The first building in the nation constructed specifically to serve people experiencing homelessness, Samaritan House has been a safe refuge in downtown Denver since 1986. Since that time, thousands of people have been served and found safe shelter, nutritious meals and robust support services at Samaritan House. Today, our focus is primarily on serving women, families and veterans who are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Our population has evolved, our mission has not.

Of course, this leads to practical challenges in our 30+ year old building. That’s why Samaritan House is undergoing much-needed renovations. Some of our updates are relatively simple: freshly painted walls, new bunkbeds, lockers, mattresses and welcoming furniture throughout the building. Other updates are more structural: we’ve added power outlets and reading lights for each bunk, upgraded the HVAC system and bathroom facilities and increased the number of rooms available on the family floor. Of course, these changes have only been possible because of the kindness of people like you who saw the need and responded generously.

The renovation to repair and restore is nearing the finish line. We are adding a freight elevator, which will allow for more efficiency between our busy warehouse and kitchen, which currently serves more than 2000 meals a day. This operation provides three hot meals 365 days a year, not only at Samaritan House downtown, but across the Samaritan House community of shelters and feeds the women, families and veterans in our care. We also provide meals to children in Catholic Charities’ seven early childhood education centers. With these renovations, our goal is to be able to serve upwards of 1 million meals a year.

Of course, the renovation doesn’t stop there. We continue to focus on infrastructure, updating technology and making the building as efficient and welcoming as possible. We are also incorporating Trauma Informed practices that make the building more inviting to our guests, bringing dignity to their stay.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have raised $5.38M of our $6.25M goal to complete these renovations. So many of you have stepped up with an extra donation to Catholic Charities for this capital campaign and we are eternally grateful.

We are almost there… and prayerfully ask for your help to get us over the finish line. Donations are being accepted now on our website at ccdenver.org, by calling 720-799-9311 — or by contacting one of our philanthropic advisers to discuss how your generous gift will make a difference in the lives of so many.

Catholic Charities of Denver and Samaritan House. Supporting neighbors. Transforming lives.