For 40 years, Samaritan House has opened its doors to neighbors experiencing homelessness, offering hope, stability and compassionate care. As Catholic Charities celebrates that milestone, one generous Colorado company has helped create another lasting gift—an inviting outdoor space where residents, children and families can gather, play and simply enjoy being together.
For four decades, Samaritan House has been a place where women, families and individuals facing some of life’s greatest challenges find nutritious meals, safe shelter and supportive services as they work toward a brighter future. Now, thanks to the generosity of Designs By Sundown and several community partners, the ministry’s outdoor space reflects the same warmth and welcome found inside its doors.
The transformed area features comfortable patio seating, a children’s play area, artificial turf, planters and enhanced landscaping, creating a safe, inviting environment for residents and visitors alike.
Leading the project was Designs By Sundown, which donated its time, expertise and project coordination to reimagine an area that had previously consisted primarily of rocks and trees.
The project was made possible through the generosity of several community partners. SiteOne Landscape Supply donated landscaping materials and flowers, Heritage Landscape Supply provided planters, Turfscapes supplied the artificial turf and Denver Rock Company donated trucking services. Together, each organization played an important role in bringing the vision to life
“We’re here to revamp the front area so that your team here and the community here can enjoy the outdoor living space,” said Nick Sandoval, plant health care division manager with Designs By Sundown.
Founded in the mid-1980s, Designs By Sundown provides residential and commercial landscape design, maintenance and plant health care throughout Colorado’s Front Range. The company partnered with SiteOne Landscape Supply, Heritage Landscape Supply, Turfscapes and Denver Rock Company, all of whom generously donated materials and services to bring the vision to life.
“We enjoy helping out, we enjoy improving outdoor living spaces and we want to just help you and your people here enjoy the space,” Nick said.
The improvements were intentionally designed to be both beautiful and low-maintenance, ensuring the space will serve Samaritan House residents for years to come. The team also made the area safer, installed artificial turf and created welcoming outdoor gathering spaces where families and children can spend time together.
For Deacon Tim Heaton, director of mission advancement at Catholic Charities, the project is especially meaningful as Samaritan House commemorates four decades of serving neighbors experiencing homelessness and hardship.
“This building opened 40 years ago this year,” Deacon Tim said. “What you have done here is just a part of what’s going to be a great celebration. We hope you’re coming back and are going to be a part of this celebration as we mark 40 years of serving those in need here in Denver. Thank you for your efforts. Thanks for all the work you did.”
The outdoor improvements are more than a landscape renovation—they are an investment in the people who call Samaritan House home, whether for a night or as they begin rebuilding their lives. Catholic Charities is deeply grateful to Designs By Sundown and every community partner whose generosity has created a welcoming place where children can play, families can gather and hope can continue to grow for years to come.
To learn more about Designs By Sundown, visit: designsbysundown.com
To learn more about Catholic Charities Samaritan House, visit: ccdenver.org/shelter