Larimer County

Mission of Compassion: Impactful Summer Service at Samaritan House

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For several years, students from the Centered on Christ Catholic Community in Minnesota have journeyed to Colorado each summer with a mission: to make a difference. Their destination? The Samaritan House locations in Fort Collins and Greeley. 

Centered on Christ Catholic Community is a collaboration of four parishes within the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, dedicated to forming missionary disciples with a passion for Christ. Each year, these missionaries take on projects at Catholic Charities’ shelters, aiming to improve the lives of our guests. Their work has included revitalizing the veterans’ pergola, enhancing dull electrical boxes, and installing concrete slabs for storage sheds and landscaping. Their efforts have had a profound impact on both Samaritan House Fort Collins and the Samaritan House Greeley on the Guadalupe Campus. 

The group’s visit always begins with an orientation, designed to help the student missionaries understand how to truly connect with the people we serve at Catholic Charities. Many students are struck by the difficult choices that those experiencing homelessness face daily. Through interactive games and personal stories from individuals who have stayed at Catholic Charities, the students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live below the poverty line. Before embarking on their projects, the missionaries are encouraged to engage with guests, approaching each interaction with compassion and an awareness that every person has a unique story. 

The 11 student missionaries and five adult chaperones start their days early, beginning with a prayer service before heading to Fort Collins or Greeley. Once there, they dive straight into their work. This year, the group contributed an impressive 380 hours of service from Monday through Thursday—equivalent to nearly 10 weeks of full-time work for one employee! After a full day of physical labor and meaningful connections with the guests at Samaritan House, the students return to St. Joe’s Catholic School, where they stay for the week. Evenings are spent cooking dinner, attending adoration, and engaging in prayer.

 

In addition to the tangible improvements they make, our staff deeply values the time spent with these young missionaries, many of whom return year after year. Watching them grow and evolve has been a true privilege. We are inspired and uplifted by their dedication to Christ and are grateful for their ongoing commitment to our operations in Northern Colorado. 

 

 

From Homelessness to Hope: Kevin Signs Lease After Eight Years

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For years, Kevin experienced the harsh reality of homelessness, facing uncertain days and nights. Connecting with Samaritan House Fort Collins was his turning point. With unwavering determination, he engaged in programs that propelled him toward his ultimate dream – a place to truly call home. In partnership with his dedicated Samaritan House caseworker, Kevin dove … Read more

Catholic Charities Partners with Fort Collins Natural Area to Preserve God’s Beauty and is Honored with the Great Horned Owl Award

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Since November 2021, Catholic Charities has adopted a natural area along the Poudre River better known as Gustav Swanson. With over 45 species of birds and dozens of other creatures flocking in the space, it has become a sanctuary for residents of Fort Collins and guests of Samaritan House Fort Collins, which is only one block away from the unique area.

Gustav Swanson Natural Area was dedicated in 1988, as a tribute to biologist, Gustav Swanson who, over many years, made the area more accessible to the community. Forty years later, the goal of making the area accessible to the entire community remains a top priority.

Historically, Gustav Swanson has not been adoptable due to challenges from the surrounding area. It is located between the shelters for men and women in Fort Collins and often has many hazards littered throughout the area.

In March 2023, Bethany Bray, Samaritan House Fort Collins’ Volunteer Coordinator, and the Catholic Charities of Larimer County team were honored with the Great Horned Owl Award (Rookie of the Year) for their efforts in maintaining the natural beauty of the area. The partnership has evolved since the beginning, with those residing at the shelter teaming up with staff and volunteers to take an active role in assisting in its clean up and maintenance. The mission of Catholic Charities is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to all life, including God’s creations in nature.

“In addition to helping maintain the natural beauty of the area, this has been an opportunity for our agency to lean into the seventh of our Catholic Social teachings, Care for Creation,” shared Joe Domko, former Regional Director. “It provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in discussions on the importance of taking care of our common home, while identifying he link between environmental degradation and human impoverishment.”

Catholic Charities Chaplain Father Bob Kelly, a Fort Collins native, offered the blessing at the kick-off clean up event back in 2021. He prayed for participants at Samaritan House and that the space may serve as a sign of God’s love for those needing it most.