The sounds of music and encouragement echoed through Catholic Charities Samaritan House this week as a group of high school students from Plano, Texas, shared a special performance with residents and staff.
The students, members of the youth choir at Custer Road United Methodist Church, traveled to Denver as part of a service-focused summer trip. Shortly after arriving, they made Samaritan House their first stop, bringing songs that ranged from classical selections to contemporary pieces and rap.
For the students, the visit offered more than an opportunity to perform. It provided a chance to connect with people whose life experiences may be very different from their own and to gain a broader understanding of the challenges others face.
“Coming here is as good for my kids as it is for anyone who hears us,” said Tim Morrison, pastor at Custer Road United Methodist Church. “It allows them the opportunity to realize not everybody has the same opportunities in life. It gives them a perspective check. It helps them to see the world a little differently and consequently see themselves differently.”
The performance also reflected the choir’s mission to use music as a way to build community and share encouragement wherever they travel.
“We do a lot of diverse music—everything from a little bit of rap to a little bit of classical because it’s a diverse world out there,” Tim said.
Throughout the afternoon, participants and staff were treated to a message of hope that extended beyond the music itself.
“Our job is to get out there and sing for people and spread the love of Christ,” Tim said. “Let everybody know that there’s hope. Tomorrow’s coming. Hang in there. It’s going to be okay.”
The visit served as a reminder of how simple acts of kindness can create meaningful connections. Through their music and presence, the students brought moments of joy and encouragement to the Samaritan House community while gaining valuable perspective in return.
“We were so happy to share it today,” Tim said.
Catholic Charities Samaritan House has been serving our Colorado community for more than 40 years. Since opening in 1986, the ministry has expanded to five locations across the state, providing shelter, meals and pathways to stability for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Samaritan House Denver locations alone provides more than 225,000 nights of shelter, 515,000 meals each year and 99% of our participants in Client Services and Veterans programs do not return to shelter after leaving. To learn more about Samaritan House or support its mission, visit ccdenver.org/shelter.