For more than 20 years, Jim Goebel has been a steady presence at Catholic Charities Samaritan House, serving residents and supporting the shelter’s day-to-day operations behind the scenes. As Samaritan House celebrates 40 years of serving the Colorado community this year, Jim’s more than two decades of volunteer service represent over half of the shelter’s history—a remarkable testament to his commitment to the mission and the people we serve.
Jim began volunteering at Samaritan House in 2003. Now retired, he spends six to eight hours each week helping residents access important correspondence and keeping the shelter’smail system organized.
A large part of his role involves processing the mail that continues to arrive for residents, even after they have moved on from Samaritan House. For many, those letters can include important documents, benefits information or other time-sensitive materials.
“We get a lot of mail and residents leave,” Jim explained. “When they leave, they’re told to pick up any mail that comes in. They must present an ID and pick it up within roughly twoweeks.”
Each week, Jim sorts through incoming and unclaimed mail, prepares items to be returned when needed and helps make sure residents can receive what belongs to them.
“The mail needs to be processed on a weekly basis and that’s partly what I do — sending back the old mail, banding it up and getting it ready for the postman,” he said.
But for Jim, the work has always been about more than mail. Over the years, he has built meaningful connections with residents and staff alike.
“I’ve just really enjoyed being able to get together with different individuals who have entered the shelter and have left,” Jim said. “There are several that I have fond memories of and I just really enjoy mixing with the people and helping them out as much as I can.”
Those interactions have deepened his appreciation for the challenges residents face and the resilience they show.
“I just appreciate the struggles they go through and pray for them,” he said.
Jim also credits Samaritan House staff with inspiring him throughout his years of service.
“I really have been inspired by the people that work here,” he said. “They’ve been an inspiration to me.”
For Jim, volunteering has become a meaningful way to spend his retirement while continuing to make a difference in our community.
“I don’t need a salary anymore, so I just spend my time here and really enjoy that,” he said.
Jim’s dedication is especially meaningful during Catholic Charities Samaritan House’s 40th anniversary year. Since opening its doors in 1986 as the first building in the nation designed specifically as a homeless shelter, Samaritan House has provided shelter, meals and support to thousands of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. For more than half of that history, Jim has been there helping ensure residents receive the care, dignity and support they need.
After more than two decades of service, Jim’s commitment continues to leave a lasting impact at Samaritan House. Whether he is helping a resident locate an important piece of mail or offering a friendly conversation at the front desk, he reflects the compassion and dedication that help make Samaritan House a place of hope and support.