Meet Denise, an active and engaged member of our Samaritan House community.
“I am just so blessed to be here. I can’t imagine living on the streets. I really don’t think I could in my condition.”
Denise has COPD and requires an oxygen tank for most of her day. Safe shelter, nutritious food, case management and showers top the list of things she really enjoys about Samaritan House.
“Showers! Wow! They make such a difference and the food here is amazing. I look forward to the great meals they serve us here three times a day.”
During Denise’s stay at Samaritan House, she has turned her small corner of the shelter into a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Above her bed, she has carefully arranged pictures, a calendar and a delicate paper vase filled with dried flowers.
When complimented on her decorations, Denise is eager to share her deep love for cats—a love so profound that her wall is adorned with pictures of them. Reaching under her bed, Denise pulls out a pair of rain boots covered in cat images. These aren’t just any boots; they were a gift from another guest at the shelter who, knowing how much Denise adores cats, saved up to buy them for her. This simple act of kindness brought Denise immense joy and great pride.
Imagine that! A participant at Samaritan House saving up money to buy a thoughtful gift for a friend? Isn’t that God’s love in action?
That spirit also extends between staff, volunteers and the people who call Samaritan House home.
“The team here really cares about us. I can’t say good enough things about how they treat us. They try to make our lives better every single day.”
Denise’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact that Catholic Charities has when our community steps up.
Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to provide a place where dignity and hope are restored, where personal touches like Denise’s pictures and calendar can turn a shelter into a home.