Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez blessed Samaritan House on May 14 to celebrate the ongoing renovation of the downtown shelter, which first opened in 1986.
“God, the provider of shelter and home, has brought us together for the dedication of the first floor at Samaritan House established for those seeking shelter and a place to call home,” said Bishop Rodríguez. “May he strengthen us by his grace so that in serving all who come here we may serve Christ himself.”
Freshly painted walls, new bunk beds with reading lights, lockers, mattresses and furniture are some of the improvements at the shelter, located at 2301 Lawrence St. In addition, updates include an upgraded HVAC system, bathrooms and more rooms on the family floor.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Mike Sinnett, vice president of shelters and community outreach for Catholic Charities of Denver, left, stands with Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez of the Archdiocese of Denver, center, and Darren Walsh, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Denver, right. The ceremony and blessing held on May 14 at Samaritan House in Denver celebrated the expansion of services for women seeking shelter, nutritious meals and support services.
Thousands of people have received shelter, meals and supportive services at Samaritan House since 1986. The renovation is meant to address the needs of single women, families and veterans who are experiencing homelessness.
“We’ve learned a lot in those 35 years,” said Darren Walsh, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Denver. “And as we thought about this renovation, we took those learnings into account and really looked to provide a more welcoming and accommodating and nurturing environment for the benefit of those that we serve here at Samaritan House.”
For more information and to support the ongoing Samaritan House renovation efforts, visit samhousedenver.org/renovation.