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Serving the Western Slope of Colorado with Compassion and Resolve

Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Western Slope, Catholic Charities operates a unique ministry extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need across three counties: Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin. From their main office in Glenwood Springs, housed in the historic St. Stephen’s Church, the team also serves out of satellite offices in Avon and Eagle, where they work diligently to support a region defined by its extremes.

Home to renowned ski resorts like Vail and Aspen, the Western Slope’s wealth contrasts starkly with the financial struggles of working-class families, many of whom juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet.

Despite their small size, the Western Slope team embodies the spirit of compassion and resilience. They are a tight-knit group of staff members who offer a broad range of services, from emergency assistance to homeless prevention, while also running housing programs and community integration initiatives.

A Region of Contrasts

Marian McDonough, who has dedicated 16 years to Catholic Charities, paints a vivid picture of the area’s diverse socioeconomic landscape. “You have the ultra-wealthy with their second, third or fourth homes up here,” she explains, “but we also see families crammed together—three or four households in a single two- or three-bedroom unit.” This economic disparity drives much of Catholic Charities’ work on the Western Slope, where high living costs make finding affordable housing a near-impossible task for many.

The housing shortage is exacerbated by the region’s geography and lack of public transportation. “People might work in Glenwood Springs but live 40 miles away in Parachute,” says Kathy Fitzgerald, a Catholic Charities’ homeless prevention case manager. “And with minimal public transit, the commute can make holding down a job incredibly difficult.” The shortage of affordable housing close to employment opportunities is a constant challenge, as is the limited availability of rental units overall.

Despite these obstacles, the team has made significant strides. Over the past year, Kathy and her colleague, Jenny Del Cid, have helped 30 families secure stable housing, providing critical rent assistance while families wait—sometimes up to 16 months—for a housing voucher. “We’ve also housed 14 dogs and seven cats,” Kathy adds with a smile, emphasizing that pets are part of the family and just as important to keep together.

Supporting Families in Crisis

Jenny shares one of the many success stories from the past year—a single mother with an eight-year-old son who had undergone multiple surgeries. “She had to take time off work and reduce her hours, putting them at risk of losing their home,” Jenny recounts. Thanks to our Homeless Prevention Program, which provides up to six months of rent assistance, they were able to stay in their home. By August, the son had made a full recovery, and the mother was back at work full-time. “It’s these kinds of moments that show how vital our programs are,” Jenny says.

The team’s emergency assistance programs provide a wide array of support, from rent and utility payments to bus tickets for clients needing to access shelters in Grand Junction or Denver, given the lack of overnight shelters in the region. “We help around 30 clients a month,” says Genesys Balcastro, who coordinates the emergency assistance program. Though the numbers may seem small, the impact is life-changing.

Addressing Wage Theft and Empowering Workers

One of the most pressing issues on the Western Slope is wage theft, particularly in the hospitality and construction sectors. Many seasonal workers, often immigrants with limited English skills, are vulnerable to exploitation. Pam Sailer, a community advocate, describes how Catholic Charities steps in to mediate disputes between workers and employers. “We’ve helped recover tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages,” Pam says, attributing the success largely to the agency’s reputation and their ability to offer mediation and translation services. “When an employer realizes we’re involved, most of the time they pay up.”

In many cases, the workers are unaware of their rights under Colorado labor laws. “We help them read their timesheets, explain that they’re entitled to breaks, and make sure they understand their rights,” Pam explains. “When they return to the workforce, they’re more empowered because they know how things work.”

Looking to the Future

As the Western Slope team continues to grow and evolve, they have several goals for the coming year. High on their list is expanding awareness of the homeless prevention program, particularly with the opening of the St. Benedict project—a much-needed Catholic Charities Housing affordable housing development . Marian is also focused on onboarding new staff to help meet the rising demand for services. “Supporting this team and our community is our top priority,” she says.

Word of mouth is crucial in the smaller communities they serve, particularly for the Latino population. “We’ve built a reputation of being trustworthy,” Marian notes. “Once people know we can help, they reach out, and it becomes a ripple effect.”

Despite the challenges—whether it’s the lack of affordable housing, the long commutes, or the lack of shelters—the Western Slope team remains steadfast. “We’re a small but mighty team,” Marian says proudly. “And we’re doing incredible work up here.”

From Glenwood Springs to Eagle, the team at Catholic Charities is making a profound difference, providing hope and tangible support to those who need it most in the beautiful, yet complex, region they call home.