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