Bethany Rankin

A Story of Hope and Healing After Nearly Two Decades of Homelessness

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After 19 years of homelessness—living on the streets and in his car—David is finally finding hope and healing. For nearly two decades, his life was filled with uncertainty, moving from place to place and surviving day by day. But today, he has a place to call his own: a home at St. Valentine Apartments in … Read more

“Giving Back Isn’t Just Something We Do—It’s a Responsibility”

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The Nichols Family’s Commitment to the “Hub of Activity” at Samaritan House Fort Collins  Each day at Samaritan House Fort Collins begins in the cafeteria when tables and chairs are set up to provide a welcoming environment for those we serve. Once breakfast ends, guests disperse to work, job interviews or appointments at agencies such … Read more

Hope on the Menu: How Ken Garff Collision Served More Than Just Meals

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What happens when a business decides to serve more than customers? Ken Garff Collision answered that question with action at Samaritan House Fort Collins.  Over the course of a week, employees rolled up their sleeves and shared over 60 hours to serve warm meals to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. But they didn’t stop there—they … Read more

Thanks, Bob! We’re going to miss you!

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For more than 27 years, Bob Winans has been a shining light at Samaritan House Fort Collins, embodying the spirit of service and compassion that defines our mission. He’s one of those amazing people who is here when we need him, makes everything more fun and has brought so much joy to everyone who spends time with him. He’s been an exceptional volunteer, and now, as he plans a move across the country, we’re struggling with how to let him go.   

Bob’s commitment to our community is evident in the countless hours he has spent in the Samaritan House kitchen, serving dinner at least once a month. Conservatively, he’s volunteered with us more than 350 times. Amazing! He has been a steadfast presence during busy times, stepping in to help whenever we needed an extra hand. Throughout his years volunteering, he has inspired many of his friends and colleagues to become regular volunteers at Catholic Charities as well.  

Our holiday seasons are always made brighter by Bob. From the Christmas gifts he provides for residents and guests to his big happy personality, his thoughtful contributions bring joy and belonging during a time that can be especially challenging for many families who are staying at Samaritan house. Bob has a knack for adding a little extra fun to the dining experience, often surprising folks with treats like sriracha or other goodies, making normal weeknight dinners feel like special occasions. 

In recognition of his remarkable service, Bob was honored as a Denver7 Everyday Hero in 2019. In his interview, he shared, “The families who stay at Samaritan House are dealing with a lot. It’s especially difficult around the holidays so we try to give them the best meal we can and make their day more special.” This is a testament to the way Bob approaches serving.  

Samaritan House Fort Collins is part of Catholic Charities that serves the entire Front Range and Western Slope. We provide shelter, food and client services; affordable housing; women’s healthcare; diapers and young family supplies; emergency and senior services and Catholic-supportive counseling in Larimer and Weld counties. 

Bob is embarking on a new journey, moving across the country and into a fabulous 55+ community that he tells us will be a great fit for retirement. His kindness, generosity and unwavering support will be greatly missed by all of us at Samaritan House. However, his legacy will endure, inspiring future volunteers to follow in his footsteps and carry forward the mission of compassion and community that he has exemplified for so many years.  

Thank you, Bob, for your years of dedicated service and for being a light in our community. You will always have a home in our hearts at Samaritan House Fort Collins.  

Mission of Compassion: Impactful Summer Service at Samaritan House

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For several years, students from the Centered on Christ Catholic Community in Minnesota have journeyed to Colorado each summer with a mission: to make a difference. Their destination? The Samaritan House locations in Fort Collins and Greeley. 

Centered on Christ Catholic Community is a collaboration of four parishes within the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, dedicated to forming missionary disciples with a passion for Christ. Each year, these missionaries take on projects at Catholic Charities’ shelters, aiming to improve the lives of our guests. Their work has included revitalizing the veterans’ pergola, enhancing dull electrical boxes, and installing concrete slabs for storage sheds and landscaping. Their efforts have had a profound impact on both Samaritan House Fort Collins and the Samaritan House Greeley on the Guadalupe Campus. 

The group’s visit always begins with an orientation, designed to help the student missionaries understand how to truly connect with the people we serve at Catholic Charities. Many students are struck by the difficult choices that those experiencing homelessness face daily. Through interactive games and personal stories from individuals who have stayed at Catholic Charities, the students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live below the poverty line. Before embarking on their projects, the missionaries are encouraged to engage with guests, approaching each interaction with compassion and an awareness that every person has a unique story. 

The 11 student missionaries and five adult chaperones start their days early, beginning with a prayer service before heading to Fort Collins or Greeley. Once there, they dive straight into their work. This year, the group contributed an impressive 380 hours of service from Monday through Thursday—equivalent to nearly 10 weeks of full-time work for one employee! After a full day of physical labor and meaningful connections with the guests at Samaritan House, the students return to St. Joe’s Catholic School, where they stay for the week. Evenings are spent cooking dinner, attending adoration, and engaging in prayer.

 

In addition to the tangible improvements they make, our staff deeply values the time spent with these young missionaries, many of whom return year after year. Watching them grow and evolve has been a true privilege. We are inspired and uplifted by their dedication to Christ and are grateful for their ongoing commitment to our operations in Northern Colorado. 

 

 

In celebration of the Triduum and Easter Sunday, our administrative offices will be closed both on Good Friday, April 18 and Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.