“More Than a Meal: Leprino Foods Serves Up Connection at Samaritan House”

When eight employees from Leprino Foods walked into Samaritan House 48th, they expected a day of service and team-building. What they didn’t expect was how much the experience would stay with them.

The visit began with a tour led by shelter supervisor, Denise Chavez, who painted a picture of daily life inside the Catholic Charities property and the many ways our team helps neighbors get back on their feet. Then the real work began – cleaning tables, setting up the dining area and serving a delicious lunch to Samaritan House 48th’s 256 guests. The atmosphere was upbeat and welcoming with music playing on the speaker provided by catering supervisor, Heather.

But the most memorable moments came after the trays were filled. A few of the Leprino team sat down with guests, striking up conversations that quickly went deeper than small talk.

The annual day of service that Leprino Foods started years ago provides organizations like Catholic Charities a chance for staff to have extra hands to serve and extra hearts to share.

One of the new volunteers shared that she had a chance to connect with a mother over the joys and struggles of raising children. “To connect as women about being mothers and talking about our children, and her sharing how much she loves her kids even when they don’t have a great relationship was cathartic,” she said.

Another volunteer shared that she had an instant sense of friendship: “There was a girl that I passed during lunch, and I looked at her, and thought, that could be one of my friends.”

What started as a company service project became something more – connection with others and understanding. For the Leprino Foods team, it wasn’t about serving lunch – it was about seeing the humanity they share with people they came to serve.

Interested in volunteering as a group?

Catholic Charities welcomes corporate teams looking for meaningful, hands-on service opportunities. Serving a meal together is a great way to build teamwork while making a real difference in the community. To learn more or schedule a group volunteer day, visit https://ccdenver.org/corporate-engagement/

Building Friendships, Building Futures

At Catholic schools across Denver, one lesson stands out above all: relationships matter. Students aren’t just learning math, reading or art—they’re learning how to be part of a community, how to navigate challenges and how to care for one another.

“Positive connections have a profound impact on a child’s development,” says Liz Rahn, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and school counselor at St. Raphael, Notre Dame and Blessed Sacrament schools. “Children learn by watching and imitating those around them, especially their peers.”

From the soccer field to the art studio, from youth groups to service projects, students have countless opportunities to practice teamwork, empathy and communication. Even unstructured playtime with friends becomes a classroom for life skills—sharing, taking risks and understanding others’ perspectives.

In conversations with students, Liz hears the same message repeatedly: friendships matter. “They tell me their friends make them feel supported. They share stories of learning new skills, tackling tough problems or finding better ways to express their feelings,” she says.

Parents play a critical role, too. By encouraging participation in school activities, parish youth groups and peer play, families help children strengthen their social and emotional well-being. These connections lay the foundation for healthy, meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime.

Through friendships, teamwork and community engagement, St. Raphael Counseling helps students grow not only academically but socially and emotionally—learning lessons that will shape the rest of their lives.

About St. Raphael Counseling

St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, school counseling, couples counseling and family therapy. We also provide evaluations for learning difficulties, attention problems and autism in a timely, thoughtful way that supports children and their families. With flexible scheduling, insurance options and a sliding scale, we make care accessible. St. Raphael Counseling

In addition, our St. Raphael school counseling program serves students in individual and group counseling sessions, exploring emotions, overcoming challenges and developing essential life skills. Last year alone, 10,000 counseling hours were committed to the well-being of students at Catholic schools. St. Raphael Counseling

The heart of our school counseling mission focuses on student needs, from developmental challenges to technology-induced anxiety and everything in between. We prioritize holistic support, including efforts in areas such as suicide prevention and parent-child engagement. Through individual sessions, group interventions and classroom lessons, counselors equip students with coping strategies and social-emotional skills.

By fostering a collaborative environment, St. Raphael Counseling aims to reassure parents that seeking help for their children is a positive step. Our efforts have led to notable outcomes, including a crossover of parents seeking counseling services for themselves, inspired by their children’s experiences.

Talking to Children About Violence: A Catholic Guide for Families and Educators

By Dr. Angela Wall, St. Raphael Counseling of Catholic Charities Denver

Acts of violence, especially in schools, can leave children anxious and afraid. They may wonder if they or their loved ones are in danger. In these moments, children look to parents, teachers, and caregivers for reassurance. As people of faith, we are called to comfort our children, remind them of God’s loving presence, and guide them toward peace and hope.

1. Reassure Children of Their Safety

Tell children they are safe and remind them that God has placed caring adults—parents, teachers, and community helpers—in their lives to protect them. Even though the news may seem frightening, schools remain among the safest places for children.

2. Listen and Validate Their Feelings

Every feeling is acceptable after a tragedy. Let children express their worries through words, drawings, or play. Acknowledge their fears while also offering hope: violence is real, but many good people are working to make the world safer.

3. Make Time for Conversation

Allow their questions to guide you. Younger children need simple reassurance that home and school are safe, while older children may want to discuss causes of violence and solutions. Remind them that while adults carry the main responsibility for safety, students also help by reporting threats, following school guidelines, and treating others with respect.

4. Keep God in the Conversation

Pray with your children for victims of violence, for peace in our schools, and for hearts to be healed. Remind them that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and that God can bring good even out of terrible situations.

5. Review Safety and Support

Go over school and community safety measures. Encourage your child to identify trusted adults they can go to if they ever feel unsafe.

6. Watch for Signs of Distress

Children may show anxiety through changes in behavior, sleep, or appetite. While most will recover with love and routine, some may need professional help—especially those with past trauma or special needs. Seek help early if you’re concerned.

7. Limit Media Exposure

Graphic images and constant news updates can heighten fear. Be mindful of what children hear in conversations and on social media. Instead, encourage family activities, prayer, and time outdoors.

8. Correct Misinformation

Children may hear rumors or stereotypes about violence. Gently correct misunderstandings and remind them that most people, including those with mental illness, are not dangerous. Stress that violence never solves problems.

9. Maintain Routine and Healthy Habits

Normal routines—meals, rest, schoolwork, play—offer security. Encourage activities that foster joy, connection, and gratitude.

10. Encourage Positive Action

Help others build resilience by inviting your children to pray, volunteer, or participate in school and parish efforts that promote prayer and peace. Small acts of love can make a big difference.

Key Points to Emphasize with Children

  • Schools are safe places where adults work hard to protect you.
  • Adults are responsible for safety, but children can help by speaking up when something feels wrong.
  • Violence is never God’s answer; we are called to resolve conflict peacefully.
  • Guns and weapons are dangerous—always tell an adult if you see one.
  • Staying close to family, friends and God gives us strength and peace.

Even though violence is difficult to understand, our Catholic faith reminds us that Christ is with us always, especially in times of fear. With prayer, love, and trust in God’s care, families and schools can help children feel secure and grow as instruments of peace.

Reference (National Association of School Psychologists)

If A Tree Could Talk: The Stories Hidden In The Branches Of A Linden Tree  

Skinned knees. A freshly cut set of house keys. Whispers shared by friends in the evening breeze.   

Nearly 200 years I have been standing here. Listening, learning about life, loss and love.  

I remember the soft dirt below me beginning to change. Wagon wheels rattling on dirt paths change to cobblestone streets with automobile engines rumbling. Linden Street grows with me each year as I inhale, expanding my trunk and stretching my branches to shake off the sleep of winter. Each time, the world below me is just a bit different.  

Sometimes the change is imperceptible. Other times, unmistakable.  

In 1927, I hear the rumblings of new voices. Those of Catholic Charities coming to Colorado, bringing with it a mission of compassion. Families gathering, communities leaning on each other and hope taking root in a new way. 

I see the community around me searching for shelter, safety and belonging – much like the birds in the air and the beetles on the ground who seek solace below my canopy. Except, I feel the weight of the ones who aren’t successful in finding their way. Their spirits drop as my leaves do in autumn. The winds bring rumors of a woman fighting to support them. 

Later, in 1987, I remember another tree growing beside me. The woman, Sister Mary Alice Murphy, plants it at my feet. Its roots are unlike any I know. They form not in dirt, but in air. Stories, not water, nourish it. They cling to the hearts of those who hear them. As they take root, they don’t grow a wooden trunk like mine, but one made of brick.  

This tree has an unusual, but apt name – The Mission. It has a mission to extend a healing ministry. It grows to provide refuge. Laughter, prayer and sometimes even tears fill its walls. 

This tree does not grow quiet in the cold, as I do. Instead, it breathes and stretches its branches in the biting winds of winter. As I rest, I dream of children laughing, of a snowball missing its mark and thudding softly against my side. I feel the warmth of a back pressed against me, seeking comfort I am happy to give. I hear the faint sobs of a mother carrying the weight of her world, caring for her young.  

It’s as if my branches extend – I take in these voices, the laughter and sobs alike, as though I need them to breathe.  

But lately, they are harder to hear.  

Today, my friend beside me has a new name – Samaritan House Fort Collins – and is part of a bigger tree that offers warmth in the winter, rest in the summer and a chance to begin again. That bigger tree, Catholic Charities, stands nearly 100 years now.  

The voices from these trees are not harder to hear because there are fewer or because they are farther away. In truth, there are more. Feet shuffling. The whoosh of the bus door. The jingle of a bike lock. So many sounds that I can only catch glimpses of the voices beneath me. The chatter of a child learning to tie their shoelaces. A distant whistle of a father waiting at a bus stop. The humming of a woman softly singing the songs of her past.  

Together, these sounds weave a song of their own – one of hope and transformation. I am amongst a community, watching as it grows and for one of my two centuries, Catholic Charities has been part of that story. Looking to the future, I know that the roots of compassion planted here will continue to grow, reaching toward tomorrow.  

Deb’s Journey Towards Stability 

Deb found herself in the same situation affecting thousands of northern Coloradans every day. The high cost of living in Fort Collins left her with limited options and a distressing living environment. After securing a new place but lacking the necessary funds, she faced rejection when seeking assistance from relatives. With a sense of panic and necessity driving her, Deb turned to Samaritan House Fort Collins for help on October 30th of last year. It was the first time she had experienced homelessness. 

Feeling defeated by the costs of living, Deb applied for the extended stay program at Samaritan House where she worked with her case manager to save money and begin the search for housing she could afford. It ended up being the most invaluable support Deb found at Catholic Charities’ Samaritan House. Even more than that, it was a safe place to sleep for an extended time, and the meals provided at the shelter kept her fueled and motivated on her journey.  

Despite the challenges, Deb overcame significant milestones during her time at Samaritan House in Fort Collins. Securing employment marked a turning point, providing her with a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency. The staff, particularly her case worker at Samaritan House, played a crucial role in providing the stability and support necessary for Deb to pursue employment opportunities. 

Today, Deb is preparing to transition to her new apartment. She admits to feeling a mix of anxiety and relief. She finds solace in the prospect of residing with accommodating roommates in a pleasant neighborhood in Loveland. 

Reflecting on her experience, Deb expresses gratitude towards the supportive network at Samaritan House. The staff, particularly her case worker, played a crucial role in providing the stability and support necessary for Deb to pursue employment opportunities. Deb shared, “I am grateful for the staff [who] have been nothing but helpful.”  She encourages others facing similar challenges to utilize the available resources, emphasizing the significance of organizations like Catholic Charities. 

Despite facing setbacks, Deb remains committed to overcoming obstacles and taking positive steps towards a brighter future. Her journey serves as a testament to the transformative impact of perseverance and support. 

*Photo has been changed at Deb’s request.*

Serving Those Who Served: Catholic Charities Helps Veteran Family Stay in Their Home

Hannah is no stranger to sacrifice. As a U.S. Army veteran, she served her country with courage and resilience. But this past summer, she found herself fighting a very different kind of battle—one she never expected to face at home.

No matter how carefully she planned, Hannah couldn’t stretch her income far enough. Even with her two daughters contributing, the bills piled up faster than she could pay them. Jobs were scarce, and the family had already fallen behind on rent and utilities. Every month brought painful choices: pay for groceries or keep the gas on, cover rent or make sure her daughters had what they needed.

For Hannah, the decision to put food on the table was easy. But it meant going without other necessities—warm showers, a working stove and the security of knowing their home could stay safe and comfortable. The weight of those sacrifices grew heavier each day.

Pride made it even harder to ask for help. Hannah had always been the one who provided, who persevered, who pushed through hardship. She had never sought assistance before. But when her veteran benefits still weren’t enough to cover her Atmos Energy bill, she realized she couldn’t keep carrying the burden alone.

That’s when she found Catholic Charities serving Weld County. Our emergency assistance program is focused on homelessness prevention. We understand that unexpected costs arise and, when they do, decisions like Hannah’s have to be made. This program aims to assist our neighbors with rent and utilities so that they can stay in their homes.

Hannah called the utility assistance hotline and scheduled an appointment. Within 24 hours, her gas was restored. For the first time in weeks, her family could cook a hot meal, take warm showers and feel the comfort of stability returning to their home.

But Catholic Charities didn’t stop there. Because Hannah had given so much through her service, our team wanted to give back in every way possible. We connected her to veteran services designed to support those who have served our country. We referred her to the local food bank to help ease the pressure of providing meals. And we introduced her to a partner organization that uplifts women facing hardship, offering Hannah encouragement and community.

The helplessness she had carried for months began to fade. In its place grew the steady reassurance that she and her daughters were not alone.

For Hannah, the assistance was more than a restored utility. It was a reminder that her sacrifices were seen and honored. Because of Catholic Charities—and the generosity of so many—Hannah and her family found hope and security.

Catholic Therapy – is it for you?

Catholic Therapy – is it for you?

Mark R Sanders, LPC, CAS

St Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver

When I began my career 25 years ago, one of the biggest obstacles was the stigma around seeking professional help. Many believed it was “weak” to ask for help, so they went without the support that could have made a difference. Catholics, in particular, often hesitated, unsure about working with a therapist who might not share their faith or worldview. The fear of being misunderstood, or worse, encouraged in directions contrary to their beliefs, kept many people from even considering counseling.
Wow! Times have changed. While stigma still exists in some circles, many people today are open to therapy—especially younger generations. For example, a recent dating app survey found that more than half of men and women value therapy, or openness to it, in a potential partner. This signals a cultural shift: seeking help is no longer viewed as weakness but as wisdom, strength and even a sign of emotional maturity. Across the Archdiocese of Denver, St Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, now offers nearly 40 staff members to provide therapy from a Catholic perspective. For Catholics, this means they can receive high-quality professional care without having to set aside their faith.
Therapy can lead to better mental health, stronger coping skills, healthier relationships and deeper self-awareness. It can also help people adopt a more hopeful and grateful outlook. For instance, a young adult struggling with perfectionism may learn to recognize unhealthy thought patterns, shift toward self-compassion and experience new freedom in their relationships. A couple locked in constant arguments may discover new ways to listen and reconnect. A parent carrying grief from childhood trauma may finally process painful memories and find healing, which in turn affects how they raise their own children. Opening up can be difficult, especially about long-standing struggles, but the benefits usually far outweigh the challenges.
So who is therapy for? The short answer: everyone. At St Raphael Counseling, we see individuals, couples and families. Some come with diagnosed mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, others seek help with communication in relationships and many want a safe space to process life’s challenges or pursue personal growth. A newly married couple may come to learn how to start their life together with strong communication skills. A retiree may come to navigate the loss of identity after leaving the workforce. Teenagers often come to explore identity, anxiety or family conflicts. No matter the reason, therapy provides a structured, supportive environment to work toward growth.
What makes St. Raphael Counseling unique is that while our therapists are trained like secular professionals, we also approach clients’ concerns through a Catholic lens. A couple, for example, may feel more comfortable working with a therapist who understands the sacramental nature of marriage rather than one who might encourage divorce as the first option. Parents may feel more at ease knowing their therapist affirms Church teaching when working with their children. This integration of faith and therapy allows us to care for the whole person—body, mind and spirit.
Therapy is not the same as spiritual direction. A priest or deacon provides guidance in areas like prayer and faith formation, while a therapist focuses on mental and emotional well-being. Still, the two complement each other, working hand-in-hand to support the whole person. Someone seeing a spiritual director may be guided toward deeper prayer practices, while therapy can address the underlying anxiety or trauma that makes prayer difficult. Both roles are vital, but they serve in different ways.
Addictions are one area where this integration is especially powerful. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous emphasize reliance on a “higher power.” Many people try to fill what I call a “God-sized hole” with alcohol, drugs, gambling or pornography. Therapy, combined with faith and community support, can help them surrender control and find healing. I once worked with a client who had tried for years to stop drinking on his own but kept relapsing. When he began to integrate prayer, community accountability and therapy, he discovered that recovery wasn’t about willpower alone but about letting God and others walk with him.
I often think of the story of the woman who prayed for God to save her during a flood but refused help from rescuers. After she drowned, she asked God why He didn’t intervene. He replied, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter.” I see therapy the same way: a vessel through which God offers healing. It’s a privilege to witness clients discover new insights that transform their lives. Sometimes the transformation is dramatic, like overcoming an addiction, but often it’s subtle: a shift in perspective, a release of shame, a new sense of peace. Those moments, small or large, are sacred ground.
So, is therapy for you? There’s no set formula. Some people come for a few sessions, others stay for years. The key is finding value in the process, not just checking it off a list. Therapy works best when you bring real issues to the table, not just surface concerns. If you come with openness, honesty and a willingness to grow, you’re more likely to see results.
If you’re curious, I encourage you to try a session or two. It just might change your life. Therapy is not about labeling you as “broken,” but about helping you live more fully. God created us as whole beings—body, mind and spirit. When one area suffers, the others do too. Therapy can be one of the ways God restores balance, heals wounds and strengthens us for the journey.
About St. Raphael Counseling
St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver, is the nation’s largest Catholic therapy practice. Our licensed professionals provide individual, couples, family and school-based counseling rooted in both sound psychological principles and the Catholic faith. With nearly 40 staff across multiple locations and telehealth options, we serve clients of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking hope, healing and growth. St. Raphael Counseling integrates faith with mental health treatment, offering compassionate care that supports the whole person—body, mind and spirit. For more information, visit straphaelcounseling.com or call 720-377-1359.

Catholic Charities Western Slope Marks 30 Years of Service

This August, Catholic Charities of the Western Slope celebrated three decades of compassionate service in Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties—thirty years of walking alongside neighbors and standing in the gap for struggling families and extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to this unique mountain region.
From its home inside the historic St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs, the Western Slope office has grown since 1995 into a lifeline for the community, with satellite offices in Avon and Eagle. Here, a small but dedicated team tackles challenges that come with serving a region defined by contrasts—where the luxury of ski resorts like Aspen and Vail meets the hard realities of working-class families trying to make ends meet.
“You have the ultra-wealthy with their second, third or fourth homes up here, but we also see families crammed together—three or four households in a single two- or three-bedroom unit,” said Marian McDonough, who has served with Catholic Charities for 17 years.
High living costs and limited affordable housing are persistent hurdles, compounded by the region’s rugged geography and lack of public transportation.
Despite the obstacles, McDonough and her team have helped hundreds of families and individuals secure stable housing since 1995, often providing rent assistance while clients wait for housing vouchers. Along the way, they’ve kept families—and their pets—together.
For many people in the area, they have been in the community for decades. They’ve built communities
The team’s impact stretches beyond housing. From emergency assistance like rent and utility payments to bus tickets for clients traveling to shelters in Grand Junction or Denver, the Western Slope office meets critical needs every month. They also fight wage theft, recovering tens of thousands of dollars for hospitality and construction workers—many of them seasonal employees and immigrants—while educating them on their rights.
For McDonough, the success of the past 30 years is rooted in trust. “We’ve built a reputation of being trustworthy,” she said. “Once people know we can help, they reach out and it becomes a ripple effect.”
Looking forward, the team is eager to expand awareness of its homeless prevention program, especially with the opening of the St. Benedict affordable housing project, they’ve already referred a number of adults 55+ to live there. They also hope to grow staff capacity to meet increasing demand.
“We’re a small but mighty team,” McDonough said. “And we’re doing incredible work up here.”
From Glenwood Springs to Eagle, Catholic Charities’ Western Slope ministry has spent 30 years proving that compassion, persistence and faith can make a profound difference—even in the face of steep challenges. Here’s to the next thirty plus years of providing service and hope to the Western Slope.

Four Years of Walking with Women: A Samaritan House 48th Anniversary  

It’s been a fantastic four years. 

In July 2021, Catholic Charities worked with the City of Denver to reimagine a building at 48th Avenue, just east of Colorado Boulevard, as the largest congregate shelter for single women experiencing homelessness in the Denver metro area. The building, which had housed single men with services provided by the Denver Rescue Mission for several years prior, opened the doors to the growing number of women experiencing homelessness in Denver. 

Samaritan House 48th officially launched as a transitional shelter for women with a clear mission: to provide a safe, stable environment where women can take their next steps toward housing and independence. It’s one of three Samaritan House locations in Denver, including the flagship location on Lawrence Street, which was the first building in the nation constructed to house neighbors experiencing homelessness. Today it is home to single women, veterans and families who need a hand up to reach the next chapter of their lives. Catholic Charities also operates Samarian House Fort Collins and Samaritan House Greeley on the Guadalupe Campus.   

What began as a collection of dormitory-style accommodations at Samaritan House 48th quickly evolved in both structure and scope, reflecting Catholic Charities’ commitment to meeting people where they are. Since then, Samaritan House 48th has not only provided essential shelter, nutritious food and social service resources but has also transformed to meet the changing needs of the women they serve—offering dignity and opportunity through innovation, community and care. 

Today, the site serves up to 270 women each night, making it one of the largest women-specific shelters in the state 

One of the most significant changes on the Samaritan House 48th campus over the past four years has been the roll-out of 270 modular sleeping units—an innovative and compassionate solution introduced to meet the demand for safe, individualized care. 

Installed to enhance privacy and safety, the self-contained units called “Domes” give women personal space to rest and recover—something often lacking in traditional congregate shelter environments. Equipped with beds, lighting, climate control and secure storage, each unit creates a calming space that supports both physical and emotional well-being. 

What sets Samaritan House 48th apart is not just the physical structure, but the team’s commitment to holistic, trauma-informed approach to care. Samaritan House 48th, like other Samaritan House locations, is designed to help participants transition from crisis to stability through wraparound services that support long-term success. 

Residents work closely with case managers, career and housing navigators, and have access to mental health and addiction recovery services. They also participate in life skills workshops and set individualized goals—all in a structured and supportive environment. 

Each woman’s path is different, but the message is the same: you are not alone, and your future matters. 

Looking Ahead 

As Samaritan House 48th celebrates four years, the mission remains unchanged and the vision is growing. With continued rises in homelessness across Colorado, Catholic Charities is committed to expanding programming, strengthening mental health support and investing in the campus’s long-term infrastructure. 

  

“We’ve learned so much from the women we serve,” said Madelyn Voorhees, director of shelter operations at Catholic Charities. “Their resilience inspires everything we do. Samaritan House 48th is not just a shelter—it’s a stepping stone.” 

Staff continue to look for ways to improve daily operations and enhance the guest experience—because for many women, Samaritan House is a lifeline. 

For Karen, a resident, the impact has been deeply personal: 

“You have a sense of privacy. You’re not rolling over and looking at your neighbor. You have a space to store your belongings, where you can actually put a lock and lock them up so nobody can take them. There are outlets where you can plug in your phone, medical equipment, whatever you need. There’s space for your wheelchair. It’s almost like a little tiny home—which is my dream home.” 

The Work Continues 

After four years, Samaritan House 48th stands as a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets action. With every new guest, every success story, and every step forward, the Catholic Charities team is committed to our mission: to walk alongside women as they move from crisis to confidence. 

And the work never stops. If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved at Samaritan House 48th visit ccdenver.org/volunteer 

A New Beginning for Seniors in Glenwood Springs

In a town where million-dollar homes and luxury resorts dominate the landscape, Catholic Charities Housing is making space for something different—something deeply needed. The Benedict Apartments, now rising in the heart of Glenwood Springs, is offering affordable, thoughtfully designed homes for low-income seniors. Nestled among rivers and peaks, this 34-unit community is a rare chance for older adults to age in place with dignity, surrounded by beauty and belonging.

Last Thursday, more than 75 people gathered for a grand opening celebration, including community leaders, supporters, and future residents.

The Benedict is more than a building—it’s a symbol of compassion in action. Each unit is tailored to senior living, with shared spaces to foster connection and design features that support comfort and sustainability. For those who’ve given much to their communities, this is a chance to stay rooted without being priced out.

Across Colorado, the number of older adults facing housing instability is on the rise. In 2024, more than 52,000 people in the state sought housing or homelessness services, one in five was over the age of 55. That’s more than 10,500 older adults who were struggling to keep a roof over their heads. One in three Coloradans aged 65 and older is severely burdened by rent, putting them at high risk of being displaced. From 2020 to 2024, the state’s overall homeless population surged by 90 percent, one of the steepest increases in the nation.

For the residents of the Roaring Fork Valley, The Benedict is a long time coming. The need for senior housing has been increasing steadily for decades, especially as Glenwood Springs has become a hot tourist destination.

Catholic Charities Housing provides secure, supportive and affordable homes for several thousand individuals and families who cannot access appropriate housing at a price they can afford. We own and manage 1,629 units of affordable housing in 31 locations throughout Colorado and continue to develop new communities. Our residents include seniors, families, people with disabilities and individuals who have experienced homelessness. Each receives access to additional support services designed to encourage long-term and sustainable housing security.

On the list of incoming tenants are Elaine and Monty, Glenwood Springs residents of over 20 years. Recently, they were given an eviction notice from their home nearby.

 

When they got the notice, they called Catholic Charities serving the Western Slope, our ministry that helps with community integration services, emergency assistance, immigration services and homeless prevention programs. They were connected with case manager, Kathy Fitzgerald, who told them about Catholic Charities Housing’s newest building and got them on the list.

They attended the grand opening alongside Kathy and

were finally able to tour their future home.

“We can’t wait,” said Monty. “We’ve been calling since we heard about this building. It’s going to be so great for us to not worry about land lords who don’t care. The timing of it just really worked out for us.”

This why The Benedict Apartments matter. Each unit is designed specifically for senior living with features that support comfort and independence, and a peace of mind. Shared spaces encourage connection at a time of life when isolation can be common, and the location keeps residents close to local services, nature, friends and family. By providing affordable homes, The Benedict helps prevent homelessness before it starts and gives seniors the chance to stay rooted in the community they love.

The Caplis Match is back — give by Dec. 31 and your donation to Catholic Charities goes twice as far.Click Here