Denver Samaritan House
We're celebrating at Samaritan House this year. Opened in November 1986 as the first building in the nation built specifically to serve people experiencing homelessness, Samaritan House has been a Denver staple for 40 years. Throughout the decades, thousands of people have been served and found safe shelter, nutritious meals and support services at Samaritan House. Today, our focus is primarily on serving women, families and veterans who are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. The community we serve has evolved; our mission remains the same.
HERE TO HELP
Thanks to our amazing community of supporters and volunteers, Samaritan House has been part of the Colorado community since 1986, and we're here to help you today.
Denver Samaritan House
We are dedicated to improving the lives of everyone we serve. Join our community as you begin the journey of rebuilding your life and regaining hope.
I need SHELTER
SAMARITAN HOUSE DOWNTOWN
2301 Lawrence St, Denver
EMERGENCY OVERNIGHT SHELTER for single women
-
- Hours of operation: 365 days a year from 4 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
- Capacity: 40 dorm-style beds + two nutritious meals (dinner and breakfast) and bathroom services (no showers).
- Eligibility: Women 18 years and older.
- Participants can reserve a bed each morning with staff.
- Participants with bed reservation will be checked in first starting at 3:30pm.
- All other beds can be accessed on a first come first serve basis for those are eligible. Participant must check in by 5 pm to maintain bed reservation.
- Contact: 303-294-0241
SAMARITAN HOUSE 48TH
4330 48th Ave., Denver
-
- Hours of operation: 365 days a year, 24 hours a day
- Capacity: 270 dorm-style beds, offered on a first-come, first-served basis
- Services: Three nutritious meals, shower services, laundry services and case management support
- Admission: Arrive at Samaritan House 48th, located at 4330 E. 48th Ave. in Denver, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- No need to call in advance and no referral required
- Transportation: Available from Samaritan House Downtown to Samaritan House 48th daily for those women seeking 24/7 shelter services. Arrive at 2301 Lawrence St. in Denver before 4:30 p.m. each day for transportation.
- Eligibility: Women 18 years and older
- Contact: 720-799-9506
Check out this video of one of our participants at Samaritan House, Carole, who recently moved into the new Domes, a modular structure that dignifies the women at the shelter.
SAMARITAN HOUSE DOWNTOWN
2301 Lawrence St, Denver
EXTENDED STAY PROGRAM
- Hours of operation: 365 days a year, 24 hours a day
- Capacity: Offered based on availability
- Services: 6-9 month supportive living program provides safe dorm beds or family rooms; three nutritious meals; showers; and support services including case management, individualized goal-setting, mental health clinical services, holistic wellness, employment readiness, housing navigation, financial and life-skills classes and referrals to community resources.
- Admission
- SINGLE WOMEN:
- A referral by a community partner. If you are a provider supporting an individual shelter, please use the linked form to complete a referral: Referral Form for Samaritan House Extended Stay Shelter
- VETERANS:
- Go to the Community Resources and Referral Center at 3836 York St., Denver, CO 80205 or call 303-294-0241.
- FAMILIES:
- Call 303-295-3366 for Salvation Army Connections Center to get your family on their waitlist for multiple family shelters including Samaritan House. We also take referrals from community partners. If you are a provider supporting a family seeking shelter, please use the linked form to complete a referral: Referral Form for Samaritan House Extended Stay Shelter
- SINGLE WOMEN:
Take an inside look at the services offered for families at Samaritan House Downtown
In English
En Español
Every Child Pediatrics
Samaritan House is proudly partnering with Every Child Pediatrics to provide high-quality medical care to the children who call Samaritan House home. This is believed to be the first pediatric clinic in the country to be located inside a shelter and is providing children with free medical and behavioral health care. This groundbreaking initiative is part of a comprehensive approach that combines primary care and mental health services through screening, communication and coordination. The clinic is open to families every Tuesday and Thursday. Find out more here.HOW CAN WE HELP?
I AM A SINGLE WOMAN IN NEED OF EMERGENCY SHELTER
It's not just a place to sleep.
We provide a place for new beginnings.
I NEED FOOD
ASSISTANCE
Little Flower Assistance Center provides two weeks of food in all Aurora zip codes and Denver: 80239,80249
I NEED AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
If you are in need of affordable housing, you are welcome to apply for housing.
EXTENDED
SERVICES
I am a single woman, veteran or have children and am in need of extended services.
I SUSPECT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
If you see something suspicious and suspect it could be human trafficking, you can take action!
EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE
For utility assistance (gas, electric) please call 720.377.1313 between 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday.
I NEED HELP WITH AN ADDICTION
If you are motivated to recover from the disease of addiction and ready to rebuild those facets of your life that have been damaged by the cycle of addiction, call Step 13 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 303.295.7837.
I AM A
VETERAN
If you are a veteran in need of assistance, resources are available through the Grant and Per Diem Program at Samaritan House. To qualify for this program, go to the VA hospital at Clermont and 9th or the Community Resource and Referral Center at 1247 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, CO 80204. The VA hospital can refer you to our program.
Please obtain a GPD Referral Letter at either the CRRC 3836 N. York Street 303.294.5600 or at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA, Building A 720.857.5037
I NEED HELP FLEEING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Our shelters are not SAFE houses. If you're experiencing any kind of domestic violence & feel helpless, please contact The National Domestic Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233).
“That Was My Last Bus Ride”
When Qiana Lee arrived at Samaritan House, she was in the middle of active addiction. “At the beginning, I was feeling my addiction very much,” she said. “I didn’t have any intention of changing.” For the first five months, she continued using drugs and alcohol. At night, she would sit in her car, drape herself … Read more
40 Years of Hope Samaritan House 1986-2026
At the corner of 23rd and Lawrence Streets in downtown Denver, a new banner hangs above Samaritan House, marking a milestone few organizations reach: 40 years of service. As Catholic Charities celebrates Samaritan House’s 40th anniversary this year, it is also a moment to look back on a bold vision that helped change how the … Read more
Before the Doors Open: The Heart Behind Nearly Half a Million Meals
Before the first guest steps into the dining room, before the clatter of utensils, the hum of conversation and the warmth of a shared meal, quiet, holy preparation takes place in the kitchen at Samaritan House Fort Collins, a shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness. The lights flick on early as Terry, the kitchen … Read more
Riding with Purpose: Olympic Hopeful Codey Cook Finds Faith and Community with Team Samaritan
When Codey Cook was a teenager in Michigan, he didn’t imagine his Olympic dream would one day lead him to Colorado Springs—or to a cycling team that shares his Catholic faith and his desire to serve others. “I’ve wanted to be in the Olympics since I saw the Olympics for the first time back in … Read more
Huey Min’s Leap of Faith: Finding Home Far From Home
Starting over isn’t easy – especially when it means leaving everything, and everyone you’ve known behind. At just 21 years old, Huey Min arrived in Denver, not knowing a soul, carrying the weight of that decision. It was a leap into the unknown, driven by the hope of building a life on her own terms. … Read more
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 … Read more
A Calling Within a Calling: Deacon Rich at Samaritan House 48th
Deacon Rich never expected his path to lead here, exactly—but that’s often how God works. After years of family-life ministry at St. Mary’s in Littleton and before that, as an elementary school teacher, he recently began a new chapter, serving the women at Samaritan House 48th as an employment navigator. It’s a practical role—helping women … Read more
Packed with Love: Catholic Charities School Supply Backpacks
In a powerful show of community generosity and compassion, Catholic Charities has completed its most successful School Supply Drive to date—delivering 1,050 fully-loaded backpacks to children from kindergarten through high school across the Denver metro area and Northern Colorado. These backpacks, filled to the brim with age-appropriate supplies, represent more than pencils and notebooks—they symbolize dignity, confidence … Read more
Legacy on Wheels: The Sonnen Family’s Gift to Denver
When three brand-new catering trucks rolled into service for Catholic Charities Samaritan House Catering team, they carried more than meals—they carried a family’s legacy. The Sonnen family donated the vehicles in honor of Chuck and Mary Ann Sonnen, lifelong Denver residents whose quiet generosity touched countless lives. A Family of Compassion Chuck and Mary Ann … Read more
Navy Veteran Mer’Curie Finds a Home — and Hope — with Help from Catholic Charities
At 79 years old, Navy veteran Mer’Curie has weathered more storms than most. Born into a childhood marked by instability and loss, she learned early how to survive — but not always how to heal. Decades later, she’s now finding the support she needs to begin that process. In 2023, after relocating to Denver from … Read more
“God spoke to us and he usually speaks to both of us together”
The story of a mother-daughter duo who are giving back, one trim at a time Nothing lifts the spirit like a fresh haircut—it’s dignity in a trim, confidence in a clip and self-worth in every snip. And for those without a home, it’s more than just a style—it’s a spark of hope. Catholic Charities is … Read more
Every Child Pediatrics: Bringing Healthcare to Families in Need
Since opening our doors in 2022, Every Child Pediatrics at Catholic Charities Samaritan House has been a vital healthcare resource for children experiencing homelessness and financial insecurity. The clinic provides comprehensive pediatric care for young patients and their families, ensuring they have access to essential medical services. “We see kiddos who are living here at … Read more
Celebrating Catholic Schools Week with Gratitude
At Catholic Charities, we are proud to honor Catholic Schools Week by celebrating the incredible contributions of students from Catholic schools across Colorado. As a Catholic organization, we deeply value Catholic education and its emphasis on service, compassion and community. Over the years, we have been privileged to partner with many Catholic schools in meaningful … Read more
The Healing Canvas: Thursday Nights at Samaritan House
On Thursday nights, after dinner but before bed, the meeting space on the family floor at Samaritan House turns into an art studio. The iconic shelter, known for offering refuge and support to families, women and veterans, becomes a sanctuary of creativity and connection, where art therapy classes bring families together in the most unexpected … Read more
From Intake Specialist to Capuchin Brother: Brother Christopher’s Journey of Faith and Service at Samaritan House
Brother Christopher sits at his desk at Samaritan House fifteen hours a week these days. There’s a familiar nostalgia he feels as he responds to incoming calls and emails. The Samaritan House staff member turned Capuchin Brother, Brother Christopher has a lot of moments of deja vu, with a new twist. The main difference from … Read more