The Aurora Housing and Community Services Department is hosting an open house next week to gather community input on how the city should address homelessness.

The open house, which will take place on Wednesday, May 19, will present residents with various alternative sheltering options and possible locations for managed homeless campsites known as Safe Outdoor Spaces.

Alternative sheltering options that will be on display during the open house include pallet homes, tiny homes, safe camping sites, safe parking sites and a shower and restroom trailer.

Representatives for each model will be present to answer questions from residents.

This effort comes as a 2020 report found that there are approximately 400 people experiencing homelessness in Aurora, and only around 150 shelter beds available.

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If implemented by the city, the alternative sheltering models would serve as temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness while they work with service providers to obtain permanent housing.

Community partners would also help monitor and run the day-to-day operations of the sites.

The open house will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Restoration Christian Fellowship parking lot, located at 15660 E. Sixth Ave. in Aurora.

Those who cannot attend the open house can submit feedback online through May 31 at EngageAurora.org/Homelessness. The alternative shelter models will remain on display until May 27.