A transformative project aimed at providing a sense of community and security to 271 women at Samaritan House 48th just reached the finish line. The project, featuring innovative private spaces known as Domes, stands as a pioneering endeavor, representing one of the first of its kind in the country. These meticulously crafted Domes were conceptualized and built with the primary goal of offering a more dignified living environment for individuals seeking refuge and support within the congregate space.
To celebrate the final installation of Domes, our team invited the community to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing late last month. Our Catholic Charities Chaplain, Father Barnabas, prayed and sprinkled holy water over the 70 new Domes to prepare them for participants.
Jeff Kositsky, Deputy Director of Homelessness Resolution and Housing Stability at HOST, emphasized the profound impact of the project. “These Domes are more than just walls, they are containers for humanity. They offer each person a chance to have a place to call their own, even if only for a little while.” The sentiment underscores our Catholic values to serve the vulnerable across Northern Colorado with love and respect, creating pathways out of poverty.
Carole Chambers is one of the recipients of these Domes.
“You know, I have a sense of privacy now. You have a place to store your belongings. I have a place to store my belongings. I have an outlet to plug in my phone and medical equipment. We also have a place to put our wheelchairs. It’s almost like a little tiny home, which is my dream home by the way,” said Chambers.
The completion of this project represents a significant milestone at Catholic Charities to provide compassionate and effective support to the whole person. The design and construction of the Domes reflect a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and security, which in turn makes the participants feel a little more at home. In a recent survey done at Samaritan House, conflicts are down 60% because of the Domes. These essential elements are a small step in the journey towards stability and empowerment for the residents of our entire Samaritan House community.
Working Towards Stability at Samaritan House 48th Carole is one of more than 230 residents currently staying at Samaritan House 48th, a Catholic Charities shelter for single women in northeast Denver. Before coming to Samaritan House, Carole experienced homelessness for five years. During that time, safety was a significant concern. “It’s secure. I feel … Read more
When Army veteran Eugene moved back to Denver from Memphis in December 2023, he told himself that he would be without a home for three weeks, tops. While his time in the Veterans Program at Samaritan House, the Catholic Charities iconic shelter in downtown Denver, extended beyond his three-week goal, he used the time there … Read more
Denver Family Are Three Peas in a Pod in New Modular Domes at Samaritan House 48th
Kathy and her twin daughters, Debbie and Kathleen, are three peas in a pod. They’re inseparable and committed to spending a lot of time together, despite the challenges of experiencing homelessness in Denver for several years. Denver natives, their goal has always been to support and lean on each other, despite the struggles they’ve faced together.
Today, the three of them are enjoying their new domes. Over the past year, Catholic Charities and the City of Denver have worked together to enhance the facilities at Samaritan House 48th by adding semi-private units, we call domes to the building. The private modular sleeping areas give residents their own space and some privacy. Kathy and her daughters have taken up residence in three adjacent domes in the “Lily” neighborhood.
Building out of domes continues through the shelter, which is on track to have 271 total domes by the end of 2024. Kathy and her girls have faced their share of tragedy. She gave birth to six wonderful children but has grieved the deaths of three sons. As anyone who has lost a family member knows, that shared experience can make remaining family members grow very close. That’s the situation with Kathy, Debbie and Kathleen, who have worked hard to stay together every step of the way.
As they settled into their new living space, complete with cherished Broncos and Nuggets blankets, the family has a deep sense of relief and gratitude. They now have a more private place to call their own as they continue their search for stable, permanent housing. The domes can be a place where they can continue to support each other through thick and thin. The chance to be together and have a roof over their heads at Samaritan House is a blessing they’ve never taken for granted.
“We are so glad to stay together. My girls take care of me, and make sure I am looked after,” Kathy shared, with tears in her eyes. “I am grateful that we stick together.”
For Kathy and her daughters, this new chapter at the Lily neighborhood represents a fresh start. They know there will still be challenges ahead, but together, they are ready to face whatever comes their way. These three in their new domes are grateful for the chance to be together and for the hope that this new beginning is the start of a happy new chapter in their lives.
“Volunteering at Catholic Charities has been incredibly rewarding for me.” At Catholic Charities, our volunteers are the quiet heroes, weaving their unique skills, life experiences and kindness into the fabric of our mission. With humility and dedication, they stand alongside us, bolstering our efforts to support those in need within our community. One such volunteer … Read more
“Twenty years ago, while studying art in New York, I volunteered at a family shelter. That experience planted a seed within me,” Theo recalls. “It led me to pursue a career in education, teaching art in low-income schools for nearly two decades.” Meet Theo Schwartz, the founder behind Big Heart Art, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated … Read more
Across the Front Range, Catholic Charities is making a significant impact on the lives of women experiencing homelessness through our innovative Women’s Employment Navigation Program, housed at Samaritan House in downtown Denver. This program is a part of the comprehensive way that Catholic Charities looks at all our ministries, wrapping basics like safe shelter and … Read more
Clark grabs the pink butterfly blanket her daughter gave her and carries it across Samaritan House 48th. Excitedly, she makes her way to the Rose neighborhood, a new section of semi-private cubes called “pods” within the Catholic Charities shelter and settles into her new home. “This changes everything for me. I am a quiet and independent person, so to have this private place where I can mind my own business and focus on myself is amazing. I feel very blessed and know God is looking after me.”
After Clark’s divorce, her sense of self changed, and it took a toll on her financial situation. Samaritan House 48th is her chance to start over as a single person in a safe and healthy environment.
For Clark and the 96 other women who moved into the first round of pods, a new chapter begins.
The newly designed sleeping quarters consist of semi-private cubes equipped with a bed, a lockable wardrobe, electrical outlets and aisle lighting. With three sides enclosed, residents enjoy enhanced privacy within these spaces. These sleeping areas are also modular, allowing flexibility for rearrangement or reconfiguration as needed by the Samaritan House staff.
In addition to the sleeping quarters, the modular units create lounging spaces furnished with comfortable couches for residents to relax further. Samaritan House 48th also introduced upgraded restroom and shower facilities, along with a medical services center. It is expected that by the end of 2024, all of the pods will be complete, and every guest will have a pod and a “neighborhood” to call their own.
“These are more than just structures. They represent symbols of hope, dignity and progress. For too long, emergency shelters have been living in challenging spaces, ranging from mats on the floor, to bunk beds with very little amenities or supportive services. Our vision is a future where every individual in our shelter has access to safety, security, and a dignified emergency shelter experience.” said Eli Allen, the director of strategic initiatives for Catholic Charities
As part of the move-ins, each pod recipient received a welcome bag complete with skincare, body wash and other toiletries to celebrate their new space. Many of the women started decorating their spaces to make it their own, with artwork and little subtleties that are near and dear to them.
“We want to try to make it someplace where people feel like they can come, but they also know that there is a goal to live in a community environment. We do think that this will drive some more interest in coming inside because it does have a more dignified feeling,” said Allen.
In 2019, Diega and her family arrived in Denver from Honduras. The adjustment to a new city, new language and new culture was challenging, but thanks to the support from the Samaritan House team, they were soon able to find stability and a place to call home.
It was at Samaritan House where Diega first heard about the Early Head Start Home-Based Option, a Catholic Charities program that provides early childhood education and support for families with young children. She jumped at the opportunity to enroll her children, knowing that it would provide them with a solid foundation for their education and future success. With the help of the program, her family secured a long-term residence through the Denver Housing Authority, and her children soon began attending the Mariposa Center for additional support and learning.
Diega also became involved in the Early Head Start Policy Council, serving as a Parent Representative and advocating for the needs of other families. Through her involvement, she learned about the plethora of resources available to families in Denver and made connections with other parents who were going through similar experiences. She also received invaluable support and guidance in preparing her children for kindergarten, something impossible without the program’s help.
Diega knows there might be some bumps along the way, but she’s sure she’ll create a great future for her kids. With a smile on her face, she’s ready to dive into the next part of her family’s adventure, full of excitement and possibilities.
Last December, Samaritan House transformed conference rooms and common areas into places of shelter and safety for dozens of migrants who had just arrived in Denver. Since the influx fell around Christmastime, staff did their best to adapt to what the holidays may have felt like in their respective countries. To commemorate, they put together a Las Posadas celebration. Las Posadas is a cherished Christmas tradition in Latin American countries, where people celebrate the journey of Mary and Joseph as they search for a place to stay before the birth of Jesus. In its second year of celebrating Los Posadas at Samaritan House, staff, residents and volunteers came together to sing in anticipation of the coming of our Lord and Savior.
The procession made stops at the recreation room, clinic, cafeteria and finally the chapel, re-enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph and asking for shelter. Both English and Spanish versions of the hymn were sung, putting people of all backgrounds in the shoes of Mother Mary and Joseph. The Christmas story reflects so many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness this season. The chapel resembled the inn the Holy Family eventually was welcomed into.
“When we celebrated this last year, we connected the rich symbolism of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter, similar to the many families who have come to us. Many of them can empathize of how they must have felt and the realization that the Son of God was homeless before he came into this world,” said Josh Zielinski, associate director of Samaritan House family services. “It’s a great opportunity for us to keep Christ in Christmas.’
After the procession, everyone gathered back into the recreation room for tamales and piñata to enjoy. All the families felt true joy, knowing this holiday is much more about being grateful to be with one another and celebrating a journey that is similar to theirs.
The Las Pasadas celebration at Samaritan House is a testament to the Catholic Charities mission of serving as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, and keeping what he would do in the forefront of our daily work. For too many this Christmas season, it is their first time away from their families and the unknown of what may be next on their journey is frightening. To know that Christ has too walked in their shoes, is as powerful of any.
The end of the Las Posadas song:
¡Dichosa la casa
que alberga este día
a la Virgen pura.
la hermosa María!
Blessed is the house
that shelters this day
the purest Virgin,
the beautiful Mary.
Last December, Samaritan House transformed conference rooms and common areas into places of shelter and safety for dozens of migrants who had just arrived in Denver. Since the influx fell around Christmastime, staff did their best to adapt to what the holidays may have felt like in their respective countries. To commemorate, they put together a Las Posadas celebration. Las Posadas is a cherished Christmas tradition in Latin American countries, where people celebrate the journey of Mary and Joseph as they search for a place to stay before the birth of Jesus. In its second year of celebrating Los Posadas at Samaritan House, staff, residents and volunteers came together to sing in anticipation of the coming of our Lord and Savior.
The procession made stops at the recreation room, clinic, cafeteria and finally the chapel, re-enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph and asking for shelter. Both English and Spanish versions of the hymn were sung, putting people of all backgrounds in the shoes of Mother Mary and Joseph. The Christmas story reflects so many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness this season. The chapel resembled the inn the Holy Family eventually was welcomed into.
“When we celebrated this last year, we connected the rich symbolism of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter, similar to the many families who have come to us. Many of them can empathize of how they must have felt and the realization that the Son of God was homeless before he came into this world,” said Josh Zielinski, associate director of Samaritan House family services. “It’s a great opportunity for us to keep Christ in Christmas.’
After the procession, everyone gathered back into the recreation room for tamales and piñata to enjoy. All the families felt true joy, knowing this holiday is much more about being grateful to be with one another and celebrating a journey that is similar to theirs.
The Las Pasadas celebration at Samaritan House is a testament to the Catholic Charities mission of serving as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, and keeping what he would do in the forefront of our daily work. For too many this Christmas season, it is their first time away from their families and the unknown of what may be next on their journey is frightening. To know that Christ has too walked in their shoes, is as powerful of any.
