths will help us expand our services to the Boulder homeless and working poor.