At Samaritan House Fort Collins, generosity doesn’t sit on a shelf for long.
During the holiday season, the shelter received an unusually large number of winter gear and hygiene donations. As social case workers John and Adriana and intake specialist Macie sorted through coats, gloves and toiletries, they noticed something unusual: there was more than enough. What if this abundance could stretch beyond Samaritan House walls?
They knew the need was there.
Because case managers work closely with residents and guests experiencing homelessness, they see firsthand how quickly winter temperatures turn dangerous. They hear the stories. They understand the gaps. So when they saw the overflow of donations, they didn’t see excess — they saw opportunity.
Within days, the team organized a winter gear drive at Library Park outside the Old Town Library in downtown Fort Collins. The goal, Macie said, was simple: provide “just anything warm that somebody might need.”
Tables were lined with coats, hats, gloves, scarves, toiletries, hygiene items and other winter essentials. Through local community partners, word spread quickly. In just two and a half hours, about 60 individuals stopped by, selecting what would help them most. Many paused to express their gratitude. Some shared news of the drive with others, extending its reach even further.
The heart behind the effort reflects the broader mission of Samaritan House Fort Collins, a ministry of Catholic Charities serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Larimer County. More than a place to sleep, the shelter provides meals, safety and comprehensive support designed to help people regain stability. Residents in the extended stay program participate in a structured 120-day journey toward housing, setting goals, meeting weekly with case managers and building the skills needed for long-term success. With a 60% success rate — double the national average for similar programs — the shelter pairs accountability with compassion, walking alongside each person as they rebuild their lives.
That same spirit guided the winter gear drive.
What began as an overflow of holiday generosity became something far greater: a visible reminder that no one is forgotten. Through creativity and commitment, the staff at Samaritan House Fort Collins transformed surplus donations into warmth, dignity and hope. In doing so, they extended more than coats and gloves — they extended care, connection and the healing ministry of Jesus in a very tangible way.